The UK commercial broadcaster will continue to screen its highlights programme in early evening peak viewing time as part of a new four-year free-to-air deal with the ECB. The announcement tied in with Sky Sports’ new four-year rights deal that will allow the UK pay-television broadcaster to continue to air live England matches and county cricket.
The new Sky deal, which includes coverage via mobile and online platforms as well as television, will run from the start of 2014 until the end of the summer in 2017. Under the terms of the agreement, Sky has an option to extend the partnership by a further two years to cover tours by India in 2018 and Australia in 2019. Sky’s existing deal was due to expire at the end of 2013.
Regarding the new contract with Channel 5, ECB chief executive David Collier said: “The ECB strongly values its relationship with Channel 5 and we welcome their ongoing commitment to cricket. Their evening highlights programme provides an excellent snapshot of the day’s play in each Test match and we are delighted that it will continue in an early evening slot which suits viewing patterns for families and younger viewers.”
Jeff Ford, Channel 5’s director of programming, added: “Channel 5 has been associated with English cricket for over six years, providing new and established fans with the very best in cricket highlights from Test matches and more. We're delighted to continue our association with the ECB for another four years and to firmly cement our position as the terrestrial home of English cricket.”