BBC get full 6 Nations coverage

DMC

Some good sports rights news for once....

BBC secures Six Nations deal

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/rugby_union/international/newsid_2125000/2125631.stm

The BBC has clinched a deal to screen the whole Six Nations Championship for the next three years.
The new contract includes the rights to all England games.

It means the BBC will take over sole coverage of the Six Nations having previously shared the rights with BskyB, who decided not to bid.

The corporation is thought to have paid in the region of £70m and Director of Sport Peter Salmon hailed the deal as the start of a new era for BBC Sport

"The time is right for the BBC to rebuild its sporting portfolio," he told BBC News 24.

Salmon added: "The Six Nations is an unique competition that brings the British Isles together, and we are delighted to have the whole championship back on the BBC.

"Our innovative new approach will help build the profile of this prestigious tournament and ensure fans can follow the tournament more easily."

As well as on television and radio, rugby fans will be able to follow comprehensive coverage of the Six Nations on BBC Sport Online.

Salmon added: "Working with the Six Nations Committee we want to create modern heroes in the sport, who will inspire current and future generations of fans and viewers.

"We intend to use the full range of BBC services, programmes and a multi-million pound marketing campaign to achieve this."

The BBC bid included multi-media coverage on BBC Television including BBCi, as well as a commitment to rugby youth development and a marketing and publicity package.
Six Nations chairman Allan Hosie said: "Concluding a deal in the current market has not been without its challenges.

"This package which, given all the circumstances, is a credit to our negotiating team.

"It will be a pleasure to work with the BBC once again, and the fact that all our matches will be televised by a single, terrestrial broadcaster will ensure continuity and maximise visibility.

"In short, this is a very important deal for the Six Nations."

The news is a welcome boost for the Six Nations, which saw its five-year association with Lloyds TSB end last week.

The bank decided not to renew its contract, which expired at the end of last season's competition.

sceptre

Good

NorthDown

Does this mean that RTE's got the rights too? I noted on Thursday when RTE were saying on the news "How awful it is we've lost the football.." they didn't say a thing about the rugby. Has there been any mention on RTE of it?
See more job losses at Montrose are in the offing...

Mossy Monk

i couldn't see TV3 having a go at the rugby so i would think the 6 nations will be on RTÉ again. was their rights to show it even up for renewal this year?

DMC

If the BBC has the deal for Ireland's home games, I would be 99.9% certain that the 6 Nations will be on RTÉ. No confirmation yet though.

mike65

Undoubtably good news though for Ireland fans it means
being able to see England thump O'Gara et al by some
horrible margin!

As for the idea that TV3 might win the rights - :shudder:!

Also on related matter I see UEFA have mandated that
the Champions League will have to be shared by two broadcasters in any given territory so footie fans can look foward to Bill, Eamo and John doing what comes naturally to them but not the other lot.

Mike.

three

I doubt it if TV3 would get the rights as they've spent plently securing rights for the Eircom League and Ireland's matches