Menu
10/08/2010
'Free To Air Sports' Face Gov Review
The Republic of Ireland's Minister for Communications has appointed an panel of consultants to review whether the current list of 'free to air' sports events should remain available only to freely airing channels.
Minister Eamon Ryan announced he has appointed expert consultants to examine the current list of sporting events available as free-to-air, which include Irish Rugby and GAA.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has been critical of the current situation where competitions such as the Six Nations and Heineken Cup are available on terrestrial TV and can't be sold exclusively to pay per view broadcasters.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the GAA have also expressed concern at elements of the proposals.
Following a month-long tender process, Indecon International Economic Consultants has been chosen to study the proposal and prepare a report on the Review of Designated Events and the Designation of Events of Major Importance to Society under the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Minister Ryan is obliged to review the list of sporting events of public importance that should be made available on free-to-air television under the terms of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the Broadcasting Act 2009.
The events currently designated under the Broadcasting Act, 2009 are the Summer Olympics, the All-Ireland football and hurling finals, Ireland's home and away qualifying and any tournament games in the soccer European championships and the FIFA World Cup tournaments, Ireland's games in the Rugby World Cup Finals Tournament and the Irish Grand National and the Irish Derby. The Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show also feature on the list.
Last years ruling saw each of Ireland's games in the Six Nations Rugby Football Championship designated as an event of "major importance to society" but the rights were only extended on a deferred basis for free to air stations.
Minister Ryan now wants Ireland's games in the Six Nations Rugby Football Championship to move from deferred to live, and is also calling for the inclusion of the Cheltenham Festival in the list.
The Minister said: "This contract is to research, analyse, and evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and financial aspects and impacts of the designation of events of major importance to society, for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest."
He added: "It is my intention to use the report in finalising my consideration of the many complex issues involved in the designation process and I will be asking all key stakeholders to assist the consultants in whatever way possible so that all relevant information and views are taken fully into account."
(DW)
Minister Eamon Ryan announced he has appointed expert consultants to examine the current list of sporting events available as free-to-air, which include Irish Rugby and GAA.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has been critical of the current situation where competitions such as the Six Nations and Heineken Cup are available on terrestrial TV and can't be sold exclusively to pay per view broadcasters.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the GAA have also expressed concern at elements of the proposals.
Following a month-long tender process, Indecon International Economic Consultants has been chosen to study the proposal and prepare a report on the Review of Designated Events and the Designation of Events of Major Importance to Society under the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Minister Ryan is obliged to review the list of sporting events of public importance that should be made available on free-to-air television under the terms of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the Broadcasting Act 2009.
The events currently designated under the Broadcasting Act, 2009 are the Summer Olympics, the All-Ireland football and hurling finals, Ireland's home and away qualifying and any tournament games in the soccer European championships and the FIFA World Cup tournaments, Ireland's games in the Rugby World Cup Finals Tournament and the Irish Grand National and the Irish Derby. The Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show also feature on the list.
Last years ruling saw each of Ireland's games in the Six Nations Rugby Football Championship designated as an event of "major importance to society" but the rights were only extended on a deferred basis for free to air stations.
Minister Ryan now wants Ireland's games in the Six Nations Rugby Football Championship to move from deferred to live, and is also calling for the inclusion of the Cheltenham Festival in the list.
The Minister said: "This contract is to research, analyse, and evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and financial aspects and impacts of the designation of events of major importance to society, for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest."
He added: "It is my intention to use the report in finalising my consideration of the many complex issues involved in the designation process and I will be asking all key stakeholders to assist the consultants in whatever way possible so that all relevant information and views are taken fully into account."
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 May 2010
Sporting Events 'Free' On Irish TV
Forthcoming free-to-air events in the Irish Republic have been revealed. Dublin Communications Minister Eamon Ryan announced the list of events he proposes to designate as of "major importance to society", thus making them free-to-air for Irish television viewers.
Sporting Events 'Free' On Irish TV
Forthcoming free-to-air events in the Irish Republic have been revealed. Dublin Communications Minister Eamon Ryan announced the list of events he proposes to designate as of "major importance to society", thus making them free-to-air for Irish television viewers.
04 September 2014
Dublin's O2 Arena To Be Renamed
The O2 arena in Dublin is to be renamed '3Arena', it has been reported. The change follows a takeover of O2 Ireland by Three Ireland last year. Elaine Carey, CCO of Three Ireland, is quoted as saying: "Three is delighted to bring more enhanced music experiences to Three and O2 customers and music fans alike.
Dublin's O2 Arena To Be Renamed
The O2 arena in Dublin is to be renamed '3Arena', it has been reported. The change follows a takeover of O2 Ireland by Three Ireland last year. Elaine Carey, CCO of Three Ireland, is quoted as saying: "Three is delighted to bring more enhanced music experiences to Three and O2 customers and music fans alike.
24 November 2015
'Ireland 2016' Launches In UK
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan has launched 'Ireland 2016', a "busy and exciting programme of creative, community and commemorative events to take place in Britain to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising and historical events of 1916".
'Ireland 2016' Launches In UK
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan has launched 'Ireland 2016', a "busy and exciting programme of creative, community and commemorative events to take place in Britain to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising and historical events of 1916".
21 August 2019
Festivals And Events Across Ireland For National Science Week
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) have announced an investment of almost €480,000 to support festivals and events across the country as part of national Science Week (SW). A total of 13 festivals and 13 unique events will be held between 10th - 17th November, with this years SW theme being climate action.
Festivals And Events Across Ireland For National Science Week
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) have announced an investment of almost €480,000 to support festivals and events across the country as part of national Science Week (SW). A total of 13 festivals and 13 unique events will be held between 10th - 17th November, with this years SW theme being climate action.
05 May 2011
Minister Reviews 'Free-To-Air' Sporting Events
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has decided that the current list of sports events designated for coverage on free-to- air television services should not be amended at this time.
Minister Reviews 'Free-To-Air' Sporting Events
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has decided that the current list of sports events designated for coverage on free-to- air television services should not be amended at this time.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
