Analysis of the UK’s “listed events regime” broadcasting rules

Under Part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996, the UK’s “listed events regime” places events such as the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup and the Wimbledon finals in Group A, requiring coverage across both free-to-air and pay services. Group B events, including Test cricket, the Ryder Cup and the Six Nations Championship, may be broadcast live on pay services provided that conditions for free-to-air viewers are met. The Media Act 2024 extended the regime to on-demand and online live-streaming services. Ofcom published revised rules on 8 July 2026, which take effect on 1 January 2027.