The BBC has clarified why it will not provide live television coverage of the Paralympic Games, despite extensive coverage of the Olympics. The television rights for the Paralympics were awarded to Channel 4 by the London organising committee, Locog, in January 2010.
A BBC spokesperson stated that the decision is not due to a lack of commitment to disability sport. The BBC has a long-standing tradition of covering the Paralympics and disability sport, valued by sports governing bodies in the UK and envied worldwide.
While live TV coverage is absent, the BBC will offer extensive radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra, with daily programmes from the Olympic Park. Presenters include John Inverdale, Shelagh Fogarty, and former Paralympians Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Marc Woods.
Local radio stations and BBC News outlets will report on athletes' achievements, though access to venues and footage is limited. The BBC's digital platforms will feature dedicated Paralympics sections with news, results, schedules, and live text commentary.
The BBC wishes Channel 4 well and notes that some familiar faces from its Olympic coverage, such as Clare Balding and Jonathan Edwards, will appear on Channel 4. The BBC remains committed to building the profile of the Paralympics and disability sport.
