Doha, Jan 8, 2019 – Qatar broadcasting giant beIN said on Tuesday it will stop broadcasting programmes on its only cable network in Egypt, CNE, amove that could affect hundreds of thousands of viewers. The move comes amid a 19-month diplomatic regional crisis between Qatar and regional powers including Egypt, which has also seen the Doha-based sports broadcaster pitted on the frontline during the dispute. “BeIN SPORTS announces that after lengthy negotiations and having tirelessly tried to agree reasonable commercial terms with Cable Network Egypt (CNE) — including acting in considerable good faith by granting the network multiple extensions to conclude the renewal process — CNE steadfastly refuses to agree such terms,” said beIN in a statement. “As such we are unable to provide our services on CNE as of January 8th, 2019 until such time that CNE agrees reasonable terms.” BeIN provided several sports via CNE including English Premier League football games, Champions League, major tennis tournaments, NBA and FormulaOne. Since June 2017, a group of countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have led a political and economic boycott ofQatar.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 08, 2019 19:52 UTC