ddb85
09 January 2004, 18:55
ITV bags UK television deal - no longer must we wait until the early hours of the morning!
Television coverage of the World Rally Championship in Britain has been switched at the last minute from Channel 4 to ITV.
ITV already broadcasts Formula 1 and the British Touring Car Championship in the UK, and has now added the WRC to its portfolio, with a guaranteed one-hour programme on the Sunday afternoon of each WRC round.
ISC, the TV and commercial rights holders to WRC, has signed a new three-year agreement with ITV1.
The deal has immediate effect and coverage will move to ITV1 for the Monte Carlo Rally at the end of this month, with a one-hour programme scheduled for 3.45pm on Sunday January 25. Each of the remaining 15 rounds will also get an hour-long Sunday afternoon programme.
ITV1 will also broadcast a 30-minute magazine show previewing and reviewing each rally and extended coverage of Wales Rally GB.
Simon Long, ISC’s Managing Director said: “Channel 4 has played a key role in raising the profile of WRC in the UK during the past two years; their coverage has brought innovation and excitement to coverage of the sport. But ITV1’s ability to give WRC a guaranteed regular Sunday afternoon slot - as part of its commitment to become the ‘home of motorsport’ - is critical to grow our fan base and establish a mainstream appointment slot for WRC in the UK.”
Brian Barwick, ITV's Controller of Sport, said: "We are delighted to become the new home of the World Rally Championship – a year-round white knuckle ride in some of the most exotic locations in the world, featuring the ultimate test of both driver and car against the elements.
"We hope by giving it a regular Sunday afternoon slot we can attract not only the committed rally fan, but also bring a wider audience to the sport."
Production of the coverage remains in the hands of Chrysalis TV, which produced the Channel 4 footage. The presentation team for the new programme has not yet been finalised – an announcement is expected in around a week's time.
The move comes after two years of Channel 4's three-year deal. David Kerr, Channel 4's Head of Sport, said: "We have enjoyed our association with the WRC and have been able to introduce some of the innovations that have allowed us to revolutionise coverage of sport on TV, including Virtual Spectator. However the irregularity of the sport's calendar means that in an increasingly competitive television environment we are unable to continue guaranteeing the slots for it.
"We feel that the agreement is the best one for the sport and its fans and wish the WRC continued success in the future."
story from wrc.com
© Copyright wrc.com
Television coverage of the World Rally Championship in Britain has been switched at the last minute from Channel 4 to ITV.
ITV already broadcasts Formula 1 and the British Touring Car Championship in the UK, and has now added the WRC to its portfolio, with a guaranteed one-hour programme on the Sunday afternoon of each WRC round.
ISC, the TV and commercial rights holders to WRC, has signed a new three-year agreement with ITV1.
The deal has immediate effect and coverage will move to ITV1 for the Monte Carlo Rally at the end of this month, with a one-hour programme scheduled for 3.45pm on Sunday January 25. Each of the remaining 15 rounds will also get an hour-long Sunday afternoon programme.
ITV1 will also broadcast a 30-minute magazine show previewing and reviewing each rally and extended coverage of Wales Rally GB.
Simon Long, ISC’s Managing Director said: “Channel 4 has played a key role in raising the profile of WRC in the UK during the past two years; their coverage has brought innovation and excitement to coverage of the sport. But ITV1’s ability to give WRC a guaranteed regular Sunday afternoon slot - as part of its commitment to become the ‘home of motorsport’ - is critical to grow our fan base and establish a mainstream appointment slot for WRC in the UK.”
Brian Barwick, ITV's Controller of Sport, said: "We are delighted to become the new home of the World Rally Championship – a year-round white knuckle ride in some of the most exotic locations in the world, featuring the ultimate test of both driver and car against the elements.
"We hope by giving it a regular Sunday afternoon slot we can attract not only the committed rally fan, but also bring a wider audience to the sport."
Production of the coverage remains in the hands of Chrysalis TV, which produced the Channel 4 footage. The presentation team for the new programme has not yet been finalised – an announcement is expected in around a week's time.
The move comes after two years of Channel 4's three-year deal. David Kerr, Channel 4's Head of Sport, said: "We have enjoyed our association with the WRC and have been able to introduce some of the innovations that have allowed us to revolutionise coverage of sport on TV, including Virtual Spectator. However the irregularity of the sport's calendar means that in an increasingly competitive television environment we are unable to continue guaranteeing the slots for it.
"We feel that the agreement is the best one for the sport and its fans and wish the WRC continued success in the future."
story from wrc.com
© Copyright wrc.com