The UK government has intervened to prevent World Cup fixtures and highlights from being placed behind a paywall for online viewers, proposing new measures to protect free live streaming and catch-up rights.
Closing the Digital Loophole
Under the Broadcasting Act 1996, 'crown jewel' sporting events such as the Olympics, FA Cup Final, and Wimbledon must be broadcast on terrestrial television. However, when the legislation was introduced, only 4% of UK households had internet access. Today, millions use platforms like YouTube for highlights, leaving online coverage unprotected.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "Due to the late-night kick-offs, so many families are currently following the World Cup by catching up on-demand in the mornings. With these changes we are protecting that for the future, ensuring streaming rights for the biggest sports events must be offered to our public service broadcasters."
Scope of the New Measures
The proposed ruling would prevent streaming and catch-up rights for listed events from being locked behind a paywall for UK viewers. However, on-demand rights could still be sold to platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, which may charge subscribers. Other events gaining digital protection include the UEFA European Championships, Rugby World Cup Final, and Grand National, but not the Champions League Final, which moved behind a paywall earlier this year.
Nandy added: "This will not only help those broadcasters compete, it will make sure that people never miss out on the history-making sporting moments that bring us together as a nation, for free and however and whenever they choose to watch."
Background and Future Considerations
In 2022, a Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee report recommended reviewing protections for digital and on-demand content. Ministers were urged to include the Six Nations rugby championship to the 'crown jewels' list, but the government currently has no intention of expanding the list.
