Top sports events secured for free TV
Legislation to protect the Irish Republic’s “crown jewels” sporting events for terrestrial TV has been signed into law by President Mary McAleese.
The Irish Broadcasting Bill 2003 affects a range of sports occasions, including all of Ireland’s home and away fixtures in soccer’s World Cup and European Championships, Irish matches in the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations tournaments and the summer Olympic Games.
The move follows a row last year when the Football Association of Ireland signed a contract with Sky Sports.
Announcing the move, communications minister Dermot Ahern said he was determined that the public should not be excluded from seeing major events on television because they could not afford to pay subscription TV rates.
He added: “This act will ensure that sports of major importance will not end up out of reach to those who wish to view them.
“It will prevent the advent of a two-tier television system, which would deprive the public of involvement in events that are part of our national identity.
“Access to such events should not be restricted only to those who can afford to pay the rates demanded by subscription or pay-per-view television services."
