Audience Council for Nothern Ireland

 

The BBC Trust has published the BBC’s submission to the DCMS consultation on Free To Air Listed Events. The Trust believes very strongly in the principle of a list of sporting events which, because of their public value, should remain reserved for free to air broadcasters.

This is the view taken by the Audience Council which advised the Trust on issues in respect of sporting events in Northern Ireland. It noted the diversity of sporting interests in Northern Ireland as well as the complex nature of the contracts for many sporting events of interest to local audiences.

The Trust also noted that the original list had been compiled before devolution and advised that the list be extended to reflect better the sporting passions in the four nations.

The BBC Executive has provided a full response to the DCMS consultation, including a list of events which it considers appropriate for the Free To Air List.  Suggested additions include the Commonwealth Games and, reflecting Audience Council advice, live nations home and away qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships in each nation.

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