TVM lacks funds to pay for CAN broadcasting rights
Televisão de Moçambique (TVM), a public company with financial, asset, and administrative autonomy, is currently unable to pay for the broadcasting rights of the African Nations Championship (CAN). As per its statutory obligation, TVM is required to produce three-thirds of its budget.
In a last-minute plea before the start of this major continental football event, where the national team (Mambas) is participating, TVM unexpectedly sent a letter to the government requesting support of 400,000 US dollars, the amount needed to acquire the broadcasting rights.
This development has shocked sports enthusiasts and the general public, eager to watch the Mambas compete in Africa's most prestigious football tournament.
It is surprising that TVM and the government have not coordinated a solution to ensure CAN's broadcast, a competition known two years in advance since the beginning of the qualifiers. It appears neither the Government nor TVM anticipated the Mambas' qualification, which might explain the absence of this expense in their budgets.
Furthermore, TVM, often referred to as the "mother television," has an integrated commercial department responsible for generating revenue through advertising and other services. It seems implausible that the station, at this stage, would publicly lament the lack of 400,000 dollars.
This situation highlights the alleged mismanagement that has been reported for some time at this publicly funded television station.
Failure to broadcast CAN, supposedly due to a lack of funds for rights payments, may ultimately represent a failure in public service provision by TVM, contradicting its responsibilities.
Interestingly, throughout this term, TVM has broadcast live all actions and travels of the Head of State, both domestically and abroad, without ever reporting a lack of funds to cover the high costs of these broadcasts, including FRELIMO party events.
TORRE
