BBC to share 2012 Formula One broadcast rights with Sky // The BBC set to share F1 rights from 2012
Published by Christine Blachford
Hello and welcome to F1Minute - BBC to share 2012 broadcast rights with Sky.
The BBC have confirmed today a partnership with Sky Sports to share the broadcast rights of Formula One in the UK from next year. The BBC still retains the coverage rights, but the corporation is being pushed to cut costs, and will only show half the races on free-to-air TV. All the races will be broadcast by Sky Sports, part of a pay-TV package.
The BBC will keep their favourite races, including the Monaco Grand Prix, the action from Silverstone, plus wherever the season ends, with the races they aren’t showing covered by highlights packages. The 5Live radio coverage will continue throughout the year undisturbed.
Barbara Slater, Sport director at the BBC said: “The sport has never been more popular, with TV audiences at a 10-year high... With this new deal, not only have we delivered significant savings but we have also ensured that through our live and extended highlights coverage all the action continues to be available to licence-fee payers.
Meanwhile, Sky say: “We will give F1 the full Sky Sports treatment with a commitment to each race never seen before on UK television.”
