League Bosses Pay The Price For ITV Digital Defeat

The fallout from the unsuccessful court action against Carlton and Guardian today resulted in the resignation of both the chairman and the chief executive of the Football League. Keith Harris and David Burns had come under fire following the failure to recoup £131 million from Carlton and Granada’s defunct pay-TV venture, ITV Digital.

“At all times the league’s strategy and action against Carlton and Granada received the full backing of the board amd was endorsed unanimously by the clubs at numerous meetings held over the past six months,” said Burns, the chief executive.

Although Burns and Football League chairman, Keith Harris were not responsible for signing the initial contract with ITV Digital, many clubs had voiced their disapproval of recent dealings with Carlton, Granada and other television companies.

In particular, the two men were attacked for accepting a new television deal with BSkyB that will provide less than £100 million over four years. Meanwhile, a £65 million internet deal with NTL is set to be restructured as the indebted cable firm has confessed that it cannot afford to pay the full amount.

Cash strapped league clubs will take little solace from the fact that BBC, ITV and Channel 5 are thought to be in the bidding for a free to air highlights package as the rights have little commercial value.

Subscribers to MediaTel Insight can access this report in full, along with more national and international media analysis, forecasts and news. For subscription details please visit the site.