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Wimbledon
to continue on the BBC for a further five years
Joint
announcement by The All England Lawn Tennis Club and the BBC
The
All England Club today (July 4 2003) announced that the BBC will
continue to be the host broadcaster and UK rights holder for The
Championships, Wimbledon, from 2005-2009 inclusive.
The
five-year agreement covers BBC television,* radio and online.
Tim Phillips,
Chairman of the All England Club, said: "We want Wimbledon
to be available to as wide an audience as possible, both at home
and abroad. We also look for both excellent quality and quantity
of coverage.
"The
BBC has again demonstrated that it is able to introduce new features,
such as its successful interactive service, with a style of coverage
that accurately reflects Wimbledon's twin values of innovation and
tradition.
"This
is good news for the millions of Wimbledon fans and we are pleased
that our long and successful relationship with the BBC is to continue."
Director
of BBC Sport, Peter Salmon said: "I'm delighted we've secured
the rights to the sporting crown jewel that is Wimbledon, and pleased
that we will continue to show this magnificent tournament over the
next six years.
"The
drama of Wimbledon signals to millions of licence fee payers that
the summer of sport is in full swing.
"Yet
again, this year has proved that The Championships has the power
to thrill millions of tennis lovers throughout the land."
Notes
to Editors
*BBC's
television rights are subject to the UK Listed Events regulations.
A
double of new rights for BBC Sport (04.07.03)
BBC
Sport and UK Athletics on track (04.07.03)
All the
BBC's digital services are now available on Freeview,
the new free-to-view digital terrestrial television service, as well
as on satellite and cable.
Freeview
offers the BBC's eight television channels, interactive services
from BBCi, as well as 11 BBC radio networks.
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