BBC to end Formula 1 television contract early

[philip2009]

BBC Sport is to "reluctantly" end its Formula 1 television contract three years early as part of savings across the corporation.

The BBC's F1 broadcast rights will cease from next season.

"The current financial position of the BBC means some tough and unwanted choices have to be made," said Barbara Slater, the BBC's director of sport.

However, BBC Radio 5 live has extended its commentary rights for F1 until the 2021 season.

BBC Sport broadcast 10 live races of Briton Lewis Hamilton's world championship-winning season in 2015 with a one-hour build-up to each grands prix. It also offered extensive highlights of the nine other races.

But as part of a £150m gap in the corporation's finances from next year, BBC Sport was asked to deliver £35m of savings.

"A significant chunk of BBC Sport's savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for Formula 1," added Slater.

"Any decision to have to stop broadcasting a particular sport or sporting event is hugely disappointing and taken reluctantly.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35149963

Cost cutting, excellent, next Strictly Come Dancing? Can't wait!

 

[philip2009]

Channel 4 will take over - three year deal.

 

[philip2009]

If you want someone to blame, blame the Government. The freeze on the License Fee is ultimately the root cause of this.

Blame? If other terrestrial broadcasters want to show it why is a supposedly public service, publicly funded, broadcaster bidding for it in the first place?

 

[philip2009]

I presume broadcasters simply pay Arqiva to use the transmitters?