British Telecom has brought the exclusive rights to Premiership Rugby in a deal which will raise eyebrows among broadcasters. The telecommunications company outbid Sky and ESPN to buy the rights in a deal worth €190m ahead of the launch of its new sports channel, reports Broadcast. The four-year deal, which kicks in from next year, follows BT’s successful bid to acquire the rights for 38 live Premier League soccer matches for three years in a €920m deal.
Smart TVs to spark rights bidding wars…Consultancy firm Deloitte says that the growth of connected TVs will result in opportunities for broadcasters to expand globally and increase bidding wars for rights. In a Technology and TV report compiled for the IBC 2012 conference, the consultancy estimated 5-10 per cent of TVs homes in Europe will have connected TVs by the year-end, rising to 75 per cent within 10 years. They say that traditional free-to-air and pay TV broadcasters will be able to reach more viewers via connected TVs, as well as offer existing customers additional services.
If you watch one trailer today…The official trailer for the latest instalment in the ‘Twilight’ saga has been released with ‘Breaking Dawn: Part Two’ out in November.
