THE PUBLIC has been invited to submit ideas on major sporting events which should by law be available “free to air” on terrestrial television.
Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan said yesterday that he was reviewing the list of events designated as of major importance to society.
Under section 9 of the 2003 Broadcasting Act, those events must be covered on a live or deferred basis by a qualifying broadcaster.
“There are certain events which should fall outside the solely commercial remit. These are events that are much more than matches or ceremonies,” said Mr Ryan.
“I would urge interested members of the public to submit their ideas, which I can promise will be noted with great care.”
The events designated include the summer Olympics, the All-Ireland senior football and hurling finals, the qualifying games in the European football championships and World Cup.
Also included are the opening games, the semi-finals and the final of the European football championship and the FIFA world cup finals tournament, the games in the rugby world cup finals tournament, the Irish Grand National and Irish derby, the nations’ cup at the Dublin Horse Show and Ireland’s games in the six nations rugby football championship.
The public have until May 8th to submit their ideas to the Minister.
It is understood that Mr Ryan is considering including the Heineken Cup rugby tournament, although his decision will not be in time to affect the TV coverage of next month’s Munster-Leinster match at Croke Park. Despite the interest in the match it will not be shown live on RTÉ as Sky Sports has exclusive rights to show Heineken Cup matches live.
Senator Alan Kelly (Lab) last night called on Mr Ryan to ensure the Munster-Leinster game was available on terrestrial television.
