This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7610137.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Brown worry on football coverage Brown worry on football coverage
(30 minutes later)
Gordon Brown has said it was "unfortunate" more football fans could not watch many of this week's World Cup qualifiers amid a row over TV coverage.Gordon Brown has said it was "unfortunate" more football fans could not watch many of this week's World Cup qualifiers amid a row over TV coverage.
Just 290,000 people saw highlights of England against Croatia on Setanta after the broadcaster could not agree a deal to sell rights to ITV or the BBC.Just 290,000 people saw highlights of England against Croatia on Setanta after the broadcaster could not agree a deal to sell rights to ITV or the BBC.
Live coverage on Setanta's pay-TV channel was seen by 1.55m people, well below figures for previous games.Live coverage on Setanta's pay-TV channel was seen by 1.55m people, well below figures for previous games.
Scotland's game against Russia was also only available live on pay-per-view. Scotland's game against Iceland was also only available live on pay-TV.
'Answers''Answers'
Many fans were angry they were unable to watch highlights of the games on a terrestrial channel.Many fans were angry they were unable to watch highlights of the games on a terrestrial channel.
That is something that I think a lot of supporters will want to have answers to Gordon BrownThat is something that I think a lot of supporters will want to have answers to Gordon Brown
Mr Brown said he sympathised with supporters' concerns.Mr Brown said he sympathised with supporters' concerns.
"It is perhaps a little unfortunate that large numbers of people were not able to see the match live," he said."It is perhaps a little unfortunate that large numbers of people were not able to see the match live," he said.
"And that is something that I think a lot of supporters will want to have answers to.""And that is something that I think a lot of supporters will want to have answers to."
Viewing figures for the highlights package of England's game was below those for similar matches shown in the past on the BBC, which have attracted audiences of up to 2.5 million.Viewing figures for the highlights package of England's game was below those for similar matches shown in the past on the BBC, which have attracted audiences of up to 2.5 million.
Setanta decided shortly before the matches to show the highlights on its free-to-air channel, as well as highlights of Scotland's game, when it could not reach a deal with any other broadcaster for the rights.Setanta decided shortly before the matches to show the highlights on its free-to-air channel, as well as highlights of Scotland's game, when it could not reach a deal with any other broadcaster for the rights.
Setanta, which is reported to have paid £5m for the rights to show the England game, said other broadcasters were unwilling to pay a fair price.Setanta, which is reported to have paid £5m for the rights to show the England game, said other broadcasters were unwilling to pay a fair price.
The row over TV coverage has led to calls from some MPs for ministers to bring forward a review of so-called listed sporting events which are guaranteed free-to-air coverage of some sort.The row over TV coverage has led to calls from some MPs for ministers to bring forward a review of so-called listed sporting events which are guaranteed free-to-air coverage of some sort.
But ministers have said there will be no review until watchdog Ofcom has completed its current analysis of public service broadcasting.But ministers have said there will be no review until watchdog Ofcom has completed its current analysis of public service broadcasting.
Mr Brown congratulated all the home nations on their performances - giving special praise for 19-year-old Theo Walcott, who scored a hat-trick in England's 4-1 win against Croatia.Mr Brown congratulated all the home nations on their performances - giving special praise for 19-year-old Theo Walcott, who scored a hat-trick in England's 4-1 win against Croatia.