I've noticed some discussion in the Formula One blogosphere recently about how the sport is covered by the various worldwide television broadcasters. As I result, I'm going to provide a brief overview of how the land lies in some key markets. If you have any information about countries I haven't listed, then please leave a comment below, and I'll amend the posting later in the week.

One country I haven't mentioned is the United Kingdom. The reason for this is that I plan to write a couple of more detailed posts, looking at Formula One television coverage in the UK, over the next week or so.

Catalonia - TV3 provides live coverage, and has been a longtime supporter of Formula One. They had been the host broadcaster of Grand Prix at Barcelona, up until Formula One Management took over responsibilities in 2007. Even when no nationwide coverage was available in Spain, TV3 broadcast Formula One live in Catalonia. Their loyalty hasn't been valued by FOM, though, and the television rights to Formula One within Catalonia will transfer exclusively to the Mediapro Group in 2009, who will broadcast races on their La Sexta channel. As La Sexta transmits only in Spanish, those within Catalonia will no longer have the option of watching Formula One races in Catalan.

France - The rights are owned by Groupe TF1, and broadcasting is usually split over two channels. Eurosport France shows live coverage of all practice sessions, and offers delayed coverage of both qualifying and the races. Usually, live coverage of the races is broadcast TF1, although the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix was televised live of Eurosport France, with TF1 providing coverage of Euro 2008 at the same time.

Germany - Coverage is split between three broadcasters, offering the most comprehensive Formula One coverage of anywhere in the world. Free-to-air broadcaster DSF televises both Friday practice sessions live, in addition to delayed coverage of qualifying and the races. RTL (Germany's largest free-to-air broadcaster) shows both qualifying sessions and races live. Finally Premiere, a pay-TV platform, offers a complete live and interactive service - of practice, qualifying and the races - with a choice of six screens.

Italy - State-owned Rai Uno televise races live, whilst qualifying is shown live on Rai Due. SKY Italia, meanwhile, provide a similar service to German pay-TV company Premiere.

Spain - Traditionally Formula One coverage has been limited in Spain. With the likes of Alex Criville and Carlos Sainz enjoying success in motorcycle racing and rallying respectively, Formula One struggled to hold much interest in the country. However, with two Spanish drivers set to compete in 1999, public service broadcaster TVE came to an arrangement with TV3 (who held the rights for Spain, but only broadcast in Catalonia) which allowed them to televise Formula One. More recently, coverage has been shown on Telecinco, and will switch to La Sexta in 2009.

United States - Speed has been the primary broadcaster for Formula One in the United States for some time. The channel has tailored its coverage towards more knowledgable fans, an approach that has earned Speed a great deal of respect. Their line-up of Bob Varsha, David Hobbs, Steve Matchett and Peter Windsor is generally very highly regarded. Speed, however, has a limited audience reach, so FOM is keen to increase the amount of network TV coverage the sport receives. This year, the Canadian, French, British and German races were broadcast live exclusively on Fox Sports (part of the same media group as Speed). During the 2002 season, a limited number of races were broadcast of ABC, using F1 Digital+ commentators Ben Edwards and John Watson. Although in Europe they are often acknowledged as being amongst the very best Formula One broadcasters, their commentary was not well received in the US.