The Boat Race, a long-standing event between Oxford University and Cambridge University on the Thames, will not be broadcast on the BBC for the first time in almost a century. Channel 4 secured the television rights in a five-year deal, while Times Radio acquired the radio broadcasting rights until 2028.
Since the mid-1920s, the BBC has been the traditional home for the Boat Race, initially airing it on the radio and later on television starting in 1938. However, this year’s race, scheduled for April 4, will be available through alternative channels.
Despite sporadic interruptions in the BBC’s coverage, such as ITV broadcasting the race from 2005 to 2009 and LBC holding radio rights from 2005 to 2010, this marks the first time the BBC will not air the Boat Race in any form. The decision follows reports that the BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, was not enthusiastic about retaining the rights, citing concerns about the event being perceived as elitist.
The decline in viewership for the Boat Race and rising production costs have influenced the BBC’s shift in strategy under Kay-Jelski’s leadership. The BBC has lost coverage rights for events like the Commonwealth Games, alongside the Boat Race, as part of this new approach.
Kay-Jelski emphasized the evolving media landscape, highlighting that relevance can be maintained without live sports coverage. The focus is on engaging audiences through various media formats, leveraging audio and digital content to reach a wide audience.
Chair of The Boat Race Company, Siobhan Cassidy, expressed excitement about the partnership with Times Radio, emphasizing shared values of heritage, tradition, and quality. The new multi-year agreement will commence with this year’s Boat Race on April 4.
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