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Sky GAA deal highlights importance of review of free to air TV coverage of sports printable version

16 Jun 2014: posted by the editor - Sport, Ireland

The Government's announced review of television coverage of key sporting events has been welcomed by Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications John O’Mahony.

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Pat Rabbitte has invited submissions from members of the public and interested parties on the current list of events to be designated as free to air and the possible designation of additional events.

His announcements follow the recent broadcasting deal assigning the rights to televise some GAA events to Sky Television.

Mr O'Mahony said: "Sky's recent securing of rights to some GAA matches represents the first time that GAA games have not been available free to air in this country.

"The Sky GAA deal highlights the importance of people having their say in what events are made free to air. For example, I believe that provincial GAA finals should be designated as free to air and this process enables us to ensure that such events are designated accordingly.

"Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources may designate sporting and cultural events as being of major importance to society and which should be available on a free-to-air television service. The Minister is required to review such events every three years.

"Events are designated as being of major importance to society based on them having a special resonance and being of distinct cultural importance for the people of Ireland. That's why it's so important that interested members of the public engage with this process.

"Sporting events play an important role in bringing people together and uniting people behind the same cause. Ireland is a nation of sport lovers and it makes sense that people should be consulted on which events are televised. I urge members of the public to engage with this consultation process. Submissions on the designated events and the possible designation of additional events are now being sought. The events currently designated are published on www.dcenr.gov.ie/Broadcasting and include events such as the Olympic Games, the All Ireland Championships and Ireland's soccer and rugby internationals.

Tags: SkyBSB, televised sport

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