In recent days we have found that, despite costing 9 billion pounds ($13.68 billion), the London 2012 Olympics led to 10 billion pounds ($15.20 billion) in direct benefit to the U.K. economy in the year since the games, with that figure likely to reach 40 billion pounds ($60.80 billion) by 2020. Thus, there will be considerable excitement in Brazil, a country that is hosting both the soccer World Cup next year, and then the Olympic Games in 2016. It is a boom time for the Brazil and, if London 2012 is anything to go by, the economic benefits could be significant.
In one of our main features, we assess the direct relationship between the satellite industry and these “mega” events that will be happening in Brazil over the next three years. We talk to all players all across the value chain from TV Globo, Brazil’s major broadcaster, to senior executives of major satellite operators to examine these events and the direct ramifications for the satellite industry.
Our second feature looks at the highly exciting market of Venezuela. In an exclusive interview, we talk to Victor Cano, president of the Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities (Venezuela’s Space Agency), about the country’s plans to develop its space assets and how satellite technologies can reduce the digital divide in the country.
We also bring you an insightful column from Georgia Jordan of Frost & Sullivan, and an interview with Oscar Lopez, CEO, Overon America, a media company looking to make more of an impact across the region.
Latin America remains a key target for many international players, with low penetration of pay-TV, emerging middle classes, and the demand for connectivity creating a kind of perfect storm for satellite. We hope you enjoy our exclusive coverage of the region, part of Via Satellite’s dedicated efforts to bring more targeted content to its audiences across the globe.