The BBC has applied for Ofcom consent to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Open Golf Championship on BBC1 and BBC2 in July 2004.
This is a Group B Listed Event which means that the rights to broadcast highlights or deferred coverage must have been offered to broadcasters providing services in the other category from BBC1 and BBC2, as specified in the Broadcasting Act 1996 i.e. cable, satellite and digital services, and Channel 5. The rules which apply are set out in the Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events (revised January 2002).
In the case of the Open Ofcom understands that the rights have been offered to broadcasters in the other category which are likely to be interested, and that they have declined to take up the opportunity.
The Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events can be found on Ofcom's website.