BTCC TV Coverage

[MB1]

Alan

Regarding the TV coverage for this year - I was under the impression that all meetings would be shown live as there were no clashes with F1. But now, due to clashes with the WRC, some of the most exciting rounds, Knockhill, Snetterton and Thruxton, are only highlight shows.

Why? Does ITV really think people would prefer to watch boring WRC with no Brtis in it, over the 'close' ;) racing of the touring cars? I appreciate it is on Motors, but not everyone can get it, including me. Can't they move the BTCC over to ITV2, or even ITV3 now (available on freeview) so viewers can choose which form of motorsport they wish to watch. I certainly know what I'd be watching on a Sunday afternoon.

Good luck for 2005 :)

Michael Booth

[Alan Gow]

1. That was speculation put around some time ago in the media. We never announced that all rounds would be shown live. Whilst we hoped they would, there were unavoidable schedule conflicts that ITV could not get around.

2. To have the BTCC shown on ITV2 or ITV3 instead of ITV1 would be nonsensical....they have extremely small viewing figures compared to ITV1 and only a relatively small number of people have access to those channels.

3. I am genuinely surprised that anyone would complain about the increased ITV coverage we secured this year.