Notts oppose free-to-air Ashes
NOTTS CCC are strongly opposed to government proposals to put Ashes Tests on the list of 'protected' events.
An inquiry into televised sport conducted by former executive director of the Football Association, David Davies, recommended the flagship series return to a free-to-air station.
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Stuart Broad with the Ashes
Those recommendations have been provisionally accepted by culture secretary Ben Bradshaw, but he is set to make a final decision in March.
England's football tournament qualifying matches, golf's Open Championship, Wimbledon and the rugby union World Cup are also set to be added to the 'protected' list.
The stance has caused concern at the ECB, who have maximised their income from television rights by selling them to Sky.
Notts also feel the game would lose out long-term, even if it would allow more fans to view the action.
"Consideration is being given to protect England's home Ashes series for broadcast on terrestrial channels," said Notts' chairman Peter Wright. "This would be superb at face value but could seriously affect the income of the game.
"Sky pay a premium for exclusive rights and the income generated has been a force for good in English cricket.
"We are supporting the ECB's campaign to retain the right to sell live coverage to the highest bidder."
4 Comments
by David, Hornchurch
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:37AM
“A disgusting attitude.
If i hadn't watched cricket on TV, I wouldn't be a season ticket holder at TB now.
Free to air is the way to go.”
by Marcus, Notts
Thursday, February 25 2010, 3:11PM
“Disgusting how the greedy business leaders of Notts CCC are killing off their own sport in their flawed hope Sky's cash will bring them fancy new offices and increased 'expense' reimbursements.
They should be thinking about the sport rather than lining their own pockets and it's impossible to claim putting cricket on free TV won't help the game's popularity.”
by sluggerred, south notts
Thursday, February 25 2010, 12:03PM
“They should also look at the circumstances of junior cricket. When shown on terrestrial TV there was an upsurge in kids wanting to play the game. Shown on Sky leads to a downturn. Many an amateur side is having to merge to keep going”
by Simon, Radford
Thursday, February 25 2010, 10:56AM
“The ECB are killing the goose that laid the golden egg. If I hadn't been able to watch test cricket on TV as a kid 20 years ago I wouldn't now be a fan who willingly pays the premium ticket prices which test matches command. The ECB should look at boxing as an example of what happens when a generation grows up with no TV access to the sport - interest quickly dies out and people find other uses for their cash.”