3 February 10

Some sporting events undoubtedly raise national passions and inspire great one-off interest in that sport. Do such events  warrant certain broadcast protection so as to enable the masses to readily watch its play, or is this all a step too far onto the toes of the event organisers?

Protective measures have thusfar been achieved through the Free to Air list of events. However this has recently been the subject of review which has in turn generated considerable discontent from some sections of the industry. It is therefore perhaps timely to consider the actual merit of the list, in principle and in form.

• What are Listed Events? - a Brief Background

• The Societal Importance of Listed Events

(Contributed by Debra Brown, Senior Lecturer in Law at De Montfort Law School)

• Listed Events – The Rights Holder’s Perspective

(Contributed by Adrian Barr-Smith, Consultant Denton Wilde Sapte LLP and Director, British Association for Sport and the Law)

Please feel free to share your own thoughts on the Discussion Board.