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MPs get stuck into Six Nations over TV rights bidding process

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

MPs are demanding answers from Six Nations organisers over its bidding process for broadcasting rights amid reports the competition could be about to go off free-to-air television.

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Sky are reported to be interested in securing the rights to the tournament, which is currently shared between the BBC and ITV.

However, it is reported that joint bids will not be permitted for the next tender process, which would appear to put Sky in a good position to acquire the rights.

Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, has written to Six Nations Council chairman John Jeffrey to express his concerns.

The tournament is currently listed as a Category B event under the 1996 Broadcasting Act, which means it can be shown on pay television provided highlights packages are made available free-to-air.

(Continue reading below…)

Jim Hamilton discusses the ramifications of Six Nations going behind a TV paywall

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“It’s of huge concern to see there is a bidding war that could take the Six Nations behind a paywall,” Knight said in a DCMS comittee press release, separate to the letter.

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“Charging rugby fans to watch the tournament on TV would go against the spirit of broadcasting rules intended to ensure that sporting events like this are freely available to all.

“We’re demanding answers about the process and want reassurance about reports that suggest the favourite to win with a multi-million pound bid would take the Six Nations off terrestrial screens.

“We cannot allow this to be a deal done behind closed doors. Fans have a stake in this and a right to know what’s going on.”

– Press Association 

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BH 23 minutes ago
TJ Perenara clarifies reference to the Treaty in All Blacks' Haka

Nope you're both wrong. Absolutely 100% wrong. You two obviously know nothing about NZ history, or the Treaty which already gives non-Māori "equal" rights. You are ignorant to what the Crown have already done to Māori. I've read it multiple times, attended the magnificent hikoi and witnessed a beautiful moment of Māori and non-Māori coming together in a show of unity against xenophobia and a tiny minority party trying to change a constitutional binding agreement between the Crown and Māori. The Crown have hundreds of years of experience of whitewashing our culture, trying to remove the language and and take away land and water rights that were ours but got stolen from. Māori already do not have equal rights in all of the stats - health, education, crime, etc. The Treaty is a binding constitutional document that upholds Māori rights and little Seymour doesn't like that. Apparently he's not even a Māori anyway as his tribes can't find his family tree connection LOL!!!


Seymour thinks he can change it because he's a tiny little worm with small man syndrome who represents the ugly side of NZ. The ugly side that wants all Māori to behave, don't be "radical" or "woke", and just put on a little dance for a show. But oh no they can't stand up for themselves against oppression with a bill that is a waste of time and money that wants to cause further division in their own indigenous country.


Wake up to yourselves. You can't pick and choose what parts of Māori culture you want and don't want when it suits you. If sport and politics don't mix then why did John Key do the 3 way handshake at the RWC 2011 final ceremony? Why is baldhead Luxon at ABs games promoting himself? The 1980s apartheid tour was a key example of sports and politics mixing together. This is the same kaupapa. You two sound like you support apartheid.

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