Letter: Hype grand prix

Sir: Kelvin MacKenzie is in danger of believing his own hype when he claims to have "broadcasting rights" to the Australian Grand Prix ("You're Through to Talk Radio", 25 February). Radio 5 Live has exclusive commentary rights to all Formula One Grands Prix - including the Australian. Talk Radio has news access only. Mr MacKenzie's happy little band of listeners should not be misled.

The idea that we are throwing public money into sports rights to get the audiences is simply wrong. With the help sometimes of European public- service broadcasters, we have brought sports coverage at a modest cost to UK licence-payers. And it is not just sport that drives audiences: 5 Live's most popular programme is the weekday Breakfast Show.

MIKE LEWIS

Controller Radio Sports Rights

BBC Radio 5 Live

London W12