The BBC has applied for Ofcom consent to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament on BBC1 and BBC2 in 2005-9.
The Wimbledon Tennis Finals are a Group A Listed Event which means that the rights to broadcast live coverage must have been offered to the two categories of broadcasters specified in the Broadcasting Act 1996: those providing services which are free to air and have national coverage (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and Channel 4) and those providing other services. Non-Finals Play in the Tournament is a Group B Listed Event. This 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. 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 Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Ofcom understands that the rights to live coverage of the Finals and to highlights/deferred coverage of Non-Finals Play have been offered to the relevant broadcasters, and that they have declined to take up the opportunity.
Ofcom is now inviting such broadcasters, and any other interested parties, to comment on the BBC’s request. Comments should be sent to Michael Johnson, Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA (email: michael.johnson@ofcom.org.uk) by Friday 27 May 2005. Unless confidentiality is requested, all comments will be available to view on Ofcom’s website after the consultation has closed.
The Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events can be found on Ofcom’s website (www.ofcom.org.uk).