Wednesday, September 19, 2007
TV3 Wins Rugby World Cup Coverage Ruling
A high court ruling has restrained SKY Television from using 2007 Rugby World Cup footage in any of its magazine-style
programming, protecting TV3’s exclusive broadcasting rights.
The order extends to The Cup and Reunion, both screened on SKY and The Crowd Goes Wild, which screens on Prime.
Under the ruling, SKY Sport 1, 2 and 3, and SKY Sport Highlights are to be considered as one channel for the purposes of
counting frequency and minutes used of Rugby World Cup footage, with a maximum of three screenings per day, separated by
at least three hours.
“The judge has clearly understood all the issues in this case and upheld TV3's right to protect its interests, expanding
significantly upon the temporary order issued last week. The judge also suggested that a code of practice be developed
around what fair dealing entails, and I intend to send invitations to the major broadcasters in the very near future to
begin that process,” says Rick Friesen, 3’s Chief Operating Officer.
ENDS