28-04-2022, 04:46 PM
I'm not a big fan of such contracts being centralised. Is an argument I suppose that if they end up on pay TV at least they're in one place but really I think when the home rights were sold by the individual FAs, which gave a broadcaster a chunky set to become the main broadcaster, but then away matches could be picked up by other broadcasters, or the same if they bid for them, it was generally better for competition.
In other news the white paper on various aspects of TV released today includes something slightly unexpected, and something which hasn't really been raised as an issue before, but it talks about including "catch up" rights in the "crown jewels" list, using the possibility of the Olympic 100m Final airing live overnight on the BBC but them not being able to replay it as an example.
Don't think that really goes far enough to protect such rights really, especially when the letter of the current deal is that protected rights are for events to be shown in their "entirety" but the current Olympic deal sidesteps that. What really is needed is legislation on rights, especially for events on the crown jewels list, being sold on a European or even global basis where British broadcasters don't even get the chance to bid for the UK rights separately.
In other news the white paper on various aspects of TV released today includes something slightly unexpected, and something which hasn't really been raised as an issue before, but it talks about including "catch up" rights in the "crown jewels" list, using the possibility of the Olympic 100m Final airing live overnight on the BBC but them not being able to replay it as an example.
Quote:Plans to change the digital broadcast rights for major sporting events such as the Olympic Games, men's World Cup finals, men's FA Cup final, Grand National and Wimbledon singles finals, are also set out.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-61249056
Current broadcasting rules state that events of national interest should be available to view live, and for free, by the widest possible audience. As a result, broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 currently air most major sporting events.
However, digital rights are not covered by the current legislation, known as the listed events regime. That means PSBs can broadcast events live, but do not always have the catch-up rights.
The Paper says that if, for example, the Olympic men's 100m final took place overnight and a different broadcaster owned the catch-up rights, a wide audience may miss out on watching it for free.
The proposals will strengthen the position of PSBs at a time when many are struggling to keep some of their biggest sporting events.
Last year, viewers complained that BBC coverage of the Tokyo Olympics was less than in previous years, after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) struck a deal with US broadcast giant Discovery.
Don't think that really goes far enough to protect such rights really, especially when the letter of the current deal is that protected rights are for events to be shown in their "entirety" but the current Olympic deal sidesteps that. What really is needed is legislation on rights, especially for events on the crown jewels list, being sold on a European or even global basis where British broadcasters don't even get the chance to bid for the UK rights separately.
@Brekkietweets