The BBC has acquired non-exclusive broadcast rights for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Games are categorised as a 'listed event', which means the rights to broadcast them are restricted to those whose channels are available without payment to at least 95% of the UK population.

Many of the events will be shown on the BBC's channels. However, in order to provide comprehensive coverage, the BBC plans to make all other Olympic events available through additional streams. These additional streams would be made available on the BBC's website, and, in whole or part, through satellite, cable and digital terrestrial broadcasts. As these additional streams may not be receivable by the requisite 95% of the population, the BBC has sought Ofcom's consent for the relevant listed events to be broadcast.