§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what developments there have been in the transmission on terrestrial television channels of major sporting events in the last five years; what representations his Department has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement. [97436]
§ Janet AndersonThe four terrestrial television channels which are available to over 99 per cent. of UK viewers have continued to offer high quality coverage of events across a wide range of sports over the last five years. Channel 5, which is available to 75 per cent. of UK viewers, has also offered extensive sports coverage since March 1997. Coverage of a number of major sporting occasions must be made available to the BBC, Channel 3 or Channel 4 under Part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a revised and extended list of such protected events on 25 June 1998, taking account of the recommendations made to him by the independent Advisory Group chaired by Lord Gordon of Strathblane.
My right hon. Friend has received 2,948 representations on the subject of sports coverage on terrestrial television channels since May 1997, including 375 from hon. Members.