The Government announced yesterday that it will ensure key sporting events remain freely available to all viewers and listeners. An amendment to stop ‘listed events’ being shown live on an exclusive basis by subscription or pay-per-view services will be included in the Broadcasting Bill which is being considered by Parliament.
The move comes after the House of Lords voted overwhelmingly in favour of protecting certain sports. The eight ‘listed’ events are: the FA Cup Final; Scottish FA Cup Final; FIFA World Cup Finals; the Olympics; Test Matches involving England; the Grand National; the Derby; and the Finals weekend of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Virginia Bottomley, National Heritage Secretary, said that these events were not totally banned from satellite services because “the financial effect on sporting bodies could be considerable. It would also impose legislative rigidity at a time when broadcasters are seeking flexibility to respond to technological and market developments.”
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