Watchdog investigates premium TV sports

By Matt Eley Matt

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Premier league Sky sports

Broadcast watchdog OFCOM wants Sky to share its premium sports services with other channels to give consumers more choice. The plans - which...

Broadcast watchdog OFCOM wants Sky to share its premium sports services with other channels to give consumers more choice.

The plans - which currently relate to domestic services - were laid out today in a consultation as part of its investigation into the pay TV market.

A statement said: "Ofcom believes that requiring Sky to make its premium channels available to other retailers on a wholesale basis is the most appropriate way of ensuring fair and effective competition.

"It is therefore also consulting on proposals to put in place a wholesale must-offer obligation, containing a range of regulated prices."

It also wants to talk to the Premier League before the next auction of live football broadcasts come up in 2012 to ensure it is complying with competition laws.

The statement said: "We therefore intend to review with the Premier League how it intends to ensure that this auction complies with competition law.

"That will involve exploring with the Premier League whether it is willing to provide further commitments. We expect that review to cover the supply of Premier League football to commercial as well as residential customers."

Following the collapse of Setanta Premier League games will be shown on Sky and ESPN next season. However a ruling that Premier League games can not go to a sole broadcaster is set to expire in 2012.

It was also announced today that Eurosport has snapped up the rights to US PGA golf, which had previously been part of the Setanta deal. It will be available as part of the Sky Ultimate package

Related topics Sport

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more