LUTV

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LUTV

Launched	2001
Owned by	Leeds United A.F.C
Formerly called	Leeds United TV & Radio
Website	LUTV

LUTV (Leeds United Television) is an English subscription-based internet television channel, operated by Leeds United A.F.C..

The channel is divided into four sections: news, live audio/video, match highlights and features.

1 History
2 Sections
3 References
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] History

Former LUTV logo.

The concept of such a channel emerged back in 1999, when it was announced on September 29 that LUTV could be on air at some point in 2000 if the BSkyB deal was approved at an EGM scheduled for the following monday.^[1] However, nothing more materialised until the channel was provided on a free one-month trial run in March 2001 by eGlobal Digital, a leading technology firm. A club-specific WAP service was also created at the same time and it became the first of its kind in the football world.^[2]

This trial took place as a precaution to ensure that the firm would be able to provide the required content and that there would be a good fit between the club's and the firm's ambitions and mode of business. The company supplied LUTV with the ADSL technology required to provide fans with access to pre-match preparations and press conferences – "the news behind the news", as Andrew Cucksey, the then-Leeds United marketing manager, branded the initiative. The pre-match preparations for Leeds' Champions League match against Spanish side Real Madrid were broadcast on March 6 and the fans were told that even if the relationship fell through, the club would be committed to LUTV and would continue the service with another provider.

Initially, LUTV was carried by RealPlayer, but it was not of true broadcast quality. However, nowadays the content is digitally broadcast due to the development of more sophisticated technology. The club's WAP service was carried by BT Cellnet and the special Siemens handset could be used to purchase tickets, place bets on Leeds United games and send emails to other Leeds fans. It was given away for free to fans signing a 12-month contract, along with one-month's free line rental. WAP Integrators provided a tailored information service for users.

Presently, the service can only be accessed by paying a monthly or annual subscription.

[edit] Sections

Screenshot of LUTV's homepage.

[edit] United News

This section offers Leeds United fans exclusive access to Thom Kirwin's interviews with players and staff, including pre-match press conferences. There are occasionally interviews with people from outside the club.

[edit] Live Audio/Video

The channel provides live commentary of all first team games in every competition (ie. the league, cup matches and pre-season friendlies) courtesy of Yorkshire Radio. This service is also available for all the reserve team's away matches, whilst there is live video streaming of all home reserve team fixtures. The show starts 30 minutes before kick-off with the pre-match build up and several interviews.

Michael Weadock is the main commentator and he is joined by one of two former Leeds United players and club legends, depending on the venue – Norman Hunter for home ties and Peter Lorimer for away games. Sports correspondant and pitch-side reporter Thom Kirwin provides exclusive access to the Leeds dugout during the game.

[edit] Match Highlights

Extended highlights of every single Leeds United home game accompanied by the commentary of Michael Weadock and Norman Hunter can be found here and shorter highlights with no commentary are provided for all away matches.

There is also an archive of searchable highlights covering every game from 1992.