TV
The BBC has announced new deals which will keep coverage of Wimbledon and key athletic fixtures with the coporation for the rest of the decade.
The Wimbledon deal ensures that the BBC will continue to be host broadcaster and UK TV/radio/online rights holder of the annual tournament through until 2009.
"I'm delighted we've secured the rights to the sporting crown jewel that is Wimbledon, and pleased that we will continue to show this magnificent tournament over the next six years," commented Peter Salmon, director of BBC Sport. "The drama of Wimbledon signals to millions of licence fee payers that the summer of sport is in full swing. Yet again, this year has proved that The Championships has the power to thrill millions of tennis lovers throughout the land."
The athletics deal, meanwhile, covers all key domestic indoor and outdoor meetings through to 2008. The contract incorporates Norwich Union International, Norwich Union Super League, Norwich Union World Trials, AAA’s Championships and Norwich Union London Grand Prix as outdoor meetings, as well as Norwich Union International, Norwich Union Indoor Trials, AAA's Championships and Norwich Union Indoor Grand Prix for indoor.
Salmon added: "This major contract with UK Athletics ensures year-round athletics coverage across BBC television, radio and online and complements BBC Sport's prestigious international package of athletics which features the Olympic Games, the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships."
The two announced deals come just days before the corporation unveils a renewal of its contract to broadcast the FA Cup and England football games.
The Wimbledon deal ensures that the BBC will continue to be host broadcaster and UK TV/radio/online rights holder of the annual tournament through until 2009.
"I'm delighted we've secured the rights to the sporting crown jewel that is Wimbledon, and pleased that we will continue to show this magnificent tournament over the next six years," commented Peter Salmon, director of BBC Sport. "The drama of Wimbledon signals to millions of licence fee payers that the summer of sport is in full swing. Yet again, this year has proved that The Championships has the power to thrill millions of tennis lovers throughout the land."
The athletics deal, meanwhile, covers all key domestic indoor and outdoor meetings through to 2008. The contract incorporates Norwich Union International, Norwich Union Super League, Norwich Union World Trials, AAA’s Championships and Norwich Union London Grand Prix as outdoor meetings, as well as Norwich Union International, Norwich Union Indoor Trials, AAA's Championships and Norwich Union Indoor Grand Prix for indoor.
Salmon added: "This major contract with UK Athletics ensures year-round athletics coverage across BBC television, radio and online and complements BBC Sport's prestigious international package of athletics which features the Olympic Games, the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships."
The two announced deals come just days before the corporation unveils a renewal of its contract to broadcast the FA Cup and England football games.
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