ESPN And BBC To Broadcast Darts Champs
ESPN has reached an agreement with BBC Sport and the British Darts Organisation (BDO) for the two broadcasters to share coverage of the 2013 Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships.
The BBC will screen exclusively live coverage of the afternoon sessions of the tournament over the opening weekend of 5th and 6th January 2013. ESPN will broadcast both evening sessions of the opening weekend plus every weekday evening session from 7th to 11th exclusively live.
BBC coverage is presented by Colin Murray, who will once again be joined by two-time World Championship runner-up Bobby George. ESPN’s live televised darts coverage will be led by Ray Stubbs, presenter of both the BDO World Professional Darts Championships and the Winmau World Masters for several years during his career with the BBC.
Commentary for both broadcasters will come from Jim Proudfoot, Tony Green and Vassos Alexander.
Simon Potter, senior director, programming, ESPN, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: ‘Our first year broadcasting the competition this past January was a great success. We’re looking forward to being part of the wonderful atmosphere and excitement at the Lakeside as we continue to broaden our offering of live darts alongside other sports.’
Philip Bernie, head TV sport, BBC said: ‘We are delighted to be showing the World Professional Darts Championship once again on BBC TV , and look forward greatly to its unique mix of top Darts action, great entertainment and a wonderful atmosphere.’
