Ofcom has launched a review into the TV services that can carry so-called ‘listed events’.
The actual list of events, deemed to be of national importance, is set by the Secretary of State and currently includes major sporting contests, including the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon Tennis Finals.
In order to make sure those events are seen by the widest possible audience, the regulator needs to establish which services are both free-to-air and widely available.
It says the picture has changed since the rules were last drawn up – and arguably could lead to further erosion of events traditionally carried by the public service broadcasters.
Ofcom is seeking responses that should be sent before January 18, 2019.
