Agcom expands the list of events to be broadcast free-to-air

Agcom expands the list of events to be broadcast free-to-air

Agcom adopted a measure, discussed in session on 29 April 2026, that enlarges the roster of "events of particular relevance to society" which must be made freely accessible to the public.

Objectives and obligations:

• Coverage must reach at least 80% of the Italian population.
• Rights holders must ensure free access; pay broadcasters or platforms are required to publish, in advance, offers to cede rights on "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" terms.
• The aim is to protect public interest and ensure collective access to major cultural and sporting appointments.

Events included:

• Cultural events: Sanremo Festival, the Eurovision Song Contest final evening, the opening nights at La Scala and San Carlo, the Fenice New Year’s Concert.
• Sporting events: Olympic and Paralympic Games, official matches of the Italian national football team, Giro d'Italia, motor races held in Italy and major world finals; other cited disciplines include rugby, cycling, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, fencing, skating, skiing and international tennis tournaments.

The measure was approved with one commissioner dissenting and is set to affect the negotiation and distribution of broadcast rights, with implications for pay platforms and broadcasters covering events of broad public interest.