EFL matches scheduled for 3pm on Saturday are being broadcast on TV this weekend, because the usual “3pm blackout” rules are not applied. BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything explains that the blackout is typically tied to the league and competition regulations governing which fixtures can be shown during that time slot.
The coverage notes that the blackout has been designed to protect certain match timings from live TV broadcast, but specific circumstances can mean it is lifted. In this case, BBC attributes the decision to the particular framework relevant to the current round of EFL fixtures, rather than a change in the general policy. As a result, fans can watch select 3pm Saturday games that would normally fall under the restriction.
Across the outlets, the emphasis is on the same point: the 3pm blackout is not enforced for these specific matches this weekend, allowing them to air on TV under the applicable rules for the competition.
