Sky to target 'crown jewels' list of free-to-air sports

LONDON - BSkyB is planning to make a case that the channel's "positive" involvement in sport means it should be allowed to bid on broadcasting rights to the free-to-air "crown jewel" sporting events.

Late last year culture secretary Andy Burnham ordered a review of the "crown jewel" list, which includes the Olympics, the Grand National, the FA Cup final and the football World Cup, with a view to expanding the number of events.

Sky's chief executive Jeremy Darroch today said it should be up to sporting bodies to decide which media outlets to sell rights to.

Speaking to the Guardian, he said the extra money Sky has been able to pump into the sports it covers -- football, cricket, rugby -- has meant they have become more attractive as a result and increased attendances.

Darroch said: "It's not for me to dictate to a rights holder how they should sell their rights. What we want is the chance to pitch and show what we can do to showcase their sport. There is no such thing as free sports coverage. We all pay our license fee."

Burnham asked former FA executive David Davies to conduct a review of the current crown jewels list in December. Burnham has said there is a case for increasing the list to include events like the Ashes series, which is currently broadcast by Sky.

Speaking to Sky News in January, Burnham said: "I think there's a case for all of the main sports having some of their coverage available for the public on free-to-air, isn't it important for the public to be able to see some of the action from the main national sports?

"It's not a case where everything is listed. I think Davis needs to consider the judgment and the fine balance in these decisions."

Sky recently moved to secure the rights to the Premier League football matches until 2013, taking five out of the six packages available to broadcasters.

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