Unauthorised TT livestreams not allowed, says minister

Tim Johnston questioned over what the public can film at the races

Unauthorised livestreams of the TT races are not permitted and the Department for Enterprise (DfE) maintains the right to remove such content.

That's according to Enterprise Minister, Tim Johnston in written response this week to a Tynwald question on the subject.

It comes after Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas had asked whether members of the public can film and livestream footage from private land and public roads.

Furthermore, Mr Johnston adds while filming from public roads 'is permitted and fans are encouraged to share content, the expectation is that this is done responsibly.'

It's also stated that the official live broadcasting service is considered one of the event's main commercial revenue streams, and that DfE is 'contractually obliged through individual agreements to protect the market exclusivity that broadcasters pay rights fees for.'

Furthermore, the minister also confirmed that 'as is standard practice at major sporting events, the department maintains the right to use digital rights management tools on platforms such as YouTube to remove unofficial live streams that infringe on these broadcasts.'

In conclusion, Mr Johnston comments that whilst his department is also the rights holder for the Classic TT, it doesn't own rights to the Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100.