THE BBC could pay five million pounds or more to broadcast Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, in four years’ time – up on initial suggestions.
Writing in Scotland on Sunday, freelance political journalist, Hamish Macdonell, says he understoods that a deal is on the cards following the intervention of First Minister, Alex Salmond, who had recently hit out at the BBC for the initial suggestion that it would not better the amount it paid, around £2 million, to broadcast the Manchester Commonwealth Games eight years ago.
The deal for Glasgow involves both the domestic rights for the UK and the role of host broadcaster. The successful bidder will expect to influence the scheduling.
The Glasgow organising committee was said to have been willing to approach other terrestrial broadcasters, notably Channel 4 and Five. An agreement has already been signed with Network 10 for the Australian rights.
It is estimated the Games will cost more than £500 million to stage and the organising team hope to raise £100 million in revenue from sponsorship, merchandising, ticketing and broadcast rights.
