By CricketCountry Staff
The central government on Friday pulled up the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Nimbus Communications for the non-availability of live commentary of the India-England One Day International series to millions All India Radio (AIR) listeners.
Published: Oct 21, 2011, 11:47 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 21, 2011, 11:47 PM (IST)
India sealed series win by 3-0 after winning the third ODI at Mohali © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
New Delhi: Oct 21, 2011
The central government on Friday pulled up the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Nimbus Communications for the non-availability of live commentary of the India-England One Day International series to millions All India Radio (AIR) listeners.
The government also blamed the BCCI for mixing the radio rights with TV, and awarding them to one entity which has led to this situation, The Financial Express reported.
The government stated that since there is no legal provision for live telecast of cricket matches on private FM radio channels, the revenue-sharing provisions under the Sports Act do not apply.
The AIR had offered $6000 per match to the producers, Nimbus, for purchasing the radio rights, which it declined, leading to the non-availability.
Now, a meeting chaired by Information and Broadcasting (I&B) minister Ambika Soni, wherein the representatives of the sports ministry were also present, the government decided to ask the BCCI to direct Nimbus to share the radio broadcasting rights with AIR, on a mutually agreed price.
The BCCI has also been asked not to mix the radio and TV rights in future and it should be available on AIR.
