Ofcom has received a request from the BBC for consent to broadcast live coverage of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships. This tournament commences on Monday 21 June 2010.
Finals played in the Wimbledon Championships are Group A listed events which means that the rights to broadcast live coverage must have been offered to both categories of broadcasters specified in the Broadcasting Act 1996: those providing services which are free to air with national or near national coverage (the 'first category'; currently BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five) and those providing all other television services (the 'second category').
Other matches in the Wimbledon Championships are Group B listed events, which means that broadcasters providing television services in the 'second category' must have been given a genuine opportunity to acquire the rights to broadcast highlights or deferred coverage of the event.
The rules which apply to Group A and Group B Listed Events are set out in Ofcom's Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events.
Ofcom is now inviting broadcasters and other interested parties to comment on the BBC's request. Comments should be sent to John Furlong, Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA (email: john.furlong@ofcom.org.uk) by Friday 21 May 2010. Unless confidentiality is requested, all comments will be available to view on Ofcom's website after the consultation has closed.