Dundee Derby to be Broadcast Live Despite 3pm Blackout Rule
This weekend's derby between Dundee United and Dundee will be broadcast live on television at 15:00 GMT, marking an exception to the long-standing ban on airing matches during this time on Saturdays.
Since the 1960s, football fans in the UK have been accustomed to the 3pm blackout rule, which aims to promote attendance at live games.
The Football Associations in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland adhere to UEFA's Article 48, which enforces this blackout each Saturday from August 23, 2025, until April 25, 2026.
However, there are exceptions on certain days that have not been designated as 'blocked hours' by UEFA, allowing for live broadcasts of matches.
UEFA has made available a list of exempt days on its official website.
Why are Some Dates Exempt?
According to BBC Sport, fixture congestion and the high volume of matches scheduled during the festive season result in some games falling outside the limited number of available TV slots. This is why UEFA relaxes broadcasting rules during Christmas and New Year.
For instance, the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic was aired live at 15:00 on December 27, despite many league fixtures kicking off simultaneously, which would typically trigger the blackout rule.
That weekend was included in UEFA's list of exempt days, although the English Premier League chose not to broadcast games at that time.
The blackout is also lifted for fixtures across the UK on January 3, allowing the Dundee derby to be shown live, although the Premier League has opted not to air its games on that date.
Exemptions are also applicable during international breaks and significant cup fixtures, such as the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 4, though this weekend does not qualify as exempt in Scotland.
In previous years, early rounds of Scotland's Premier Sports Cup have been broadcast live on Saturday afternoons, as they occur before the start of the blocked hours in late August.
This article is part of BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything series, providing answers to various sports-related inquiries.
More Questions Answered...
How is the Premier League performing in the race for five Champions League spots?
Who is Bendito Mantato?
Why haven't Premier League teams faced every club yet?