Antigua and Barbuda is considering introducing pay-per-view access for overseas viewers of its Carnival celebrations as part of plans to generate additional revenue during the festival’s 70th anniversary next year.
The proposal was disclosed Thursday during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing after Cabinet reaffirmed its decision to keep all official Carnival events available through free live streaming this year.
The possibility of charging viewers outside Antigua and Barbuda was raised during the question-and-answer session, with officials noting that other jurisdictions have successfully implemented paid streaming services for major cultural events.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the concept was discussed during Cabinet’s deliberations.
“It was discussed,” Merchant said. “Next year is the 70th year of Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival and one of the proposals to be considered by the officials affiliated with Carnival is that promotion could commence from now on instituting a pay-per-view package for Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival, and also to develop additional offerings where live streaming is concerned that can be financially profitable to the Commission and to the promotion of Antigua’s Carnival.”
The comments came after a question referencing other destinations that charge overseas audiences a fee to watch live Carnival events online while maintaining free access for local viewers.
Merchant did not indicate whether a pricing structure has been developed or whether the proposal would apply exclusively to international viewers. He also did not say whether the Festivals Commission has made a final decision.
Cabinet this week unanimously rejected a proposal to impose a 24-hour delay on live broadcasts of official Carnival events, concluding that real-time streaming remains an important tool for promoting Antigua and Barbuda as a tourism destination and allowing the diaspora and international audiences to participate in the festivities.
While live streaming will continue free of charge for Carnival 2026, officials said the pay-per-view concept could form part of a broader strategy to enhance the financial sustainability of Antigua Carnival beginning with its 70th anniversary celebrations next year.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Considering Pay-Per-View Carnival Streams for 70th Anniversary.