Debate contribution: Broadcasting: Geoblocking
Debate contribution by Dr Caoimhe Archibald on .
- MLA
- Dr Caoimhe Archibald
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 19 May 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Broadcasting: Geoblocking
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5549436
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I thank the Member for his question. As he knows, broadcasting rights are sold on a territorial basis. Broadcasters often hold the rights to show certain TV shows and sporting events only within a defined jurisdiction, so, to comply with their licensing agreements, they then restrict their broadcasts. Technically, programmes can reach the North, but broadcasters are legally required to block the content in order to avoid breaching their rights agreements. One potential solution is to have a unique Internet Protocol address for the North. That could help resolve the issues, but I do not have the vires to do that myself. I therefore continue to engage with the British Government and the Irish Government on trying to find a way forward so that people here can enjoy programmes that are broadcast in the South.
135 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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