Home > Consultations > Consultation Documents > Consent for Rugby League Broadcast

The BBC has applied for Ofcom consent to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final on BBC1 in 2005-7.

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 Rugby League Challenge Cup Final Ofcom understands that the rights have been offered to broadcasters in the other category from BBC1 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.uk) by Wednesday 4 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).

Back to top