Rugby Union | Blogs | Paper Round

All the latest from the world of rugby

« Maori move up a Gear | | Wallabies starting to understand their flaws »

June 24, 2010

Posted on 06/24/2010

McKie attacks BBC's 'derisory' rights bid

The Scottish Rugby Union has highlighted a reluctance by the BBC to match its previous rights fee for this year's autumn Test matches and warned of a TV blackout just days after Scotland secured their first-ever Test series victory in Argentina. David Ferguson reports in The Scotsman.

"On the day Andy Robinson's squad flew back into Edinburgh from their two-Test success, Gordon McKie, the SRU chief executive, delivered his latest 'state of the union' briefing to journalists, and attacked the BBC's offer to renew the contract to screen November internationals as derisory. The SRU has written to the BBC Trust to outline its frustration with how the BBC in London continues to increase its investment in Welsh rugby, but drop its interest in the Scottish game, and also revealed that the Scottish Parliament will highlight the issue next week.
"Sarah Boyack MSP has tabled a motion titled 'Broadcasting black hole for Scottish rugby' which has the widespread cross-party backing, including that of former sports ministers Stewart Maxwell, Frank McAveety, Andy Kerr and Rhona Brankin. The motion states "that the Parliament ... is disappointed that terrestrial broadcasters do not cover a broader range of rugby matches and tournaments at all playing levels; believes that more investment in the coverage of Scottish rugby is essential in order to promote sport in general to a wider audience, thereby increasing participation and health levels and to showcase the successes of Scotland's rugby teams; notes the substantial contribution that rugby matches bring to the local Edinburgh economy, and would welcome efforts to ensure increased broadcast coverage of rugby in Scotland."

Feedback