socialmedian: Row looms over free-to-air shakeup for TV sport

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Row looms over free-to-air shakeup for TV sport

Source: The Guardian

Nov 08, 2009

Summary

• Cricket and football fear impact of radical rethink
• Wimbledon, Welsh rugby and Ashes on new A-list

The most radical shakeup of sports broadcasting rights for more than a decade will trigger a backlash from sports governing bodies this week as events including the Ashes, Wimbledon and international football qualifiers are likely to be added to the list of those reserved for live coverage on free-to-air television.

Inspired by viewing figures of up to 11.8 million for Andy Murray's fourth-round tie at last year's Wimbledon, the whole of the tournament will be added to the list, rather than just the finals, and rugby union internationals in Wales, which can attract more than seven in 10 viewers, are also due to be included, according to sources close to the independent review led by the former FA executive director David Davies.

The sources revealed there had been a "radical" shakeup, resulting in a shorter but more coherent list of events – those with a "special national resonance" – that must be available on free-to-air television in either highlights or live

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