Satellite television provider Satcon Liberia has strongly denied reports that the Supreme Court of Liberia ordered its closure over alleged content rights violations. In a press statement issued today, the company emphasized that it remains operational and is continuing to serve its subscribers across the country.
“The Supreme Court of Liberia has never ordered the closure of Satcon Liberia,” the company stated. “The dispute with the local DSTV distributor, Consolidated Group, is a legal matter concerning select football content and does not affect the company’s full programming lineup.”
Satcon accused certain media outlets of spreading misinformation and clarified that it continues to provide a broad range of entertainment, education, and news channels at some of the most affordable rates in the country, some as low as $5 per month.
The statement further framed Satcon’s entry into the Liberian market as a “liberation” from what it described as the “oppressive premiums” charged by Consolidated Group, the exclusive local distributor of DSTV and SuperSport. It highlighted the inclusion of Liberian-owned TV stations, such as LNTV, TAMMA TV, KMTV, and others, on its platform as part of its commitment to national development and media access.
Satcon also recounted a prior ruling from the Commercial Court, which it claims dismissed the lawsuit brought by Consolidated Group in 2020 over English Premier League and La Liga broadcasting rights. The company said that two executives from MultiChoice Africa, DSTV’s parent company, testified under oath that they do not own the rights to those leagues but merely purchase distribution rights like other providers, including Satcon’s parent company.
However, Satcon acknowledged that the Supreme Court later overturned the Commercial Court’s ruling and affirmed that Simon Freeman’s Consolidated Group holds intellectual property and copyright rights over the disputed sports content in Liberia.
“Though the Supreme Court ruling will be obeyed, Satcon is consulting with its legal team on the next steps,” the statement noted. It also accused Consolidated Group of seeking to re-establish a monopoly and using the court system to suppress competition and keep television prices high.
Satcon reiterated its commitment to low-income and unemployed Liberians, pledging to continue offering affordable satellite television services and challenging what it views as “misleading and unfounded claims” by its competitor.
In conclusion, the company emphasized: “Satcon Liberia remains a legal corporate citizen, operational, and has not been shut down by any court order. We will continue to serve our subscribers and defend our rights through legal means.”
The Supreme Court’s February 2025 ruling had previously made headlines after stating that Satcon and K3 Telecom infringed on broadcasting rights held by Consolidated Group, prompting enforcement actions by the Commercial Court. Satcon’s response now sets the stage for what could be a protracted legal and commercial battle in Liberia’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
