Lib Dems launch first ever dedicated TalkSport party election broadcast 

EMBARGO: Immediate release 

• Liberal Democrat Tim Farron to appear on talkSPORT in the UK’s first ever party election broadcast on sport

• As England get their Euros 2024 campaign underway, Farron speaks to football fans in bid to support fans facing rising ticket prices and subscription fees

• Lib Dems are calling for a “free-to-air revolution” for sporting events with some Premier League matches to be shown on free-to-air TV channels

The Liberal Democrats have reiterated calls for Premier League football to be shown on free-to-air TV channels, as a new Party Election Broadcast airs on Thursday targeting football fans. 

Liberal Democrat Tim Farron will appear on talkSPORT Radio to drive home the free-to-air revolution announced in the party’s election manifesto. The broadcast centres on football, whilst also attacking the Conservatives’ record on the NHS and cost of living crisis. 

While certain sporting events, such as the Euros, are legally protected for free-to-air broadcasting, fans of the English Premier League are unable to watch a single game live on free-to-air television.

This comes as the England Men’s National Football Team kicked off their Euros campaign on Sunday, with nearly 15 million viewers tuning into BBC One.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to expand the list of sporting fixtures which must have live coverage on free to air channels, by amending the Broadcasting Act 1996. This includes 10 Premier League games a season put on free-to-air TV.

Former Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron said:

"It is scandalous that millions of fans are locked out of watching their team through sky high season ticket prices and expensive subscription services.

“As we watch players like Saka and Foden light up the Euros, it is a disgrace that the majority of fans are unable to watch them in the Premier League.

“The Premier League, the EFL and the SPL are part of our shared football heritage. We must tear down the paywall and give football back to the fans, starting with 10 Premier Leagues a season on free-to-air.

“Rising subscription fees and season tickets are pricing ordinary fans out of watching live football. It is time for a free-to-air revolution. 

“From broken promises on a new Football Regulator, the Conservative government has badly let down football fans.”
 

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Full broadcast available here