EBU Legal Director Wants Countries To Produce Free-To-Air Events List

European Broadcasting Union Legal Dir Richard Burnley has called on all countries to "introduce lists of major events that should be broadcast on free-to-air television," according to Julian Clover of BROADBAND TV NEWS. In the U.K., the list of so-called "Crown Jewels" includes the FA Cup Final and finals of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Burnley emphasized the "effectiveness of the Listed Events legislation in providing EU citizens with what they really want -- the best content, tailored to their territory, free-to-air." Burnley pointed out the reasons why free-to-air content is not subject to the so-called "passive sales" concept under competition law and the "importance of territoriality for European broadcasters and rights holders" (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 10/12).