Stadium to Screen: Understanding the Complexities of Live Event Broadcasting Rights.

Abstract: Technology stands evolving at a fast pace, so also is today’s lifestyle. No time does not equal to No Passion towards sports. However, the nature of sports information is such that it is time sensitive in nature. It is moment by moment information in reference to ball-by-ball score updates and match alerts. Catering to needs of time starved viewers is ‘Real time information’ provided by broadcasting organisations of a sport event. Access to “Quick information” or “LIVE” is what technology has ingrained across all sports lovers. Entering this realm of ‘real time information’ or almost “live” sports information along with broadcasting channels are mobile notifications. The applicable question that surfaces is, does dissemination of sports information by service providers through live score cards, match updates and score alerts via Short Messaging Service (SMS)/Mobile Value-Added Services (MVAS), without the consent of broadcasting channels constitute free riding or reaping what you’ve not sowed? As innovations in technology bring forth live events closer to fulfilling the public right of availing information in the shortest span of time. The Paradigm of “LIVE” in context of sports events keeps shifting and warrant deliberations This Research article through qualitative analysis examines the intricacies of “Mobile Rights” and "Mobile Activation Rights” through examination of international conventions, Copyright statutes, Indian case laws and archival documents to reveal whether “Live” is really “live”? Consequently, this article examines landmark judgments by Indian courts to answer the question as to what extent live would be within the purview of fair dealing? The paper concludes by proposing a framework for navigating through the complexities of live event broadcasting rights and cooperation among the three stakeholders the broadcasting channels, the government and ultimately the viewers.