FOM takes back TV coverage from CCTV
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-09-21 15:07

Formula One group will play the sole host broadcaster for the sport's upcoming Chinese debut, instead of cooperating with local TV stations as previously agreed.

Chinese Central Television (CCTV) confirmed on Tuesday that Formula One Management has taken back TV coverage from them, who were supposed to provide broadcasts in Shanghai with assistance from FOM camera specialists.

"We have withdrawn by request of FOM," said Zhang Xing, head of CCTV's Formula One crew.

Zhang refused to reveal any details but said they "lost nothing for it".

"CCTV is willing to participate and welcome the challenge but it's also understandable that FOM changed ideas. Anyway, FOM has the right to do on their own according to the agreement," said Zhang.

Another anonymous insider, however, said that CCTV asked to exit "because they thought their techniques and equipments couldn' t meet the standards of the glamour sport".

"It's really difficult for an inexperienced television station to handle the coverage but the two parties finally reached an agreement through negotiation," Shanghai circuit's deputy general Yu Zhifei said when FOM first came to discuss TV coverage.

The solution then was that CCTV would be responsible for broadcasts and FOM offer consultation and professional advice on key techniques, according to Yu.

The latest whisper in Formula One circles is that the Formula One group is to increase its role as the host broadcaster of F1 races in 2005.

FOM is not available for comments so far. Experts think it means that the quality of the programming will be assured as F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone's directors and camera crews fully understand the importance of what is going on in races.

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