DFL adds electronic program guide feature to digital platforms
15 September 2019 – From Argentina to Zimbabwe, football fans across the world can now find out where to watch the next Bundesliga match with a click of a button. The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has launched its Electronic Program Guide, providing easy access to broadcasting information via the Official Bundesliga App and website from anywhere in the world. The Electronic Program Guide detects the location of the user based on their IP address and uses this to display information on the service and on the channel that matches will be aired on in their region, without any input from the user. This is then presented to fans via the ‘Matches’ tab on the app, or under ‘Schedule’ on the web.
Made possible by transmission data collected by sports marketing firm Global MMK on behalf of the DFL, information on all upcoming games will become available from the Wednesday before matchday, and will continue to be displayed until the final whistle is blown.
The feature also allows users to click through to the licence partner broadcasting the match in their region. Not only does this provide a service to the fans by reducing the effort required to find and watch live broadcasts, but it also assists the DFL’s partners by helping them to connect with the Bundesliga’s growing local and international audiences. The DFL will soon extend the service to platforms belonging to its league clubs and media partners, which will help to connect more fans with live Bundesliga football.
This is the latest addition to the recently updated Official Bundesliga App, which has been downloaded millions of times through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Available in German, English and Spanish, the app provides fans with access to user-friendly matchday streams that are populated with industry-leading in-game statistics and commentary. Providing an abundance of useful tools, features and content, the Official Bundesliga App helps fans to enjoy the game how they want, no matter where they are or what they are doing.
The launch of the Electronic Program Guide reaffirms the DFL’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with its international fan base. The Bundesliga is currently broadcasting in more than 200 regions around the world and has the potential to reach more than one billion homes. The Electronic Program Guide will further help to ensure that all fans can keep up with what is already proving to be another exciting Bundesliga season.