BBC faces threat to exclusive All England rights
03/07/2007 |
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The BBC will come under pressure to pay significantly more for its next Wimbledon deal when negotiations over a new contract begin shortly. The controller of BBC1, Peter Fincham, was a guest in the royal box yesterday and though the matter was unlikely to have been discussed directly, there is a perception within the Lawn Tennis Association and among influential figures in government that the current four-year deal, estimated at £50m, significantly underprices the event.
In 2009 that deal expires and as the BBC affects indifference - "It is a challenge we consider a very distant prospect," said a spokeswoman - it may have to move fast to secure another cut-price deal.
The LTA, which receives half of the profit from the championships, is keen to maximise the value and there is a feeling that the cosy relations between White City and SW19 have helped keep the price down. That view has support in Whitehall. The Centre Court roof, to be complete in 2009, will guarantee ratings-friendly teatime matches.
The BBC has benefited from Wimbledon being a listed event - only free-to-air broadcasters can purchase the rights - but that status could be in doubt. The government will review the system by 2008 and should the All England Club opt out it could preside over a genuinely competitive market place for the first time. For the BBC an early deal could therefore be the best means of keeping the price down.
(Source: Guardian.co.uk)
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