Five Set To Scoop Cricket Highlight Broadcast Rights
Satellite giant BSkyB has applied for consent from Ofcom to broadcast exclusive live coverage of cricket test matches played in England in 2006-2009, leaving Five set to pick up the broadcast rights to highlights of the sport.
The regulator has launched a consultation period for rival broadcasters to raise their views of the broadcast rights reshuffle, as the Broadcasting Act requires highlights to be provided free to at least 95% of the UK population. However, no sizable terrestrial broadcaster has yet taken up responsibility for airing the sport.
Five are understood to be interested in broadcasting highlights, but although its coverage is growing, Ofcom states that it does not presently satisfy the criteria to serve 95% of the population. The watchdog goes on to state that highlights rights were offered to rival broadcasters, and that they declined to take up the opportunity. The regulator claims the move leaves Five free to show the highlights, and Ofcom believes that “this would be in viewers’ best interests”.
However, the watchdog is now inviting broadcasters, and any other interested parties, to comment on BSkyB’s request and the subsequent allocation of highlights rights to Five. Submissions are welcomed by Ofcom until 11 February and, unless confidentiality is requested, all comments will be available to view on the regulator’s website after the consultation has closed.
The move follows Sky’s acquisition of the broadcast rights to live test match cricket last year, bringing to an end Channel 4’s seven-year tradition of airing the sport, and seeing it disappear from terrestrial television for the first time in 66 years. The deal, worth over £200 million, will see Sky broadcast all of England’s home test matches from 2006, including the the 2009 Ashes.
Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com
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