Editing The Open Championship (section)

==Broadcasting==
{{further|List of The Open Championship broadcasters}}
The distribution of The Open is provided by a partnership between R&A Productions, European Tour Productions (both run by [[IMG (company)|IMG]]) and CTV Outside Broadcasting. The broadcasters with onsite production are [[Sky UK|Sky]] (UK), [[NBC]] (USA), [[BBC]] (UK), and [[TV Asahi]] (Japan).<ref name="IMG">{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/07/21/live-the-open-championship-198-camera-production-keeps-ctv-ob-on-the-move-rf-support-gets-a-lift/|title=Live From The Open Championship: 198 Cameras Keep CTV OB on the Move; RF Support Gets a Lift|last=Kerschbaumer|first=Ken|date=21 July 2018|work=SVG News|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230737/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/07/21/live-the-open-championship-198-camera-production-keeps-ctv-ob-on-the-move-rf-support-gets-a-lift/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Many non-British broadcasters referred to the Open as the "British" Open in their coverage until 2010, when [[The R&A]] introduced use of contractual terms in their media contracts, similar to the [[Masters Tournament|Masters]], and now rights holders are obliged to refer to the tournament as "The Open".<ref name="businsider-name" /> On 7 November 2018, the [[Comcast|parent company]] of the U.S. rights holder, [[NBC]], completed a takeover of the U.K. rights holder, [[Sky (company)|Sky]]. This means the media rights in the two primary markets are owned by the same company, albeit produced separately by two different [[Subsidiary|subsidiaries]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cmcsa.com/static-files/ab8e5d23-2bf7-4929-83cf-45033c1891d6|title=Recommended mandatory superior cash offer for Sky: Compulsory acquisition of Sky shares|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=1 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401063602/https://www.cmcsa.com/static-files/ab8e5d23-2bf7-4929-83cf-45033c1891d6|url-status=live}}</ref> There are over 170 cameras on site during the tournament, including cameras in the face of the Open's pot bunkers.<ref name="svg-open2016">{{cite web|title=Live From The Open Championship: A New Era Begins for the R&A|url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/07/15/live-from-the-open-championship-a-new-era-begins-for-the-ra/|website=Sports Video Group|date=15 July 2016|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-date=20 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720111619/http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/07/15/live-from-the-open-championship-a-new-era-begins-for-the-ra/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{Cite news |url=https://www.golfchannel.com/article/press-releases/nbc-sports-group-kicks-all-encompassing-coverage-147th-open/|title=NBC Sports Group Kicks Off All-Encompassing Coverage From The 147th Open |date=16 July 2018 |work=Golf Channel |access-date=18 January 2019}}</ref>

Ivor Robson was the announcer for 41 years; he died in October 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/ivor-robson-voice-of-the-open-dies-golf-world-pays-tribute|title=Ivor Robson, voice of The Open, dies; Tiger Woods and golf world pay tribute|date=17 October 2023|website=NBC Sports|access-date=18 October 2023|archive-date=18 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018111427/https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/ivor-robson-voice-of-the-open-dies-golf-world-pays-tribute|url-status=live}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
The BBC first started to broadcast the Open in 1955,<ref name="guardian-skydeal"/> with [[Peter Alliss]] involved since 1961, and having the role of lead commentator since 1978.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://golf.about.com/od/golfersmen/p/peter-alliss.htm |title=Peter Alliss – Biography of Golfer and Broadcaster Peter Alliss |publisher=Golf.about.com |first=Brent |last=Kelley |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118020726/http://golf.about.com/od/golfersmen/p/peter-alliss.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> With the growth of [[pay television]], and the increasing value of sporting rights, the BBC's golf portfolio began to reduce. The loss of the rights to the [[Scottish Open (golf)|Scottish Open]], and [[BMW PGA Championship]] in 2012 left the BBC's only golf coverage as the Open, and the final two days of the [[Masters Tournament|Masters]] (which it shared with Sky). With so little golf, the BBC was accused of neglecting investment in production and was criticised about its 'quality of coverage and innovation' compared to [[Sky UK|Sky]], which held the rights to most golf events. The tournament is considered a Category B event under the [[Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events]], which allows its rights to be held by a pay television broadcaster as long as sufficient secondary coverage is provided by a free-to-air broadcaster.<ref name="TheCode">{{cite web|url=http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/other-codes/ofcom_code_on_sport.pdf|title=Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events|date=March 2008|publisher=Ofcom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125053653/http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/other-codes/ofcom_code_on_sport.pdf|archive-date=25 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="guardian-skydeal"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/theopen/9221230/BBC-could-lose-the-Open-unless-it-shows-more-golf.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/theopen/9221230/BBC-could-lose-the-Open-unless-it-shows-more-golf.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=BBC could lose the Open unless it shows more golf|last=Reid|first=Alasdair|date=23 April 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=19 January 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Many were hoping that a deal similar to the Masters would be reached, where Sky had coverage of all four days, and the BBC also provided live weekend coverage, but Sky were not keen on this and won the full rights in 2015. Some were angered about the demise of golf on terrestrial television, and the impact that could have on the interest in golf in the U.K.,<ref name="guardian-whatif">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/14/golf-bbc-open-championship|title=What would it mean for golf if the BBC lost the Open Championship?|last=Murray|first=Ewan|date=14 January 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=30 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630140342/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/14/golf-bbc-open-championship|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="guardian-couldlose">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jan/08/bbc-open-coverage-rights|title=BBC could lose exclusive Open coverage rights as R&A ponders new deal|date=8 January 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=30 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630140343/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jan/08/bbc-open-coverage-rights|url-status=live}}</ref> whilst others were pleased about the perceived improved coverage that Sky would give.<ref name="UKbroadcast">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/theopen/11386938/BBC-loses-rights-to-broadcast-The-Open-Championship-to-Sky-Sports-from-2017.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/theopen/11386938/BBC-loses-rights-to-broadcast-The-Open-Championship-to-Sky-Sports-from-2017.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=BBC loses live rights to broadcast The Open Championship to Sky Sports from 2017|last=Rumsby|first=Ben|date=3 February 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=18 January 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Despite Peter Alliss promising on air that the BBC would cover the 2016 event, the BBC reached a deal for Sky to take the coverage. The BBC still covers the tournament, showing highlights from 8pm–10pm on tournament days and radio coverage on [[Radio 5 Live]]. The deal with Sky required the broadcaster to restrict its advertisement breaks to 4 minutes every hour, similar to the Masters.<ref name="UKbroadcast" /> Sky also offers complete coverage online through [[Now (Sky)|NOW]] to non-subscribers, which is £7.99 for one day, or £12.99 for a weeks access.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nowtv.com/watch-golf-online?awc=11006_1547835013_a4d589b03de085f7001e9728d621158c&DCMP=afc-nowtv:nc_General/gen|title=Don't miss out on the drama|website=NOW TV|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120044619/https://www.nowtv.com/watch-golf-online?awc=11006_1547835013_a4d589b03de085f7001e9728d621158c&DCMP=afc-nowtv:nc_General/gen|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Timeline of U.K. broadcasting rights====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="font-size:95%"
! scope="col" |Period
!Broadcaster
!Rights fee per annum
|-
|1955–2014
| rowspan="2" |[[BBC]]
|Varies
|-
|2015
|£7.0m
|-
|2016{{efn|name=BBCsold|BBC sold the rights to Sky for £7.0m}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Sky Sports]]
|£7.0m{{efn|name=BBCsold}}
|-
|2017–2021
|£15.0m
|-
|2022–2024
|Unknown
|}
<small>Ref:<ref name="guardian-skydeal">{{cite news |title=Sky Sports wins rights to show Open Championship golf live from 2017 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/03/sky-sports-buys-open-championship-golf-bbc |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Owen |last=Gibson |date=3 February 2015 |access-date=26 July 2016 |archive-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630140344/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/03/sky-sports-buys-open-championship-golf-bbc |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/31114083 |title=Open Championship: Sky wins rights; BBC to show highlights |date=3 February 2015 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=13 July 2016 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816211526/http://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/31114083 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/tour/open-championship/open-blog/sky-or-bbc-who-covered-the-open-better-109364|title=Sky Sports Or BBC: Who Covered The Open Better?|last=Tappin|first=Neil|date=17 July 2017|work=Golf Monthly|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230914/https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/tour/open-championship/open-blog/sky-or-bbc-who-covered-the-open-better-109364|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/the-open-sky-sports-tv-rights-deal-2024|title=The Open renews Sky Sports TV rights deal until 2024|date=10 June 2019|work=Sports Pro|access-date=22 December 2019|archive-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711060747/http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/the-open-sky-sports-tv-rights-deal-2024|url-status=live}}</ref></small>

===United States===
[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] began broadcasting the Open in 1962, with taped highlights on [[Wide World of Sports (U.S. TV series)|Wide World of Sports]].<ref name="NYT">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/09/sports/golf/nbc-expected-to-announce-12-year-deal-to-televise-the-british-open.html|title=NBC Announces 12-Year Deal to Televise the British Open|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|date=8 June 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230858/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/09/sports/golf/nbc-expected-to-announce-12-year-deal-to-televise-the-british-open.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the pre-digital age the coverage had to be converted from the U.K.'s [[PAL]] colour encoding system, to the U.S.'s [[NTSC]], which meant picture quality could be impacted, especially in the early years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.paradiso-design.net/TVsystems_worldwide.html|title=Color subcarrier and other characteristics of the different NTSC, PAL and SECAM Television Standards compared worldwide.|website=paradiso-design|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419155821/http://www.paradiso-design.net/TVsystems_worldwide.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The coverage expanded over the years, and as is common in America, there was a different early round rights holder, which was [[ESPN]] until 2003 when [[TNT (U.S. TV network)|TNT]] took over. Co-owned [[ESPN]] became responsible for ABC's sports coverage in 2006; it won the rights to cover all four days of the championship in 2010, and concurrently moved coverage to its channels. The Open became the first golf major to be covered exclusively on [[pay television]] in America, as ESPN left only highlights for its partner broadcast network.

After losing the rights to the [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Open]] in 2015, [[NBC]] bid aggressively to win the rights to the Open, and become a broadcaster of a [[Men's major golf championships|golf major]] again.<ref name="NYT" /> NBC also had a track record of broadcasting European sporting events successfully in the morning U.S. time with the [[Premier League]], [[Formula One]], and [[The Championships, Wimbledon|"Breakfast at Wimbledon"]], and was able to place early round coverage on its subsidiary [[Golf Channel]].<ref name="sbj-nbcbritishopen">{{cite journal|last1=Ourand|first1=John|last2=Lombardo|first2=John|date=8 June 2015|title=NBC, Golf Channel ending ABC/ESPN British Open reign|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/06/08/Media/British-Open.aspx|journal=Sports Business Journal|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-date=8 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608204631/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/06/08/Media/British-Open.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SBD NBC"/> NBC won the rights from 2017 to 2028.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Myers|first=Alex|date=18 May 2016|title=You won't believe how many hours of British Open coverage NBC/Golf Channel will show|url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/you-wont-believe-how-many-hours-of-british-open-coverage-nbcgolf-channel-will-show|magazine=Golf Digest|access-date=2018-12-17|archive-date=17 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217203048/https://www.golfdigest.com/story/you-wont-believe-how-many-hours-of-british-open-coverage-nbcgolf-channel-will-show|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NBC"/> ESPN also sold them the rights for 2016.<ref name="sbj-nbcopenearly">{{cite news|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/10/12/Media/NBC-Open.aspx|title=NBC getting British Open a year early|last=Ourand|first=John|date=12 October 2015|work=Sports Business Journal|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-date=12 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012184116/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/10/12/Media/NBC-Open.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2019 edition of the Open Championship had a total of 49 hours of coverage in the United States, with 29 hours being on Thursday and Friday, and 20 hours being on Saturday and Sunday; the Golf Channel cable network had a total of 34 hours of coverage, with 29 hours on Thursday and Friday, and 5 hours on Saturday and Sunday. The NBC broadcast network had a total of 15 hours of coverage on the weekend, with 8 hours Saturday, and 7 hours Sunday. The 49 total hours of coverage on Golf Channel and NBC is down 30 minutes from 2018; the difference is that NBC's Sunday coverage is down 30 minutes, from 7.5 hours in 2018, to 7 hours in 2019.

====Timeline of U.S. broadcasting rights====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="font-size:95%"
! scope="col" |Period
!Broadcaster
!Rights fee per annum
|-
|1962–2009
|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
|Varies
|-
|2010–2015
|[[ESPN]]
|$25.0m
|-
|2016{{efn|name=ESPNsold|ESPN sold the rights to NBC for an undisclosed fee}}
| rowspan="2" |[[NBC]]
|$25.0m{{efn||name=ESPNsold}}
|-
|2017–2028
|$50.0m
|}
<small>Ref:<ref name="SBD NBC">{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/06/08/Media/British-Open.aspx|title=NBC, Golf Channel ending ABC/ESPN British Open reign|last=Ourand|first=John|date=8 June 2015|work=Sports Business Daily|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820022302/https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/06/08/Media/British-Open.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref></small>

=== TheOpen.com ===
The Open provides limited coverage for free on its website including highlights, featured groups, featured holes, and radio coverage. The Open's local rights holders usually provide these feeds as part of their broadcast package.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theopen.com/LiveCoverage|title=Live Coverage|website=The Open|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230840/https://www.theopen.com/LiveCoverage|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Rest of the world ===
The Open produces a 'world feed' for use by international broadcasters if they require.<ref name="IMG" /> The other large golf markets in a similar time zone as the U.K. are the rest of Europe (where [[Sky (company)|Sky]], the U.K. broadcast company often has a presence), and [[South Africa]] where it is covered by [[SuperSport (South African TV channel)|SuperSport.]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.supersport.com/golf/open-championship|title=The Open|website=SuperSport|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043010/https://www.supersport.com/golf/open-championship|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Japan]], [[South Korea]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and increasingly [[China]] are markets with high media interest in golf and the Open, but the time zone means the prime coverage is shown in the early hours of the morning.