United Kingdom

[GB] ITC Publishes Code for Listed Events

IRIS 1997-5:1/19

Stefaan Verhulst

PCMLP University of Oxford

The Independent Television Commission (ITC) is required by the Broadcasting Act 1996 (Part IV, Section 104) to draw up a code giving guidance on certain matters relating to the televising of sports, and other events of national interest, which have been listed by the Secretary of State. This code was published at the beginning of April 1997 after consultation with all interested parties.

An event may be listed because it is of "national" interest within England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Island. This allows events to be shown only in those parts of the UK in which there is likely to be the most viewer interest. It is however important to stress that the Broadcasting Act 1996 does not require or guarantee live coverage of listed events, including coverage on Channel 3, Channel 4 and the BBC. Nor does the Act prohibit exclusive live coverage of listed events on these or other services. However, before it will agree to exclusive coverage, the ITC will need to be convinced that broadcasters have been given a fair and reasonable opportunity to acquire rights. The current listed events are: FA Cup Final, Scottish FA Cup Final, FIFA World Cup Finals, The Derby, Grand National, Olympic Games, Wimbledon Tennis Championships and England Cricket Test Matches. The Secretary of State may add events to and delete events from the list at any time, but only after consultation with the BBC, the Welsh Authority, the ITC and the holder of the rights for the event in question.