BBC Loses More Sport As Cricket Goes To C4

The BBC received a serious blow to its sports coverage yesterday, as Channel 4 snatched away the broadcasting rights to English Test cricket in a deal worth £103 million. The contract will see Channel 4 sharing coverage with the giant of subscription sport, BSkyB.

Channel 4 is planning to revitalise cricket in a ‘fresh and exciting way’ according to Lord MacLaurin, chairman of the English Cricket Board. Part of this new direction, and possibly a reason for the success of C4’s bid, are plans to broadcast a weekly magazine programme devoted to cricket issues. This would include subjects like women’s and schools’ cricket.

Channel 4 is also planning to spend around £13 million marketing the coverage, providing a much-needed profile boost to the sport, which has suffered a decline in popularity in recent years.

The loss of Test Cricket from the BBC’s schedule is the latest in a long line of disappearing mainstream sports; most have been snapped up by Sky. The Football Association has a deal with ITV and BSkyB to broadcast live games – the Beeb only gets highlights. Five Nations Rugby Union and Super League Rugby are both shown on Sky, as is golf’s Ryder Cup. Finally, Formula One motor racing recently defected to ITV in a deal that expires in 2001.

Channel 4: 0171 396 4444 BSkyB: 0171 705 3000