Former Sky News head Nick Pollard is among a group of 10 figures from broadcasting and sport leading a government review of sport on TV.
The group, headed by former Football Association chief David Davies, will review which sports events should be available on free terrestrial channels.
Under the Broadcasting Act, allows the Government to draw up a list of sporting events of national importance and to give the the most coverage possible.
The list currently includes the Olympics, the football World Cup, Wimbledon tennis finals, the Grand National and the FA cup final.
It does not include some major events such as the Ashes, the Six Nations rugby matches and the Ryder Cup.
Davis was responsible for assembling the panel. He said: “I am delighted that we have secured such a range of expertise and I look forward to working with the panel in the coming year.”
Pollard will join other figures from the world of broadcasting and sport including sports presenters Dougie Donnelly and Eamon Holmes.
The review process includes consultation with broadcasters, rights holders and the public. The results of the review are expected in the second half of 2009.
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