Despite the global recession, Ecclestone managed to increase the sport’s take
from the UK TV market by around £15 million per year after brokering a
hugely controversial rights-sharing agreement between Sky and the BBC, which
will bring in an estimated £55 million annually.
However, there is concern in some quarters that the increase in TV rights fees
may be offset by a dramatic decrease in viewing figures, and therefore
sponsorship, with the subscription-based Sky Sports having the bulk of the
coverage. Yesterday’s ruling may mean even fewer subscribers sign up to Sky,
given the fact that they may be able to find cheaper coverage elsewhere.
Ecclestone, though, said he does not believe viewers will want to watch
foreign channels with foreign commentary and he hinted he might fight their
ability to watch it allied to 5Live commentary.
“That’s if 5Live still have the rights,” he said. “We could stop that.
Ultimately I think people want something they can see and listen to live
with the commentary in sync. As for pubs, maybe what will happen is we’ll
give it to pubs for free in the future if that’s what’s needed.”