Channel 4 Puts Back Deadline Channel 4 has given the racing and betting industries until the end of the week to come up with a package that will ensure continued coverage of the sport into 2006. The channel had issued a deadline of midnight last night for the industry to come up with an #8 million subsidy to offset production costs. However, with meaningful discussions continuing yesterday and the prospect of a positive outcome remaining, the channel has delayed making a final decision. Channel 4 expects to be in a position to make a further statement by the end of the week. The midnight deadline had been set by the broadcaster to allow adequate time to develop a new daytime schedule in the event of its existing racing contracts not being renewed. The broadcaster is threatening to end its 21-year association with the sport, claiming it is losing money through coverage. But requests for the #8 million subsidy from racing and betting interests were unanimously rejected last week, leaving any future coverage hinging on last-minute talks. ? PA Sport
