Make Test Match cricket to free to air

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the Media Bill which if passed by MPs on Tuesday, would pave the way for at least one England Test Match a year broadcast on free-to-air channels. 

It follows England's historic win against India, shown behind a paywall package.

Liberal Democrat Sports and Culture spokesperson Jamie Stone MP said:

"The entire country deserves to see Bazball. We can't have Test Match Cricket hiding behind expensive TV packages any longer. 

"We need to inspire the next generation to play cricket. By seeing exciting cricket on free-to-air TV, millions will want to pick up the bat and ball. 

"Right now an exciting Test Match series is going on against India that barely anyone can watch. That is frankly disgraceful. 

"I'm calling on Labour and Conservative MPs to do the right thing and rally behind the BazBall amendment. The last time the nation saw free-to-air Test Matches was the 2005 Ashes, and that legacy still lives on today. This is our chance again.”

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