Poll Shows Support For Terrestrial Sport

A BMRB survey has shown overwhelming support for the BBC’s belief that sports coverage should stay on terrestrial TV.

The survey of 1,288 people aged 16 and over shows that nine in ten believe that major sporting events are part of the country’s heritage and should be available to the widest possible audience – without the need to pay a further subscription. Seven in ten think the government should legislate to protect sport on the main channels. Even amongst people in Sky Sports homes, 66% hold this view. Almost everyone (92%) wants to see their favourite events live rather than edited.

The poll confirms the importance of seeing touchstone events on TV – such as the soccer World Cup, the Grand National and Wimbledon, which are among the eight national events listed under the 1990 Broadcasting Act. Big international events have the biggest ‘pull’: 84% of households have someone who wants to see the Olympic Games live; the World Cup is second favourite with 76%.Will Wyatt, BBC managing director, commented: “This is a very clear message from the British public. What comes through is a strong sense of national community. The BBC believes that, in the interests of sports fans and license payers, the government must consider extending protection for the events listed under the 1990 Broadcasting Act. They should be available to everyone, regardless of income, and must be protected from exclusive subscription as well as pay-per-view TV.”

…Virginia Bottomley, Secretary of State for National Heritage will today seek to open up a national debate on whether BSkyB should be denied exclusive rights to key sporting events. The discussion paper which she launches today will outline the various options which have been drawn up by MPs, and will also give details of the drawbacks of legislating to keep out satellite broadcasters.

BMRB: 0181 566 5000

Department of National Heritage: 071 270 3000