Ashes set to return to terrestrial TV
12 November, 2009
Report into review of protected sports to be published tomorrow
Home Ashes Tests looks set to return to free-to-air television following a review of sports that should be made available on terrestrial TV.
The decision was reported by the BBC on the eve of a review of the matter being published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
England’s Ashes victory over Australia this summer was screened by Sky for the first time but viewing figures were down on those who saw the 2005 success.
Meanwhile it is understood that the Derby and rugby league's Challenge Cup final were to be taken off the list of protected sports.
Other events protected for terrestrial viewing include international football qualifiers for the home nations, Wimbledon and golf's Open championship.
The DCMS would not confirm or deny the reports.
The full details of the review, which was carried out by former Football Association executive director David Davies ARE due to be published on the DCMS website tomorrow.
Readers' comments
Oh good - just as I bit the bullet and decided to buy into Sky to get some of that business in! D'oh!
Don't worry Mark, according to the Today Programmme this morning it won't be happening until 2017, if indeed it does. Roland - Web content manager