The BBC's Glastonbury Coverage Does Not Provide 'Best Possible Value For Money'

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The BBC's coverage of major sports and music events like Glastonbury has been criticised for not providing the "best possible value for money".

A report published today by The National Audit Office (NAO) analysed the BBC's expenditure at six sporting and music events in 2008.

Despite finding that the public generally enjoy the BBC's thorough coverage, the NAO recommended that the broadcasting corporation should spend less and draw up clearer financial plans.

It was found that the BBC spent £1.737million to cover Glastonbury in 2008, while a further £888,000 was spent on the Radio 1 Big Weekend.

Amyas Morse, Head of the National Audit Office, said: "Given the current economic conditions, the BBC has not done enough to demonstrate that its coverage provides the best possible value for money.

"When the BBC decides that it wants to cover a major sporting or music event, it should carefully explore a range of options, and set down clear objectives against which it can measure its achievements after the event.

"Without that, the BBC will not convince licence fee payers that their money has been well spent."

Other events that were investigated were the Beijing Olympics, Euro 2008, Wimbledon and the BBC Proms.