Sky’s Cricket Deal Gets Thumbs Up As Five Scoops Highlights

BSkyB’s controversial acquisition of the live coverage rights to England’s test cricket matches has been given the green light by Ofcom following a consultation with the nation’s broadcasters and viewing public.

Ofcom’s decision will allow BSkyB to broadcast exclusive coverage of test matches played in England in 2006-2009, while highlights of matches will be broadcast by Five following Sky’s broadcasts.

Ofcom stated that several individuals had written to complain about live coverage being unavailable via free-to-air terrestrial television. The regulator explained that this is a matter for the Department for Culture Media and Sport, which placed cricket on the Group B list in 1998, meaning that highlights or delayed coverage are protected.

Highlights of test matches will be broadcast by Five between 7:15pm and 8:00pm on match days following a lack of interest by other broadcasters in acquiring the rights to highlights (see Five Set To Scoop Cricket Highlight Broadcast Rights).

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com

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