Despite Media Apologises After Falsely Claiming FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast Rights
- Despite Media's Peace FM announced on June 3, 2026, that the group had secured exclusive rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup
- The media group reversed course a day later, apologising for sharing inaccurate information about the broadcast rights and confirming they do not hold them
- Ghanaians reacted with heavy backlash, with many accusing Despite Media of rushing to publish the unverified information and causing confusion online
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
The Despite Media group, owned by businessman Dr Osei Kwame Despite, faced heavy backlash from Ghanaians after making a massive U-turn on a claim that it would broadcast the World Cup.
Source: Instagram
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the official account of Peace FM, one of the group’s subsidiaries, posted on social media that the company had secured the rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Despite Media Group has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup across its television and radio platforms in Ghana. The tournament will be aired on UTV Ghana as well as radio stations including Peace FM, Okay FM, Neat FM, and Hello FM, positioning the media group as a major destination for comprehensive World Cup coverage in Ghana,” the post read.
The announcement came at a time when Ghanaians were yearning for more information on broadcast rights for the World Cup, sparking positive reactions on social media.
However, a day later on Thursday, June 4, Despite Media went on record to reverse the claims, clarifying that they do not have the rights to broadcast the World Cup.
In their update, they apologised for sharing the wrong information, sparking heavy backlash from Ghanaians, many of whom slammed the reputation of the media company owned by Dr Osei Kwame Despite.
“We apologise for the inaccurate information shared earlier regarding the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the post read.
The Instagram post shared by Despite Media appears to have been removed since.
Below is a Facebook post with details of the earlier Despite Media post and the update clarifying the earlier claims:
Reactions to Despite Media’s World Cup saga
YEN.com.gh compiled some comments reacting to Despite Media facing backlash after inaccurately reporting about broadcasting the World Cup.
cowbells_7 said:
"We Know Already!!! Despite Media, Always Broadcasting Fake News. Shame on you people."
the_obroni_dream wrote:
"You made me insult GTV."
lod_brian commented:
"You go explain taya 😂😂😂."
will.ie3235 said:
"Always in a hurry to break out unverified, unconfirmed news🙄."
Source: Instagram
UTV sparks outrage over Abena Kyei post
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Despite Media's UTV sparked outrage after sharing images of their under fire reporter, Abena Kyei Boakye, the host of the popular morning show, Adekye Nsroma.
Boakye had sparked controversy after a video of her went viral for the wrong reasons, with many Ghanaians slamming her for allegedly wearing foam pads to enhance her appearance and attract attention.
UTV then posted flattering photos of the popular host in a white Chanel knitted two-piece set featuring a button-front blazer and a matching midi pencil skirt, although netizens questioned the post's timing.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
