Oxford and Cambridge Boat race to be axed by ITV
ITV has announced that it will not cover the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat race after 2009.
No other broadcaster has as yet expressed an interest in broadcasting the event, which runs from Putney to Mortlake, passing under Hammersmith Bridge.
However, many boat race supporters hope that the BBC will resume coverage of the event.
If the event does revert to traditional coverage on BBC, the boat race cannot hope to match the revenues it has generated on a commercial channel over the past four years.
Chairman of The Boat Race Company, Giles Vardey commented: "We are naturally disappointed that ITV has decided not to extend its coverage of the Boat Race beyond next March.
"I would like to place on record our thanks on behalf of both Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Clubs to ITV for enhancing the production surrounding the Race and helping to sustain its strong profile in the sporting calendar.
"Discussions are continuing with other broadcasters regarding coverage of the Boat Race, sponsored by Xchanging, from 2010 onwards."
December 10, 2008