Consultant to examine free to air issue

Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan will appoint an independent consultant to examine the designation of certain free-to-air…

Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan will appoint an independent consultant to examine the designation of certain free-to-air sporting events. The minister’s proposal to make competitions such as the Six Nations and Heineken Cup available on terrestrial TV has resulted in conflict with the IRFU.

“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,” said a  statement issued today.

“Minister Ryan has sought to appoint an independent consultant, expert in such areas as broadcasting, sports-financing and economics, to examine. An independent consultant will be appointed to examine the designation of certain sporting events as free-to-air.”

The IRFU raised funding concerns if key competitions such as the Six Nations and Heineken Cup were made available on terrestrial TV as it would limit their ability to negotiate broadcasting rights and as a result have a negative impact on the sport.