Channel 4 seal four-year television deal

A new four-year television contract for British athletics with Channel 4 was confirmed last night.

The station will cover major meetings in a three-way deal, involving the British Athletic Federation and the British Athletes' Association. The two bodies are setting up a joint company to run the meetings. Coverage will start with a European indoor circuit event in February.

Channel 4 take over from ITV, who ended a 12-year association with the sport this year, after rows over the non-appearance of top athletes. Financial details have not been disclosed, but the contract will be worth less than the annual pounds 1.5m paid by ITV.