Part 1: Public service television Sporting and other events of national interest Section 23: Regulations about coverage of listed events
Section 104ZA is amended so that OFCOM can define, in Regulations, what is to be considered to be "live coverage" and what is to be taken to represent the provision of "adequate live coverage" of a multi-sport Group A event. The section sets out the matters that OFCOM must take into account when defining adequate live coverage in their regulations, including the forms of live coverage that would satisfy the interests of the public; and the desirability of facilitating arrangements that result in live coverage of listed events being shown on both PSBs and non-PSBs. This section seeks to ensure that, in doing this, OFCOM should recognise the value that partnership deals can provide in that they can support both a wide audience being able to access an event, and optimal income generation for sports bodies, who support the sporting sector by reinvesting in their sport. To protect audience interests, and in keeping with previous deals, adequate live coverage will have to consist of at least two live broadcasts on PSB television programme services. OFCOM are given the power to set this higher if they deem it necessary or appropriate, and could also set requirements around percentage of coverage, or other considerations. OFCOM will be able to ensure editorial freedom for all parties, which would provide PSBs with the flexibility to programme their coverage of listed multi-sport events to show the moments that are the most important to UK audiences.