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The BBC has applied on a contingency basis for Ofcom consent to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Grand National on BBC1 in April 2004, for which it is currently in negotiation with the rights holder, Racecourse Holdings Trust Limited. This is 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 a service which is free to air and has national coverage (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and Channel 4) and those providing other services. 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 Grand National Ofcom understands that the rights have been offered to broadcasters in the other category from BBC1 and which are likely to be interested, 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) by Wednesday 17 March 2004. Unless confidentiality is requested, all comments will be available to view on Ofcom's website after the consultation has closed.

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