Channel 4 named Network of the Year at the British Sports Journalism Awards

8 March 2022

Channel 4 has been named the Sports Network of the Year at the British Sports Journalism Awards.

The success comes after a year which saw a host of first class live sporting events, including Emma Raducanu's stunning US Open win, broadcast live on Channel 4 thanks to rights and deals secured by the Channel 4 Sports team.

Louisa Compton, Head of Channel 4 News and Current Affairs, Specialist Factual and Sport, said: “This is testament to the incredible hard work of the sports team here at Channel 4, it’s a very small team and each and every one of them should be very proud of what this fantastic achievement.”

The SJA (Sports Journalists’ Association) British Sports Journalism Awards celebrate excellence among the country’s sports writers, photographers, broadcasters and editors.

2021 saw Channel 4 broadcast of a huge range of free to air events in addition to Raducanu’s win at the US Open which attracted more than nine million viewers. Other live coverage included: the British & Irish Lions; England’s Test tour of India; Ireland rugby union internationals; and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games which attracted 20 million viewers.

Channel 4 also showed live coverage of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix in addition to highlights throughout the season, and live coverage of the thrilling, deciding final race of the season from Abu Dhabi.

Channel 4’s Head of Sport Pete Andrews said: “It’s been an astonishing year and 2022 is shaping up to be just as exciting. The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics on air at the moment, the Betfred Super League rugby season is under way as is the Formula E Championship and we’re already broadcasting the hugely popular Professional Fighters League. We’re working with some fantastic partners and production companies who must also share the credit for this award.”