BBC in Test Match access row

The BBC were refused entry to the Galle International Stadium on the second day of the First Test between Sri Lanka and England following a dispute over broadcasting rights.

WSG-Nimbus sold the English rights to Sky and TalkSport, but the BBC believed they had a reciprocal arrangement with TalkSport to broadcast eight minutes per hour. The BBC claims it was asked for a fee to allow them to broadcast for two minutes per hour.

The BBC resorted to broadcasting from the old Dutch Fort overlooking the ground, a considerable distance from the action.

WSG-Nimbus say they weren't aware of any reciprocal arrangement between TalkSport and the BBC, and any action they took was to protect the interests of their exclusive licensee, having not been informed otherwise.

"We did our normal, agreed thing yesterday but somebody decided we would have to pay an access fee," explained BBC Producer, Peter Baxter. "The ramifications for other broadcasters and journalists as a whole is very severe as a result of this and the England and Wales Cricket Board are trying to do all they can on our behalf."

After intervention from the ECB, a compromise solution has been reached for the remainder of this Test. The BBC were allowed into the ground after lunch, but they have been told they will face more problems at Kandy, where the Second Test starts on 7th March, unless an access fee is paid.

A WSG-Nimbus spokesman said: "We now have confirmation of the situation, and if TalkSport are happy with the arrangement we shall comply with their wishes to reach a satisfactory outcome. There has never been any intention on our part to deny normal news access."