Ofcom has received requests from the BBC and ITV for consent to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Six Nations Rugby Tournament 2016 (‘the event’). This is a Group B Listed Event under the Broadcasting Act 1996. The rules which apply are set out in the Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events.
Under the proposed arrangements, the BBC and ITV would be sharing coverage of the event. The BBC would show all home matches of Wales, Scotland and France. All of the matches to be broadcast by the BBC would be shown on BBC One or on BBC Two.
ITV would show all home matches of England, Ireland and Italy. All the matches to be broadcast by ITV will also be shown live on STV and UTV.
Ofcom notes that the BBC has acquired the rights to live radio coverage of this event on one of its national network radio services.
In accordance with section 101 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, Ofcom’s consent is needed for exclusive live coverage of these events. Any comments that interested parties would like to make should be sent to Ofcom at the address below, by e-mail or in writing. Unless confidentiality is requested, all such comments will be available to view on Ofcom's website after the consultation has closed.
Jacopo Genovese
Ofcom
Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Email: Jacopo.Genovese@ofcom.org.uk