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Channel 4 Lands Historic Boat Race Deal, BBC Out

10/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Channel 4 secures a five-year Boat Race broadcast deal; the BBC loses the rights.
The BBC denies that Alex Kay-Jelski was lukewarm or elitist, saying the decision followed ROI concerns amid rising production costs and declining viewership.
The Boat Race has been BBC's main rights holder since 1938, except 2005-2009 when ITV held rights; next race is April 4, 2026.

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Story summary

Channel 4 secures a five-year Boat Race broadcast deal; the BBC loses the rights.
The BBC denies that Alex Kay-Jelski was lukewarm or elitist, saying the decision followed ROI concerns amid rising production costs and declining viewership.
The Boat Race has been BBC's main rights holder since 1938, except 2005-2009 when ITV held rights; next race is April 4, 2026.