Itc Code On Sports And Other Listed Events Article Index for
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Itc Code On Sports And Other Listed Events




The origins of the Code come from the Broadcasting Act 1996. Although the Home Secretary , Kenneth Baker , had devised a list of events not permitted to be broadcast on Pay-per-view services in 1991 , the Act required the ITC to create a permanent list of such events. In 1997 , the initial list was drawn up, and was revised in 1999 , where the Code was divided into two categories, A and B. The Code was further amended in 2000 to give the ITC responsibility over UK-based broadcasters wanting to transmit listed events in other countries.

In July 2000, a British-based broadcaster, TV Danmark , challenged the ITC's decision to deny it the rights to five Danish World Cup qualifiers. After having the decision overturned on appeal, the ITC appealed to the House Of Lords . The Lords found in favour of the ITC, and the decision was upheld.


Category A

Category A events are events which must have live coverage made available to free-to-air channels. As of 2000, these events are:


Category B

Category B events can be shown on pay TV, provided sufficient secondary coverage (highlights, delayed broadcast, etc) is made to free-to-air broadcasters. As of 2000, the events covered by this category are:


Home Test matches


The England Cricket team's home Test matches were originally a Category A event. However, the England And Wales Cricket Board negotiated for it to be transferred to Category B and subsequently, and highly controversially, sold exclusive live broadcast rights for the 2006-09 home cricket seasons to Sky Sports .


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