SPL takes fresh look at TV channel idea

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) has restarted its investigation into the possibility of launching a dedicated television channel to show live games from the league.

An initial proposal for SPL TV was first considered in 2002, but the idea was ultimately dropped after failing to gain the support of Old Firm clubs - Celtic and Rangers.

Senior officials from the SPL have now selected IMG Media to investigate the feasibility of launching a TV channel in the current market.

IMG, the world's largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming, will advise the SPL Board over the next six months and provide a full evaluation of the SPL TV proposal.

"A number of other European football leagues have gone down this route or are currently exploring this option," said SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster.

"It is vital that the SPL fully understands the risks and rewards from an own-channel solution, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve Scottish football. The concept represents an opportunity for us to shape a unique channel for fans of Scottish football and we look forward to working with supporter groups to hear their views."

The SPL's current TV rights deal with Sky Sports and ESPN runs until the end of the 2013/14 season, but the league has the option to terminate the contract at the end of next season.

Sky Sports and ESPN picked up the rights after the collapse of Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports, but the cut price deal they secured was immediately criticised by clubs in the league.

Roger Mitchell, who was SPL chief executive when the television channel idea was last considerd, told BBC News that the proposal may face less opposition from Celtic and Rangers this time around. However, Mitchell believes that the idea may instead provide a good bargaining tool for negotiating the league's next television rights deal.

"SPL television is a stalker horse to make sure that the bidder doesn't low-ball you too much. It is important to go to the negotiating table with more than one option. Neil Doncaster, I think, is being smart in doing this," said Mitchell.

"Whether I think SPL TV will end up being the ultimate solution really depends on what ESPN and Sky do. If they say get on with it, maybe it will happen this time. If they don't and say, 'We'll give you the cheque', all things being equal, the clubs will take the money up front."