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Ex-Match of the Day host calls for BBC to create controversial new channel or risk losing events like Wimbledon

Ex-Match of the Day host calls for BBC to create controversial new channel or risk losing events like Wimbledon

The Sun2 days ago
LEGENDARY host Des Lynam has called for the BBC to controversially create a pay-per-view channel.
The former Match of the Day presenter was in the hotseat from 1988 to 1999 and he also covered the likes of Wimbledon and the Olympics for the Beeb.
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Lynam, 82, is concerned the channel could soon be priced out of TV rights deals for major sporting events by companies like Sky and TNT.
He has boldly encouraged the BBC to ditch their free-to-air tradition and create a new platform behind a paywall.
Lynam wrote in his column for The Telegraph: "If they are to compete as serious contenders for big-time sport, they will have to form a separate sports channel and that means pay-per-view. They have the brand.
"The only way to compete is to find the money to do so.
"Unless the BBC is content to cover only minor sports they will have to get out into the marketplace.
"To do this, the kind of money involved means the funding must come from a source other than the licence fee and that means pay-per-view.
"If there is someone at the corporation who agrees with me and has the courage to fight for that cause I mentioned, get ready to summon up the blood, disguise fair nature and prepare for the incoming rage."
The BBC's current Wimbledon deal expires in 2027 and the channel reportedly face a fight to extend their agreement.
They currently pay £60million per year to the All England Club for the rights to broadcast the action.
But that price is set to rise with interest strong from both Sky and TNT Sports.
However, the BBC view Wimbledon as one of the most important in the calendar and they are determined to keep it.
It has been labelled as a Category A 'crown jewel' event by chiefs.
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