Channel 4 Secures BDO Darts Contract

Channel 4 has secured a two-year deal with the British Darts Organisation (BDO). The agreement will see the broadcaster become the terrestrial home of the BDO World Darts Championship from 2017-18.

From January 2017, Channel 4 will broadcast live from Lakeside during the afternoon sessions of the men's and women's championships, as well as one of the semi-finals and the Women's Final. All evening sessions will be aired on BT Sport alongside one of the semi-finals. The Men's Final will air on both Channel 4 and BT.

The coverage will be broadcast free-to-air on Channel 4, with live coverage also available on BT Sport throughout the Championships.

Stephen Lyle, Commissioning Editor, Sport at Channel 4, said: "We are delighted to agree this deal which sees Channel 4 become the home of BDO Darts on terrestrial TV, adding another popular sport to our schedules and keeping it free-to-air for fans. The darts is a British sporting institution and we look forward to bringing our unique Channel 4 approach to coverage of the Championships."

Sue Williams, Chairman of the BDO, said: "We took considerable care in selecting our broadcast partner and we are highly delighted that Channel 4 is that partner. Through its channels and BT Sport, all the sessions will be shown live with additional highlights shows and innovative content online. We were particularly pleased with Channel 4's fresh approach and new ideas and the track record they have for this with other sports in their portfolio. We believe this will appeal to a broader demographic of viewers. This is an excellent partnership for the BDO, both commercially and in terms of the right strategic partner to further strengthen BDO darts."

Further details on Channel 4's coverage and presenting line-up for the 2017 BDO World Darts Championship will be announced in due course.

www.channel4.com

(JP/MH)