Comments on: The tide is turning for live football

By: Brett McKay

Brett McKay — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:23:05 +0000

I have no doubt that the current discussion in regards to the future use of digital multi-channelling will have a major impact here too. Now doubt in the world, Seven would be hoping that the Govt rules the networks are allowed to show live sport on their digital channels first (currently, the anti-syphoning laws dictate that sports on the AS list can only be shown on regular FTA channels first. Of course, these laws were also drawn up prior to the introduction of digital TV in Australia; hence the current discussions between the Govt, FTA networks, and Pay-TV, who want more policing of the “use it or lose it” clauses in the legislation.)

If Seven could get extra benefit from extra advertising by showing BH&G AND live football, then that will drive up TV rights too. The NRL will find themselves in a simlar boat in a few more years. And legislation changes allowing the use of digital multi-channelling will undoubtedly help rugby and football in the future too…

By: Shayxin

Shayxin — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:27:45 +0000

Here’s another aspect that surprisingly I still don’t hear a lot about. I live in China, and watch sites like Justin.tv and others every weekend for both rugby league and AFL, among other sports. If one feed gets shut down, I jump onto google and merely find another one. Am I proud to be doing this illegally? Not at all. But THERE IS NO WAY I CAN LEGALLY WATCH AFL OR NRL HERE. So I have no choice. Even the EPL is now only broadcast in China through a digital pay channel, which my apartment building cannot get. So I watch that online too, or head down the pub. But here’s the thing: If the NRL (for example) were to offer games online and live or near-live, and were to charge a pay-per-view or per-season charge, I would willingly and happily cough up. Both competitions are broadcast live for free into the UK, but not anywhere else, presumably because of conflicts with other broadcasters.

So next time the rights are up for negotiation, how about the NRL/AFL/EPL/Whatever sell TV rights and internet rights separately. The TV rights holders might then lose a few potential viewers, and therefore pay less, but surely that would be more than made up for by the subscriptions of internet viewers. The technology is mature enough now, and they would open up a whole new revenue stream, along with allowing millions of potential viewers who are currently frozen out of the game to watch. And it would add flexibility to those in Australia who don’t want to pay $50-100 for Foxtel when all they want is the sport. They could just choose the competition/s they want, pay 10 bucks a month for the privilege and everyone is happy. Except perhaps Foxtel and Channel 9, but surely the NRL would be happier making more money and being seen by more fans. So come on guys, move into the 21st century!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:56:47 +0000

Can anyone explain to me how I can watch the Finals on justin.tv? I tried Saty & no luck!

By: Pippinu

Pippinu — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:00:53 +0000

It’s a bit sad that it will actually be gambling that drives this debate to its conclusion – I’m not really sure whether that is a great outcome to be honest.