The Scottish Premier League (SPL) today announced the appointment of IMG Media as advisors to the SPL in relation to the potential establishment of an SPL television channel.

IMG Media is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming. With their wealth of expertise and experience in this area, IMG Media will advise the SPL Board over the next six months and provide a full evaluation on the potential of an SPL own-channel solution. IMG Media were selected from a competitive bidding process involving over twenty companies.

Neil Doncaster, SPL Chief Executive, commented: “A number of other European football leagues have gone down this route or are currently exploring this option.  It is vital that the SPL fully understands the risks and rewards from an own-channel solution, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve Scottish football. The concept represents an opportunity for us to shape a unique channel for fans of Scottish football and we look forward to working with supporter groups to hear their views.”

Reel Enterprises remain advisers to the SPL in respect of the current live rights deal with Sky Sports and ESPN.

The current domestic live television rights deal with Sky Sports and ESPN continues until the end of season 2013/14; but the SPL has an option terminate that contract at the end of season 2011/12