RMG opens broadcast rights tender

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) the media operator responsible for advertising and broadcast rights of 34 UK racetracks, has opened a tender process for its racing media distribution.

At present RMG broadcast rights are currently distributed to bookmakers via Turf TV, the broadcast channel of Amalgamated Racing Limited, a company owned jointly, and equally, between Timeweave and Racecourse Media Services Limited. The current rights agreement ends in 2018.

RMG senior management has noted that since its current rights were negotiated, there have been significant changes in the betting sector. A number of bookmakers now produce their own in-house channels, enabling them greater flexibility in how they acquire media rights and present them to their customers

The media operator has set out options for interested bidders of its content. One option may see UK bookmakers acquire rights directly, Another is for distributors to bid for the rights and sub-license directly to bookmakers who produce – or intend to produce – their own channels.

Richard FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Racecourse Media Group, said:

“Our LBO rights are among the racecourses’ most important assets and they provide for them, and the broader racing community, vital revenue that supports our fantastic sport. Our job is to maximise the income of these rights both through their sale value and the way we deliver them.

“RMG has taken this transparent and innovative step, early in the rights cycle, primarily because of how the presentation and production of LBO content has changed dramatically.

“We are keen to hear from potential buyers who already produce – or wish to produce – their own television channels on how they want these rights procured and presented. The fair and open tender will hopefully invigorate betting turnover via first-rate production and presentation of horseracing for the LBO audience.

“There is a big opportunity for the betting and racing communities to thrive together and drive change by improving the efficiency, structure and creativity of the market for the long-term.RMG recognises that independent bookmakers remain a crucial part of the betting sector and will engage with them in the near future to understand their requirements for the period after 2018.