Ofcom extends Sky sports deals review
July 27, 2015
Ofcom has published a supplementary consultation seeking further evidence as part of its review of the pay-TV ‘wholesale must-offer’ remedy.
The review, which Ofcom first consulted on in December 2014, will determine whether regulation requiring Sky to offer its Sky Sports 1 and 2 channels to other pay-TV providers, to ensure fair and effective competition in the UK’s pay TV sector, remains appropriate.
Ofcom is seeking feedback from stakeholders on Sky’s requirement for the supply of competitors’ key sports content in return the provision of the Sky Sports channels in commercial agreements.
In 2010, Ofcom imposed an obligation requiring Sky to offer to wholesale Sky Sports 1 and 2 at prices set by Ofcom. This was designed to deliver choice and innovation to consumers through greater competition.
Ofcom said in 2010 that it would review the obligation after three years in light of developments in the market. In April 2014, Ofcom announced it was commencing the current review.
Ofcom plans to set out its assessment of the pay-TV wholesale must-offer obligation later this year.