Xfm takes on Manchester United commentary rights

LONDON - GCap Media's Xfm in Manchester has taken over the commentary rights for Manchester United FC from GMG Radio in time for the 2007/8 season.

The station will begin full and uninterrupted commentary on Sunday (August 12) with a match against Reading, and will then cover every game, home and away.

Xfm is yet to announce its full commentary line up but has confirmed ex-United player Mickey Thomas will be involved as a pundit.

GMG Radio's 105.4 Century FM chose to give up its rights to broadcast commentary on the team's games after nine years.
GMG sales director Julian Carter said this week that the station was aiming to become more female friendly and that owning the commentary rights gave the station an "unfair Manchester bias", alienating listeners in Lancashire and Liverpool.

Media Week 06-Aug-07, 12:05