Public forum on free TV viewing events

THE outcry at the sale of television soccer rights has led the Government to consult with the public on events to be protected for free viewing.

Communications Minister Dermot Ahern said the Government would hold a public forum next month to hear views on the sporting and cultural events to be ringfenced by an EU directive. Events on the list will be protected under legislation from being snapped up by deep-pocketed stations such as Sky TV. The satellite giant caused a furore by buying up the rights to home international soccer matches from the Football Association of Ireland. Meetings between Government officials and the major sporting bodies will take place in the coming weeks, ahead of the public consultation.

“Already we have written, as of last Friday, to all the major sporting organisations to set up meetings with them in the very near future. I would like, before the end of August, to have a forum whereby the public can make submissions. We will invite submissions on our website from the general public in relation to this because it’s not just sporting organisations who have an interest in this,” Mr Ahern said.