6 months ago
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THE BBC is set to retain the rights for Match of the Day.
According to The Daily Mail, the iconic show will remain with the broadcaster for another four years from 2025.
BBC
AlamyThe likes of Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV decided against bidding for the rights to Match of the Day as they do not find it commercially viable.
All three broadcasters cited falling viewing figures and a difficult advertising market as their reasons for not bidding.
ITV and Channel 4 have both strengthened their football coverage in recent years by winning the rights to England matches.
However, neither will be able to show the Premier League in the near future.
ITV executives held exploratory talks with England’s top tier in recent weeks, but they concluded that taking Match of the Day on will risk disrupting their Saturday evening entertainment schedule.
The commercial factor is also a concern as all Premier League goals are now available to view online shortly after 5:15pm each Saturday.
Fewer matches are also set to take place on Saturdays in the next broadcast cycle from 2025 to 2029 meaning broadcasters will likely have to pay for two highlights shows – something they are reluctant to do.
The first episode of Match of the Day was aired in 1964.
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Gary Lineker has presented the popular Saturday night show since 1999.
The BBC’s retention of Match of the Day will trigger new contract talks with the former England striker.
There are no guarantees he will remain with the show after a bumpy year.
If he were to move on, bookmakers make Jermaine Jenas the favourite to become the new host at 2/1.
Alex Scott, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman are among the other top contenders should the hotseat become vacant.
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