By NICOLA CUNNINGHAM-WILLIAMS

HBO, Latin America Group (LAG) and Flow have finally inked a deal where HBO LAG channels will be broadcast in Jamaica. The announcement was made on Monday January 18, at the Spanish Court Hotel before industry players and the media.

(L-R) Jo-Ann Archibald, principal director for Information and Technology for Daryl Vaz, minister of telecommunication; Hopeton Dunn, chairman of Broadcasting Commission; Michelle English, president and chief operating officer for Flow; and Javier Figueras, sales vice president, HBO Latin America Group. The occasion a function hosted at the at the Spanish Court Hotel to announce the agreement under which Flow will broadcast the HBO package developed for this region. (Photo: Ashon Williams)

Under the agreement, Flow has already started to re-broadcast the HBO package developed for this region that includes channels such as HBO, HBO Plus, HBO Family, Cinemax, Max Prime and HBO HD. As part of the agreement, Flow customers are free to enjoy a ‘free view’ until January 31. Starting February 1, viewers will be able to choose and subscribe to their favourite HBO channels to see original movies and sporting events.

HBO LAG vice president of sales, Javier Figueras in his remarks said that negotiations were long and hard, but both parties were able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. “We are very enthusiastic with the signing of a new and long-lasting relationship with Flow and its subscribers. After weeks of negotiating with us, Flow is making sure that Jamaican viewers enjoy premium programming that includes the acclaimed original series ‘True Blood’,  ‘Entourage’ and ‘Hung’”.

FLOW’s president and CEO, Michele English stated that the new partnership with HBO will help the broadband company to further deliver on its commitment to provide the best service and premium products.

“Since our launch more than three years ago, our customers have been enjoying the best quality digital cable television, with a range of ‘watch’ packages designed to provide the greatest choice and best value prices to suit every taste and budget. We continue to be the only company in Jamaica that allows customers the ability to build their own cable package in line with their viewing needs and budget through our ‘Cable Your Way’ product. As our customers will see, they will be able to include some HBO channels through this product.”

Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Hopeton Dunn, added his approval to the agreement, citing that Jamaicans deserve the best value for their hard earned buck. “The commission considers intellectual property to be very valuable asset and the necessary licences should exists here. The commission has the responsibility to monitor the landscape and we represent an anxious public so I’m happy that they will be told that the agreement has been signed and settled so that Jamaican consumers can benefit from the high quality of content that is available.” ­