We came up with an amended list, and the majority of the panel believed that,
in this generation, events had to be free to air and live.

But, of course, there is, another way. As we concluded almost three years ago,
the broadcasting landscape continues to evolve. Many companies can broadcast
free on more channels as the digital switchover completes its coverage of
the country.

Pay TV companies such as BSkyB and ESPN could consider whether, “in the
interests of UK viewers, they might broadcast a small number of major events
free to air”.

Digital UK confirms that doing so through Freeview after this year, they could
reach 90 per cent plus of households, including a disproportionate number of
elderly and less well-off people cannot afford pay TV, or choose not to have
it.

Four out of five of our fellow citizens still believe they have a right to
free-to-air major events.

There already exists a Voluntary Code of Conduct for Rights Owners under which
some, but not all, governing bodies give guarantees to viewers.

Beefing up that Code with the support of the broadcasters would very quickly
render obsolete the listed events legislation.

You are already seeing Sky Sports and the BBC working together successfully on
the coverage of Formula One and some golf.

Guaranteeing all the crown jewels of sport free to air to the widest audience,
not least in difficult economic times, surely matters. The present list,
however convenient, is illogical, and, ultimately, many of us argue, unfair
to some sports.

Time for change, surely, not just hoping the problem will go away.