Singaporeans who want to watch this month's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics "live" on television are likely to be left out in the cold.
The Straits Times understands that after months of discussion, Mediacorp has not agreed on a price with Dentsu, which holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the Summer and Winter Olympics in 22 Asian countries from 2014 to 2024.
It is believed that Dentsu had wanted to sell the rights to this year's Winter and Youth Olympics, as well as the 2020 Summer Games as a bundle, but was willing to do business for a package with just this year's events.
Sources told ST that Mediacorp made an offer for just the Winter Olympics rights that was significantly less than the amount it paid to show highlights of both the Winter and Youth Games in 2014.
In response to ST's queries, Mediacorp did not mention any "live" coverage or highlights.
The national broadcaster's statement read: "Regular news updates on the Winter Olympics are available on Channel NewsAsia, 938Now, Today and our other platforms featuring news segments."
A Dentsu spokesman declined comment, noting that discussions were confidential.
The Pyeongchang Games officially opens next Friday and the Republic will be represented at the quadrennial Games for the first time by short track speed skater Cheyenne Goh, who will compete in the women's 1,500m on Feb 17.
Singapore Ice Skating Association (Sisa) president Sonja Chong said: "It would of course be good to have a 'live' telecast of Singapore's first-ever participation at the Winter Olympics.
"But if there really isn't going to be any 'live' telecast for viewers in Singapore, I encourage all supporters to follow Sisa's Facebook page for regular updates."
Cheyenne's father Goh Kien Hwee added: "While we are disappointed that family, friends and supporters in Singapore are unlikely to watch Cheyenne's race on 'live' telecast, we understand local TV service providers are placed in a tough position and have tried their utmost.
"We are thankful for all the outpouring of support from Singapore fans and hope the country continues to follow and support ice skating athletes as they pursue their dreams."
In 2014, Mediacorp broadcast daily highlights while Singtel announced its 'live' and delayed coverage plans eight days before the opening ceremony of the Sochi Games, and offered seven channels of 24-hour high-definition action, including a news channel, at no extra charge.
But a Singtel spokesman reaffirmed its response to ST last week and said: "At this moment, we have no plans to broadcast the event."
A StarHub spokesman said: "We will not be broadcasting the Winter Olympics. However, we will be showing updates on our sports news programme HubSports 360, which airs on Hub Sports Arena."
Correction note: An earlier version of the story wrongly stated the date of short track speed skater Cheyenne Goh's 1,500m event. We are sorry for the error.
