ITC Releases Revised Listed Events Details

The ITC today published its revised Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events, following a public consultation in October 2001.

Minor changes have been made to the Code, formerly known as the Code on Sports and Other Listed Events, since the version which was issued for the consultation. Changes include:

– Paragraph 24: The ITC has made it clear that broadcasters should check whether an event has been designated in another EEA State before they acquire the rights to the event; and that they should inform the ITC as soon as they acquire such rights.

– Paragraph 26(a): The ITC has made it clear that free broadcasters must be given an opportunity to acquire the rights on fair and reasonable terms.

– Paragraph 26(c): The ITC accepts that there might be a conflict between the Code and the system of regulation applying in another EEA State and have therefore inserted the words ‘as far as possible’ in the second sentence.

– Paragraph 29: The ITC has made it clear that it is the broadcaster’s responsibility (rather than the rights holder’s) to seek ITC consent; and that if there is a delay, he should keep the ITC informed about the progress of negotiations.

– Annex 3: Reference to the Danish list has been deleted since this list has now been rescinded.

Details of responses to the consultation were published in December (see ITC news release 75/01).

Changes to the Code take immediate effect. Copies of the revised Code can be obtained from the ITC website (www.itc.org.uk), or from the Viewer Relations’ Unit, telephone 020 7255 3000.