Murdoch eyes national sports channel
Rupert Murdoch is reportedly angling to launch a nationwide sports channel to rival ESPN, according to Bloomberg News.
Murdoch, who has repeatedly harnessed sport to boost his satellite channels, is said to be considering a makeover of Fuel, News Corps action sports network, to fulfil the new brief.
It follows News Corps recent acquisition of the US rights to several events, including the soccer world cup in 2018 and 2022 and the Pac-12 college athletics conference.
Murdoch has cited sport as the “battering ram” behind his SkyTV empire.
The new channel could be on air as early as the end of the year and would allow News Corp to negotiate higher fees from pay TV providers.
David Hill, chairman of Fox Sports, is said to be leading efforts to launch the station.