Six Nations make U-turn in TV rights tendering process
The Six Nations should be designated as a category A event by the British Government to ensure it remains on free-to-air television, according to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
The DCMS committee said it was making this request after the Six Nations Council “failed to give a clear answer” to its questions about whether it had held discussions with the government about moving it from category B.
Six Nations won't rule out TV paywall
Category B events can be fully behind a paywall in terms of live coverage, provided highlights are made available on terrestrial television.
The DCMS committee said the Six Nations council had confirmed it would allow broadcasters to share rights in the tender process for 2022 onwards, opening up the possibility of a new joint BBC and ITV bid to combat a reported £300million bid from Sky Sports. BBC and ITV currently share the live rights.
DCMS committee chair Julian Knight said: “We’re pleased that in response to our letters, Six Nations has confirmed that joint bids from broadcasters are now being considered.
“When we put this to (outgoing BBC director-general) Lord Hall, he confirmed that the BBC had put in a bid that would involve a sub-license with ITV.
“We welcome the BBC’s acknowledgement and thanks for the role this committee has played in the debate, including the step we’ve taken to formally request that DCMS Secretary of State Oliver Dowden considers moving the Six Nations from Category B to Category A of listed sports.
“Such a move would ensure the championship remains available via free-to-air channels. We await his response next week.”
- Press Association
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Yes hunting is a good word for it Tom. Now some are hunting, others are being hunted. Consistency of purpose there is not.
I'm trying not to be too critical of JEA but he has it all to prove. The defensive failings have undercut England's dvelopment at a critical moment.
Go to commentsJalibert should be banned from playing for the French ever again, his rank and self-serving arrogance is so typical of the attitude in French rugby and in their culture as well. I am a Saffa and have lived in France for many years and, generally speaking, it's every man for himself, the team comes 2nd or even 3rd sometimes. The Boks show humility and team spirit and play for their country, never themselves......
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