United Kingdom

[GB] Committee Recommends Changes to System of Listed Events

IRIS 1998-5:1/23

Tony Prosser

University of Bristol Law School

Under the Broadcasting Act 1996, a system of 'listed events' exists in the UK which protects certain key sporting events from being shown exclusively on a subscription basis and guarantees their availability to freeto-air channels. A committee was established by the Minister for Culture, Media and Sport to review the list and it has now reported. It recommends replacing the current single list with 'A' and 'B' lists. The 'A' list would give full protection for live coverage, whilst the 'B' list would ony require partial or delayed coverage and the showing of highlights.

The 'A' list would broadly reflect the current list with the exception of home international cricket matches. The 'B' list would include Five Nations and World Cup Rugby, the golf Open and Ryder Cup, and soccer World Cup and European Championship matches not included in the 'A' list.