Local MP Adrian Bailey quizzed the Chair elect of OFCOM on future proposals for pay TV and how this could affect British football clubs and viewers.

The MP for West Bromwich West, a self confessed football fanatic, expressed concerns that OFCOM’s current consultations could oblige Sky to allocate some matches to alternative providers. Far from increasing competition this could reduce the incentive for Sky to pay TV rights and the amount of money flowing to football clubs.

In response Dr Bowe assured him that as a football fan herself she was equally concerned about these changes and stated that any outcome which led to less money going into the development of the dame would be a source of personal sadness.

Speaking after the meeting, Adrian said:

‘My concern is that any change in contracts for pay TV protects both the level of funding going into British football and the viewer.’

‘My objective is to ensure that the amount of money going into football from pay TV is not reduced as a result of ill thought out rules on competition. Currently we have one of the strongest leagues in the world supported by lower leagues that reflect the passion and love that communities have for their football team. It is important that no future deals choke off the money that flows to our clubs.’

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Notes

Notes to editors:

• Adrian Bailey is the Labour and Co-Operative member of Parliament for West Bromwich West. A Government Parliamentary Private Secretary from 2005 until 2007, Adrian has worked with the Department for Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Defence and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
•  He is currently a member of the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Select Committee, the European Scrutiny Committee, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Building Societies and Financial Mutuals and Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Steel.