Orange has given further details of the closure of its Orange Sport channel, safeguarding jobs, and offering an alternative for subscribers.
Orange Sport and Orange Sport Info are both slated to close on June 30, 2012.
Last year Al Jazeera became the surprise bidder for French top-flight football, cementing Orange TV’s decision to concentrate on distribution.
In recent months Orange has held talks with Al Jazeera, Canal+ and Media365. Orange will offer the new Al Jazeera sports channels at launch, beIN SPORT 1 and beIN SPORT 2. It will also offer the new Media365 sports news channel by way of replacement for its own Sport Info.
Discussions are also underway with Canal+ to take on a number of sports rights currently held by Orange.
The France Telecom-owned company has also negotiated commitments with Media365 and Canal+ to take on a number of former staff. A counseling and support service will also be made available.
