United Kingdom
Takeover panel rules Disney must bid for Sky
US media company Walt Disney has been told it will have to make a full takeover bid for Sky, the European pay-television broadcaster operated by rival media company 21st Century Fox, even if the UK competition regulator scuppers Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to seize full control.
Watching Brief (Vol.204) UK TV Audiences 26th March to 1st April
Edmund joins tennis’ social streaming set
British No.1 Kyle Edmund has become the latest tennis player to stream his matches via social media channels through an agreement with endorsement partner British Airways.
Premier League, Fox Networks Group Latin America claim anti-piracy victories
Football’s English Premier League and pay-television operator Fox Networks Group Latin America have claimed two significant wins in their ongoing efforts to fight piracy of their content.
Watching Brief (Vol.203) UK TV Audiences 19th March to 25th March
Watching Brief (Vol.202) UK TV Audiences 12th March to 18th March
MUTV branches out with Russia v France friendly
MUTV, the in-house television channel of English Premier League football club Manchester United, has acquired rights to the international friendly match between Russia and France.
BT renews rights to lower-tier subscription-driving properties
UK telco BT has renewed deals for two relatively cheap properties this month, each providing a lot of content and niche, loyal fanbases: the National League – the fifth tier of English football – and British top-tier speedway.
ARC acquires majority stake in Vermantia
UK racecourse owner and operator Arena Racing Company has acquired a majority stake in Greek firm Vermantia, a leading provider of multi-channel content solutions for lotteries, gaming and betting operators.
Watching Brief (Vol.201) UK TV Audiences 5th March to 11th Mar
Channel 4 picks up Champions Cup rights
UK commercial broadcaster Channel 4 has acquired rights to the European Champions Cup rugby union tournament.
Watching Brief (Vol.200) UK TV Audiences 26th February to 4th March
BBC and S+V make long-term commitment to badminton showpiece
UK public-service broadcaster the BBC has signed a long-term deal to cover badminton showpiece the All England Open Championships, while sports producer and distributor Sunset+Vine has extended its production contract for the tournament.
BT Sport maintains commitment to National League
UK pay-television broadcaster BT Sport has struck a three-season extension to its rights deal for the National League, the fifth tier of English club football.
BT Sport extends speedway deal, claims first with UCL broadcast
UK pay-television broadcaster BT Sport has extended a rights deal with the British Speedway Promoters’ Association and also claimed a world-first with a trial broadcast of a Uefa Champions League football match in High Definition High Dynamic Range (HD HDR) direct to mobile.
Watching Brief (Vol.199) UK TV Audiences 19th to 25th February
BBC signs wide-ranging British Gymnastics deal
The British Gymnastics national governing body has signed a landmark rights deal with UK public-service broadcaster the BBC.
Pro14 closing in on rights announcement as BBC admits defeat
The Pro14 cross-border rugby union league has said it is concluding talks over its next set of rights in the UK and Ireland, as the Welsh division of public-service broadcaster the BBC said it has been outbid in its effort to retain live coverage.