Analysis
ABU: Any more carve-outs will cripple coverage
The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, representing the region’s free-to-air broadcasters, has warned rights-holders such as the International Olympic Committee of the dangers of carving out all the big markets from its pan-regional footprint.
Beijing record already eclipsed by London fees
Broadcasters worldwide have paid a record $1.737 billion (£886 million/ /€1.11 billion) in rights fees for next week’s 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Domestic football needs bundling to survive, says FA
The Football Association of Ireland hit back this week at suggestions that it has undervalued the media rights for the domestic football league
Compromise ‘won’t save Kirch deal’
The compromise on highlights coverage offered to the Bundeskartellamt
Cartel office: Kirch late highlights plan against consumer interest
Dr. Bernhard Heitzer, president of the Bundeskartellamt, Germany’s federal cartel office, last week delivered the following ruling on the media-rights arrangements of the Deutsche Fussball Liga
League has strong case to overturn ‘bizarre’ ruling
A legal challenge to last week’s ruling by the German cartel office on the collective selling of the Bundesliga media rights would stand a high chance of success, say lawyers.
FASTRACK
Africa keeps Canal on course for Ligue 1 profits
Lega’s ambitious €250m target
The Italian football league’s target of €250 million (£198 million) for its centrally-sold media rights looks extremely ambitious
ECB slammed for ‘shambolic’ talks in rush for Twenty20
The England and Wales Cricket Board has been fiercely criticised by broadcasters for its handling of negotiations for its next television rights deal.
NOS ‘flabbergasted’ by internet limit
Maximum of 20,000 viewers can simultaneously access live streaming
Dorna looks to fill Eurosport hole
MotoGP commercial rights-owner goes market-by-market, despite offer of increase in fees and exposure
Bonanza over as bidders fail to bite
Neither DirecTV or Echostar make offers for Australian and New Zealand cricket
Federation ready to head North with World Rally
NorthOne seeking 10 year extension, with an option to extend for 10 years, on commercial rights contract
Regulator’s report could become government guide
Proposals include limiting contracts to three years, and dropping requirements for free-to-air coverage and clubs' permission for television matches.
Clouds gather over Infront’s expected adviser victory
Juventus plans legal action to overturn hiring of agency by Lega Calcio
World Cup fight goes the distance
ESS wins after four rounds of bidding
ARD/ZDF: UCI must try harder
Tour wins new EBU deal but UCI must try harder
Referral of ‘routine’ case may prompt TV rights revolution
European Court will hear argument that territorial exclusivity is a barrier to the free movement of goods and services