Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp., which has its fingers in just about every sports pie on planet Earth, is looking to expand its reach into new territory: Formula One racing. Murdoch is reportedly in talks with Carlos Slim, the world’s richest man, to make a joint bid for broadcasting control of the sport, according to the Guardian.
“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.”
“The BBC acquired the rights to air Formula One in the United Kingdom in 2009. 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.”
Advertisement
A spokesperson for News Corp declined to comment on what she described as “rumour and speculation.”