Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Local Euro MP welcomes provision for 'balanced' content in the shake-up of the way football TV rights are sold.

November 17, 2005 3:48 PM

Premiership logoLocal Euro MP welcomes provision for 'balanced' content in the shake-up of the way football TV rights are sold.

Liberal Democrat MEP, Diana Wallis, said she was pleased with the result, following the announcement in Brussels today that the European Commission and the Premier League have agreed a deal which means effectively that BSkyB is to lose its monopoly over live coverage of English Premier League matches. In particular she said she was pleased the Commission had accepted the need to 'balance' packages across the six which would be for sale as it had important implications for clubs in Yorkshire.

Diana Wallis said:

"Whilst the European Commission was right to attempt to break up the monopoly of Premiership football television rights, I was concerned the impact this would have on the exposure of the clubs outside of Chelsea, Arsenal, Man. United and so on.

"As it is, we currently expect to see these so-called glamour clubs more than twice as often as those deemed by the broadcasters as less glamorous.

"A couple of months ago I wrote to the Competition Commissioner, Neelie Kroos, expressing my concern that new entrants to the broadcast rights would be tempted to underpin their new football packages with even more games involving the glamour clubs.

"I think it is important that with Yorkshire likely to have one, possibly more teams in the Premiership again next season, these newly promoted teams were not ignored even further. I am glad to see that the Commission has taken note of my concern in the final deal agreed with their view that the packages will be 'balanced' across the league.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image