Channel 4’s Future in Rugby League Coverage: An Update from the Head of Sport

Channel 4’s future in rugby league coverage may not be over just yet, as the broadcaster’s Head of Sport, Pete Andrews, has expressed interest in returning to the sport in the near future. Despite losing the Super League broadcasting rights to the BBC, Andrews remains optimistic about Channel 4’s potential comeback.

In an interview with League Express, Andrews stated, “We would never say never and we would be looking at everything but it was certainly something we enjoyed doing.” He emphasized that Channel 4 had a positive experience with rugby league and would be proud to be involved again.

However, Andrews acknowledged the challenges Channel 4 faces compared to the BBC, particularly in terms of advertising and income. He explained, “The cost of living crisis hits advertising and that directly hits our revenue so at the moment it’s hard to match a company that has a license fee with a fixed income.”

Despite the financial constraints, Andrews hinted at Channel 4’s willingness to explore opportunities in the future. He noted, “We do look at everything,” indicating that the broadcaster is open to potential partnerships or deals that could bring rugby league back into its programming lineup.

While the future of Channel 4’s rugby league coverage remains uncertain, Andrews’ comments suggest that the broadcaster has not closed the door on the sport. Fans can only hope that Channel 4 will find a way to overcome its financial challenges and make a triumphant return to the world of rugby league broadcasting.