Free to air cricket: Lib Dem amendment struck out

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

A Liberal Democrat amendment to the Media Bill which would’ve paved the way for England Test Match cricket to be broadcast on free-to-air-channels has been voted down in Parliament today. 

The amendment would see a test match and an ODI on free-to-air TV each summer.  

Commenting Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sports Spokesperson Jamie Stone MP said: 

“It is an utter travesty that Conservative MPs have stumped our call to make Test Matches free-to-air, in Parliament. 

“Test Match Cricket remains behind expensive TV packages because MPs dropped a sitter, let down the nation and failed to back the Lib Dem amendment. 

“We have a duty to inspire the next generation to get involved and play cricket but as it stands millions of people are shut out from watching a Test.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Media Bill - Draft Amendment

Clause 25, page 30, line 30, at end insert–

(4) On the date on which section 21 comes into force, the Secretary of State must revise the list maintained for the purposes of Part 4 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 so that it includes:

a) at least one cricket test match each year between the months of May and

September;

b) at least one cricket One Day International match each year between the months of

May and September;

c) all other currently listed Group A events.

(5) The events listed under subsection (4) must be allocated to Group A