Director of television at the BBC Danny Cohen confirmed the news today (January 29).
Gary Lineker on Match of the Day
"We're keeping Premier League highlights on BBC for a further three years through to and including the 2018/19 season," read a post on the programme's official Twitter feed.
Cohen added: "Brilliant news that the BBC has won a new multi-year contract for Match of the Day. #Ilovematchoftheday @BBCMOTD."
Included in the new agreement is Match of the Day's current Sunday morning repeats, spin-off show MOTD2, Football Focus, and a new midweek show to be broadcast on Wednesday nights on BBC Two and BBC Two HD.
Current show host Gary Lineker also said: "Thrilled to report that the BBC retains the rights to show @premierleague highlights. Long live Match of the Day."
Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: "We're delighted to retain the rights to show Premier League highlights on the BBC, and continue to bring the most popular league in the world to our audiences.
"Match of the Day is the most iconic brand in television sport, and we work hard to ensure that it continues to be the destination for millions of viewers each weekend across platforms.
"It's very exciting to be able to add a new midweek show to the mix, reflecting the continued appetite for Premier League action and analysis."
Would you like to see ITV win the Premier League highlights rights from the BBC?
Yes please - Bring back the Tactics Truck!7.77%
No thanks - I'm hoping the BBC can keep the rights92.23%
BBC director general Tony Hall added: "Sport matters. It brings the nation together. It can break hearts and raise spirits. And because it matters to the public, it also matters to the BBC.
"That's why it's fantastic news that we have kept the Premier League highlights.
"It's the best and most exciting league in the world. The BBC has made the highlights programme, through Match of the Day, a national treasure, and fans can look forward to enjoying all the drama with us for another three years."
Last November, it was reported that ITV was expected to place a significant bid for the Premier League highlights rights for the 2016-19 seasons.
A total of 10,275 people voted in a Digital Spy poll held at the time the rumours emerged, with an overwhelming 92.2% hoping that the BBC would retain the rights to the football highlights.
The BBC is thought to have spent in excess of £200 million on the football highlights, while ITV did not bid at all for the package.
Ant & Dec, Banksy, Zoella, Beckhams among 500 most influential in Britain
Gary Lineker to sign for BT Sport from 2016?
Celebrity Big Brother Live Eviction watched by 2.2 million
Adrian Chiles replaced by Mark Pougatch on ITV with immediate effect
via All - Digital Spy - Entertainment and Media News
0 comments:
Post a Comment