The Boat Race, a historic event between Oxford University and Cambridge University on the Thames, will not be broadcast by the BBC on TV or radio for the first time in almost 100 years. Channel 4 secured the TV rights to the race in a long-term deal, and Times Radio will now air the event on radio until 2028.
Since the mid-1920s, the BBC has been the traditional broadcaster of the Boat Race, initially airing it on the radio and later on television starting in 1938. However, this year’s race, scheduled for April 4, will not be available on BBC platforms.
Despite previous interruptions in BBC coverage, such as ITV broadcasting the race from 2005 to 2009 and LBC holding radio rights from 2005 to 2010, this marks the first time the BBC will not showcase the Boat Race in any form. The decision follows reports that the BBC’s director of sport viewed the event as elitist, leading to a shift in broadcasting rights to Times Radio, which will promote the race across the News UK network.
The BBC has experienced a decline in viewership for the Boat Race in recent years, coupled with rising production costs. This change in coverage aligns with a broader shift in the BBC’s sports broadcasting strategy under the leadership of Alex Kay-Jelski, who took over BBC Sport in 2024.
Kay-Jelski emphasized the evolving media landscape and the BBC’s focus on staying relevant without necessarily relying on live sports coverage. The corporation’s decision to forego broadcasting rights for events like the Commonwealth Games and the Boat Race reflects a strategic shift towards engaging audiences through digital platforms.
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Times Radio, highlighting shared values of heritage, tradition, precision, and quality. The collaboration aims to provide listeners with live coverage and supporting content for this year’s race and future editions.
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