bang on.

should have negotiated a smaller revenue on the bases of a blanket terrestrial coverage.

I can only watch mis-matched England and wales games so far.

you cant even listen to them on radio unless its online like around 90% of the games are also only available to watch subscription online.

like I said....

The first union wc went to itv with blanket live coverage and that took the game light years ahead of league.

the bbc give the challenge cup better service than this world cup!

bbc didn't want it though, that's the thing

Was that at any price?

If that is the scenario, then any of the smaller tv stations on freeview so long as they promise blanket coverage.

I think a deal with bskyb with bbc highlights would have better viewing ratings than premier sports?

How would these "smaller tv stations" have afforded to produce the coverage? They don't have the budget or staff to transmit live sporting events.

Channel 5 perhaps?
You give them the rights for nothing and subsidise costs too.

whatever it takes to get full coverage. Let the RFL pick up the tab...they aint short of money...levy all rugby league clubs to help pay.
the terrestrial coverage will boost the interest in all levels and over time pay back costs and some!

INVEST INVEST INVEST...a sure winner.

Channel 5 is a joke of a channel and the sport would be deemed just as much of a joke for being on that channel