TV rights: Agcom requires Grand Slam finals and Masters 1000 to be

Agcom expands list: Grand Slam finals and Masters 1000 to be free-to-air

The Italian communications authority has adopted a new measure that expands the list of events of particular relevance to be broadcast free-to-air. The decision, taken by the Authority's Council on 29 April, extends the rule to selected sporting and cultural events considered important for society.

Among the most notable sports additions are the finals of the tennis Grand Slam tournaments and the Masters 1000. The list also covers other competitions and disciplines intended to increase public access to major events.

• Sporting events included: Olympics, Paralympics, Italy national football matches, Giro d'Italia, motor races on Italian soil, major world finals, along with selected rugby, cycling, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, fencing, skating and skiing events.
• Cultural events mentioned: the Sanremo Festival, the Eurovision Song Contest final, the opening nights at La Scala and San Carlo, and the Fenice New Year's Concert.

The measure requires that if rights are acquired by pay broadcasters or platforms, they must publish in good time an offer to transfer the rights under fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory conditions. It also requires that the exercise of these rights guarantees free access to at least 80% of the Italian population. The resolution sets out penalties for non-compliance, procedures for resolving disputes and a review clause to update the rules in line with technological and market developments.

The Authority says the aim is to strengthen pluralism, the right to information and public protection, ensuring that events of wide relevance remain widely accessible.