Listed Events Regime: Digital Rights Review

(asked on 13th December 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Department's publication, Listed Events: Digital Rights Review, published on 15 November 2022, whether she plans to implement the findings of that consultation through legislative proposals in a Media Bill.


Answered by
Julia Lopez Portrait
Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
This question was answered on 20th December 2022

The Government believes that certain sporting events of national interest should be shown on free-to-air television so that they can be enjoyed by as wide an audience as possible. We want to ensure that as viewing habits change and technology evolves the regulatory framework remains fit for purpose.

The Government is speaking to stakeholders to look at whether in the face of technological change, the objectives of the existing regime are still being met and whether digital rights should be included in the regime. The review will need to balance the ability for audiences to watch national sporting events at no additional cost with the ability for sporting organisations to generate revenues from sports rights to re-invest in their sports at all levels.

We are still considering this issue, and it is important we consult relevant stakeholders as we look to deliver for audiences. If the Government decides to make changes that require legislation, we will consider the best legislative vehicle to deliver it in the usual way.

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