[Formula 1] Rupert Murdoch to take over F1?

[+Frank B. Subscriber²]

Formula One subject of takeover talks by Rupert Murdoch and Carlos Slim

News Corp in talks to make joint bid for one of few sports where it has no foothold with Mexican magnate Carlos Slim

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is in talks with Carlos Slim, said to be the world's richest man, about making a joint bid for the control of Formula One motor racing ? one of the few major commercial sports in which it has yet to gain a foothold.

The bid was, according to Sky News, in the early stages, with News Corp in talks about forming a consortium that would include the Mexican billionaire.

It would also be the first time that the global media group, which currently owns the rights to most live Premier League football, had taken over an entire sport and could be a major blow for the BBC.

The BBC counts F1 as the last major sport ? unprotected by legislation governing its broadcast ? over which it has sole broadcasting rights in the UK.

It secured the television rights to show Formula One in the UK from the 2009 season as part of a five-year deal covering all platforms and can broadcast F1 on the BBC Sport website as well as on TV and radio. However, senior managers have questioned whether the ?40m a year cost of the contract is worth it at a time the BBC needs to make savings.

A spokesperson for News Corp declined to comment on what she described as "rumour and speculation".

Source: guardian.co.uk

Edited April 21, 2011 by Growled
Shortened article length

[C:Amie]

Oh well, I'm not that bothered about watching it. When it goes pay per view on BSB (which I imagine would be the point of all of this) I just won't watch.

Let us hope Bernie sees sense for the industry insead of dollar signs.

[TheLegendOfMart]

Ill be ****** if it goes pay per view. There must be some anti competitive crap to stop this idiot making everything PPV.

[digitalsoft]

I doubt this could ever happen! Well I really hope it doesn't anyway!

[MarkusDarkus]

I say we Protest. I'm not going to just let this happen. :angry:

[mps69]

Sky did a good job of the F1 the last time, great coverage, full practice sessions everything, even though it was PPV. The full season ticket thing was well worth the money. I don't think they will get away with again.

[.mcman]

Bernie: F1 is not for sale

Bernie Ecclestone has rubbished claims that News Corporation and Mexican magnate Carlos Slim are looking to acquire control of Formula One.

http://www.planetf1.com/news/3213/6885416/Bernie-F1-Is-Not-For-Sale

Bernie Ecclestone denies reports that News Corporation are ready to table a bid for Formula One

Bernie Ecclestone has told Telegraph Sport that Formula One is ?not for sale? in the wake of reports that News Corporation might be preparing a bid for the sport.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/8462301/Bernie-Ecclestone-denies-reports-that-News-Corporation-are-ready-to-table-a-bid-for-Formula-One.html

[Singh400]

I hope it doesn't happen, but they have enough money to throw at anyone...

[Teebor]

Oh well, I'm not that bothered about watching it. When it goes pay per view on BSB (which I imagine would be the point of all of this) I just won't watch.

Let us hope Bernie sees sense for the industry insead of dollar signs.

Pretty much my thinking as well, lots of people are annoyed about the way F1 is handled and interest is dwindling which is why there are such huge rules changes each year. But if it went pay per view or even on sky sports subscription channels I think it would loose a lot of support

[TheLegendOfMart]

Sky did a good job of the F1 the last time, great coverage, full practice sessions everything, even though it was PPV. The full season ticket thing was well worth the money. I don't think they will get away with again.

BBC Red Button has practice sessions on a friday.

[Zoom7000]

http://www.planetf1.com/news/3213/6885416/Bernie-F1-Is-Not-For-Sale

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/8462301/Bernie-Ecclestone-denies-reports-that-News-Corporation-are-ready-to-table-a-bid-for-Formula-One.html

The first sensible thing Bernie has said in a while! :p

[Growled Member]

I just don't see it happening but you never know these days.