Dublin, 14th June 2010

An independent consultant to examine the designation of certain sporting and cultural events as free-to-air on terrestrial television will be appointed.

Under the terms of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the Broadcasting Act 2009, a public consultation on the listing of certain events to make them available on free television, is ongoing until 4th July.

An independent consultant, expert in such areas as broadcasting, sports-financing and economics, will be appointed to examine:

- The proposal to amend the current list of designated free-to-air events
- Submissions received in the pre consultation in 2009
- Submissions received under the current consultation

The consultant will analyse and evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and financial aspects and impacts of the designation of events of major importance to society and will report towards the end of summer 2010.

The consultant will be required to:

* Research, analyse and evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and financial aspects and impacts of the designation of events of major importance to society, for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest, both in general and specifically in relation to the events as listed in the Call for Submissions dated 3rd May 2010 and thereafter prepare a report for the Minster for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

* Take into account the submissions received as part of the pre-consultation in 2009 and the current consultation initiated by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on 3rd May 2010. Analysis will also take into account any relevant academic research and analysis undertaken in relation to the impact of pay-tv and the designation of events.

* Provide a report that objectively examines and analyses the impacts of the designation of events of major importance to society and specifically in relation to the events listed in the Call for Submissions; – the cultural importance of the events proposed, – the special general resonance of the events proposed, – the economic, financial and any other relevant impacts of designation, – the impact of pay tv on viewership and on sport in general, – the fulfilment of the Irish and EU criteria.

* Have a thorough understanding of Irish and European Broadcasting policy on the Designation of Events of Major Importance to Society is essential. A thorough understanding of the economic and financial value of sporting rights ownership and of the impact of designation in this regard is also required.

 “I believe there are certain events that have become part of our culture and that they should be available to all Irish viewers on a free-to-air basis.

We are currently consulting with public, sporting and other associations on this issue. The appointment of an expert consultant to examine the potential implications of any proposed designation will greatly enhance the consultation process, and ensure that it is as in-depth and detailed as possible.”

Closing date for submission of tenders is 9th July 2010

ENDS

Note to editors:

The advertisement is currently available at http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN153217

The Proposal:

For events listed as free-to-air, Pay-TV broadcasters would retain the option to bid to purchase broadcasting rights, but could not do so exclusively, i.e. Free-to-air broadcasters would have the option to purchase the right to broadcast those events at reasonable market rates.

The following additional events are proposed to be added to the list of sporting and cultural events designated as of major public importance:

Gaelic Games

* Provincial Finals in the Senior Football and Hurling Championships
* All Ireland Championship Senior Football and Hurling Quarter finals and Semi finals

Rugby

* Ireland’s games in the Six Nations Rugby Football Championship (move from deferred to live basis)
* European Rugby Cup (qualifiers- pre quarter final stages – quarter finals, semi finals and final when an Irish team is participating) live

Horse Racing

* The Cheltenham Festival