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You may have noticed we recently launched a campaign “Rugby on Free To Air”. The aim of the campaign is to get some backward Television Network operators to give rugby viewers throughout Australia (in particular Melbourne) a fair go.
The main focus is the Seven Network and their rights to broadcast coverage of the Tri-Nations.
For those who are unaware, the Seven Network have the Free To Air broadcast rights for June Tests and Tri-Nations. 2010 is the last year of their broadcast agreement, with the Nine Network to take over next year.
At present, fans in Melbourne (and Perth) can either pay a premium for Foxtel (live coverage), or watch a re-run of some classic family movie, then “enjoy” delayed coverage four hours later at midnight!
Considering we’re living in 2010, you could scratch your head and ask why do we have this issue? Surely Digital Television or “Free View” could solve this dilemma?
The anti-siphoning laws stipulate that particular sporting events must be accessible to all viewers, therefore they must be broadcast on the analog channels only. Currently analog and digital are broadcast simultaneously, with the analog signal earmarked to be decommissioned in 2013.
A long wait, you could say.
“Everyone should have the right to watch Rugby live on Free to Air (FTA) television. Especially when their national sporting team, the Wallabies, are competing in the toughest international Rugby competition in the world, the Tri-Nations.”
It’s hard to argue with that statement, considering how many other national sporting events are broadcast live (Rugby League Internationals, International Cricket, Melbourne Cup etc.). So why isn’t international rugby?
People have their opinions about the Seven commentary team. But it’s about the quantity, not the quality, getting the public interested in Rugby.
In addition, since ABC have ceased to broadcast their high definition channel, ABC HD (a simulcast of NSW ABC 1), we’ve subsequently lost coverage of the Shute Shield competition. A significant blow for rugby tragics.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.