RTÉ retains Premier League highlights rights

RTÉ Television has retained highlights rights to the Premier League up to and including the 2012/2013 season.

Montrose will use its Saturday night slot to deliver over 40 programmes per season over the next three years.

However, it is believed that the national broadcaster has failed to pinch the Saturday live radio rights from Today FM.

Newstalk Radio is understood to have retained Sunday live commentary rights.

Ryle Nugent, Deputy Head of Sport, RTÉ Television said: “We’re delighted to continue to show the best of the Barclays Premier League action so that the widest possible audience can enjoy the success of Irish footballers in the league along with all the top class football free-to-air.

“The strength of our expert analysis and the uniquely Irish perspective that our pundits offer on the league continues to prove a favourite for fans, with over 200,000 viewers tuning in to the top-rated programme last season.”