Lack of free-to-air football in Scotland on MPs’ agenda in debate on public broadcasting

Friday 16 Jun 2023 @ 11:15
Parliamentary Committees and Public Enquiries

Lack of free-to-air football in Scotland on MPs’ agenda in debate on public broadcasting

MPs will debate issues raised in the Scottish Affairs Committee’s recent report on public broadcasting in Scotland, including the UK Government’s refusal to take action that could allow more Scottish fans to watch major sporting events for free. The debate will take place on Thursday 15 June at 1.30pm.

The debate is an opportunity for MPs to discuss the landscape of public broadcasting in Scotland, as well as for Committee Chair Pete Wishart MP to put the Committee’s recommendations to Sir John Whittingdale MP, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, and press for answers.

While the Committee’s report, published in March, found that broadcasting in Scotland is “diverse and vibrant”, MPs highlighted concerns with Scottish viewers’ lack of access to free-to-air international football.

During its inquiry, public broadcasters across the board told the Committee that “prohibitive costs” prevented them from purchasing the rights to broadcast live sporting events on free-to-air TV. These events are typically available only by pay-for-view or on subscription platforms.

Measures in the UK Government’s draft Media Bill to safeguard the prominence of public service broadcasters’ on-demand services, and whether the bill properly accounts for Scottish broadcasters such as STV, will also likely be discussed.

Further information

Members of the public can attend this debate. It will take place in the Grand Committee Room, located on the upper level that leads off Westminster Hall. Step free access is available. Visitors should enter the Palace of Westminster by the Cromwell Green Entrance.
These is more information on the Committee’s inquiry on public broadcasting in Scotland online, including details of evidence sessions and transcripts, and the UK Government’s response to the Committee’s report.
About Parliament: Select committees
Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Channel website: http://www.parliament.uk/

Original article link: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/136/scottish-affairs-committee/news/195753/lack-of-freetoair-football-in-scotland-on-mps-agenda-in-debate-on-public-broadcasting/

Share this article

Latest News from
Parliamentary Committees and Public Enquiries

Tom Adeyoola endorsed as executive chair of Innovate UK

10/04/2025 16:05:00

The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee has endorsed the Government’s preferred candidate, Tom Adeyoola, as the new executive chair of Innovate UK.

Urgent action needed to protect distinctly British content as MPs call on Government to ramp up support across film and high-end TV industry

10/04/2025 10:05:00

Committee makes recommendations on tax incentives, supporting workforce, independent cinemas and meeting challenges posed by AI.

Legislation alone not enough to fix Armed Forces Covenant that is "falling short"

08/04/2025 16:25:00

The Defence Committee today (Tuesday 8 April) publishes its report “The Armed Forces Covenant”.

MPs set out funding solutions to help solve Northern Ireland public service crisis

08/04/2025 11:15:00

MPs are urging the UK Government to rethink both the levels and mechanisms for funding public services in Northern Ireland amid warnings of the impact the continuing state of crisis is having on people’s quality of life.

Government Response welcomed by former and current Liaison Committee chairs

07/04/2025 11:05:00

The Liaison Committee is publishing the Government’s response to a report by its predecessor committee on how select committee scrutiny can improve strategic thinking in Whitehall.

20 ways to fix Brexit’s growth hit: BTC report

04/04/2025 15:05:00

As President Trump sets out sweeping global tariff barriers and ahead of the May summit between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen aimed at resetting UK-EU relations, the BTC is publishing a draft ‘Green Paper’ setting out twenty ways the UK and the EU can reset their relationship for mutual benefit.

No future for NHS dentistry without reform, warns PAC, as Govt efforts fail to halt decline

04/04/2025 14:05:00

Verdict delivered on dental contract as not fit for purpose as patients continue to suffer and PAC calls for transparency on necessary fundamental reform.

England’s Homeless Children – Government must tackle crisis in temporary accommodation, say MPs

03/04/2025 12:05:00

A crisis in temporary accommodation in England is leaving record high numbers of children without a permanent home. Many of these children are living in appalling conditions, with significant impacts to their health and education, says the cross-party Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee in a report published today.

DCMS handling of COVID loans criticised as PAC warns of rugby union accountability gap

03/04/2025 11:05:00

Report finds DCMS overly optimistic in expectation that all funds will be recouped amid high uncertainty over repayments.

WIREDGOV