What is free-to-air
Quick answer: free-to-air means open, free broadcasting available to anyone who has a receiver, whether via digital terrestrial television, open satellite or a public platform without pay-per-view. In many countries, the law reserves certain events — the Olympic Games, World Cups and finals — for free-to-air television, so they cannot be shown only on pay channels.
What free-to-air means
Free-to-air is open, free broadcasting for anyone with a receiver: digital terrestrial television, open satellite or a public platform without pay-per-view. It does not mean “no cost to anyone”: public broadcasters are funded by taxes or by a licence fee.
In many countries, the law reserves certain events for free-to-air broadcasting: Olympic Games, World Cups, European Championships, finals of national competitions. Those events cannot be broadcast only on pay channels.
Which events are usually protected
Common examples of protected events
Why it matters
The list of protected events is the reason why some events cannot remain only behind a paywall. If a match is on the list, it must be broadcast free-to-air at some point, even if the rights-holding channel is private.
That does not mean all sport is free: only the events on the list. Club leagues are left out in most countries.
How to check
Check the page for the relevant country and the audiovisual regulator's website. If the event is on the list, there will be a free-to-air broadcast; if not, it will depend on the rights holder.
Frequently asked questions
What is free-to-air?
It is open, free broadcasting for anyone with a receiver. There is no pay-per-view, although the channel may be funded by taxes or by a licence fee.
Which events are protected?
It depends on the country. They usually include the Olympic Games, World Cups, European Championships and finals of national competitions. The list varies and is updated.
Are club leagues free-to-air?
In most countries, no. Club leagues are outside the protected events lists and usually require a subscription.
Does free-to-air mean free?
It means open and without pay-per-view. The channel may be funded by taxes, a licence fee or advertising; in some countries a television licence is required.
Can I watch free-to-air on the internet?
Yes, through the official platforms of public broadcasters, which are usually limited to the country.
What happens if a protected event is not broadcast free-to-air?
The regulator can intervene. The lists exist precisely to prevent those events from being available only on pay channels.