It will allow the public to see and hear judges explain the reasoning behind their sentences, giving a better understanding of how these decisions are reached.

The move will open up some of the most high-profile courts across England and Wales, including the Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey.

The sentencing at the Old Bailey of Ben Oliver, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his grandfather in south London, is expected to be the first broadcasted case.

Only the judge will be filmed during any sentencing that is broadcast to protect the privacy of victims, witnesses and jurors.

Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab said: “Opening up the courtroom to cameras to film the sentencing of some the country’s most serious offenders will improve transparency and reinforce confidence in the justice system.

“The public will now be able to see justice handed down, helping them understand better the complex decisions judges make.”

Previously, proceedings were only broadcast from certain Court of Appeal cases. The contract has now been extended to the Crown Court and Sky, BBC, ITN and Press Association are able to apply to film and broadcast sentencing remarks, with the judge deciding whether to grant the request.

The reform has been welcomed by national broadcasters who were involved in a successful pilot that allowed not-for-broadcast sentencing remarks to be filmed in eight Crown Court sites.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: “Filming judges’ sentencing remarks in the Crown Court of England and Wales is a victory for the viewer. It will allow for greater transparency in our courts and is something that broadcasters, including Sky News, have campaigned for more than a decade to achieve.

“Our users and viewers will now be able to see and understand the criminal process and the complexities and constraints under which judges work.”

Interim director of BBC News Jonathan Munro said: “Justice must be seen to be done, so this is a crucial moment for transparency in the justice system – and for our audiences, who will be able to understand the judicial process better by witnessing it for themselves.

“This move has come after a successful campaign by the BBC, ITN and Sky, and I’m delighted we are now seeing the results of our work.”