ITV Breaches Broadcasting Act With World Cup Coverage

ITV has been found guilty of breaching the 1996 Broadcasting Act after switching a football match to ITV2 at half time.

The second half of the South Africa vs. Paraguay match was shown on ITV2 to make way for coverage of the England vs. Sweden game on ITV1.

According to the ITC, there were 30 complaints, some of which specifically stated that ITV had breached provisions of the 1996 Broadcasting Act. These regulations require broadcasters to request permission from the ITC of any changes affecting the national broadcasting of important sporting events.

In its defense ITV said that if it had not given full coverage to the England match, it would have led to a greater discontent among viewers. They also expressed regret they have not consulted with the ITC in advance.

The ITC, accepting there was probably greater interest in the England game and the fact the breach only related to a small segment of its World Cup coverage, decided not to impose any sanctions.

This is the first time ITV has been found in breach of the Broadcasting Act. Both the BBC and ITV had previously arranged to show matches which clashed on ITV Sport and BBC Choice. However, ITV appears to have overlooked the South Africa vs. Paraguay match in its planning.

ITC: 020 7306 7743 www.itc.org.uk ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.co.uk

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