Boost For BBC ALBA Football Fans

Scottish Premier League (SPL) clubs have announced an agreement to extend their broadcasting deal with MG ALBA meaning that fans across the UK will now be able to watch delayed full match coverage on the Gaelic TV service, BBC ALBA. The new deal will cover the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.
MG ALBA have acquired the 'as-live' rights to one game in each round of fixtures over the next two seasons, with the programming starting at 5.30pm for any Saturday games broadcast on BBC ALBA. The outside broadcast coverage of 38 Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches each season will be produced by mneTV for MG ALBA.
Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPL, said: "We are delighted to extend our relationship with MG ALBA. This service has proved to be really popular, even with non-Gaelic speaking supporters. As well as delivering great coverage of the SPL, the deal also helps take the Gaelic language to a much broader audience.
"We already have our live TV deals secured at home and abroad but what we have agreed today will help complete our broadcasting plans for the next two seasons."
Alan Esslemont, BBC ALBA Head of Content, commented: "BBC ALBA seeks with all its programming to offer an attractive Scottish alternative to audiences and the prospect of high-quality SPL games broadcast 'as-live' at 5:30pm is very exciting.
"This truly strengthens the partnerships we have with Scottish football at all levels."
(BMcN)