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BBC to face test on sports bids?

February 17, 2010

The BBC Trust is considering subjecting all sports rights the corporation bids for to a fair market and benchmarking test. According to various reports, the Trust is looking into the idea because it wants to ensure the BBC does not overpay for rights. However, industry insiders said the idea was unworkable and will hamper the BBC from bidding for events.

The BBC Trust is conducting a review of sports rights later this year that it is expected to be concluded by the beginning of 2011. BBC executives fear their hands will be tied on bidding for sports rights if they have to adhere to and wait for a test and benchmarking exercise.

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