The Boat Race will not be broadcast on the BBC on TV or radio this year for the first time in almost a hundred years after losing the broadcasting rights. Channel 4 secured the TV rights for the historic event in a five-year agreement six months ago, while Times Radio has obtained the radio rights until 2028.
Since the mid-1920s, the BBC has been the traditional broadcaster of the rowing competition between Oxford University and Cambridge University on the Thames. However, this year’s event, scheduled for April 4, will not be shown on the BBC platforms.
While there have been instances in the past where other broadcasters like ITV and LBC have aired the race, this marks the first time that the BBC will not cover the Boat Race in any form. The decision not to pursue the rights reportedly came after the BBC’s director of sport expressed reservations about the event being considered ‘elitist.’
The decline in viewership for the Boat Race and rising production costs have also contributed to the BBC’s decision. The corporation has been reevaluating its sports coverage strategy under the leadership of Alex Kay-Jelski, who took charge of BBC Sport in 2024.
Kay-Jelski emphasized that the BBC’s relevance is not solely dependent on live sports coverage, citing examples like their audio rights to Formula 1. He highlighted the changing media landscape where digital platforms play a significant role in audience engagement.
Times Radio, the new radio partner for the Boat Race, has expressed excitement about the collaboration, aligning with the event’s values of tradition and quality. The Chair of The Boat Race Company, Siobhan Cassidy, conveyed enthusiasm for the partnership and the upcoming coverage of the event.
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