Beeb boss gives up TV rights to 'elitist' boat race

THE BBC has surrendered broadcasting rights to the Oxford and Cambridge university boat race to Channel 4.

- By Giles Sheldrick

Cambridge University's men's team celebrate after beating Oxford in 2023

The event, staged on the River Thames every year, was first shown by the corporation in 1938 and will now air on the commercial channel next year.

Figures involved in talks claimed the BBC's director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, had suggested the event was elitist.

One insider said: “The head of sport showed very little enthusiasm, believing that a showcase for London, the UK and two of our top universities is elitist.”