International rights - an update
We've just been told that Sky, who have the live rights to the two forthcoming Wales home games, have agreed to sub-licence the highlights to us.
That means we'll be able to show an edit of both tomorrow and Wales v Cyprus next Wednesday in our 1035/1040 91Èȱ¬1 highlights show on the respective evenings.
So, on Saturday we'll have England followed by Northern Ireland live, while the Wales and Scotland games will be live on Sky, then seen alongside the others in the 91Èȱ¬'s highlights.
We've also acquired highlights rights to Cyprus v Republic of Ireland , so tomorrow evening's MOTD will take on something of the look of an old-fashioned Sportsnight.
As I said in my blog the other day, the fragmented selling of rights by the home team's FA means no broadcaster is likely to have everything it wants when international week comes round. Even so, the conspicuous missing piece of the jigsaw, as far as this week's highlights shows are concerned, is now in place.
I'm going to have to leave it there: our team coach will shortly be leaving for Manchester. I'm sure those of you who've braved the M6 on a Friday afternoon will wish us luck! The Saturday night post-match trip back will get back to TV Centre in the small hours, after the highilghts (and Denmark v Northern Ireland live) team have come off the air.
So, a busy weekend, but one we're all looking forward to with eager anticipation. Good luck to all your nations!
