United Kingdom: Office of Communications opened consultation on proposed removal of listed events conditions from television broadcast licences

On 29 January 2026, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) opened a consultation on the proposal to remove conditions relating to listed events from television broadcast licences until 2 March 2026. This initiative follows the enactment of the Media Act 2024, which introduces revisions to the legal framework governing the listed events regime. The existing regime prohibits television programme providers from acquiring rights to televise certain sporting events of national interest, such as the Olympics or football World Cups, and aims to ensure that such events remain accessible to the public without charge. The Media Act 2024 expands the scope of the regime beyond traditional linear broadcast channels to include any service capable of providing live coverage to audiences, such as internet-based streaming services and on-demand players operated by Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs). Ofcom proposes to remove these conditions rather than amending them to align with the Media Act 2024. The consultation specifically addresses the removal of conditions from several types of television broadcast licences, including Television Licensable Content Service (TLCS), Digital Television Programme Service (DTPS), and Local Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS). It also covers Public Service Digital Television Programme Service (PS-DTPS), Digital Replacement Service (DRS), and Restricted Television Service for an event (RTSL-E). This approach is based on the rationale that the updated regime imposes requirements directly on all service providers within its scope. Consequently, the regulator does not consider it appropriate for certain licensees to be subject to additional obligations through their licences that do not apply to other providers. Following the closure of the consultation on 2 March 2026, the regulator intends to review the responses and publish a final statement, with the aim of completing the licence variation process later in 2026.