The AFL has announced what it calls a landmark agreement to broadcast matches live into China. AFL chief Andrew Demetriou was joined by Victorian Premier John Brumby on Wednesday as he made the announcement at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium.
The Shanghai Media Group will televise one AFL match every week live into China on International Channel Shanghai.
The agreement will include the 2010 finals series and the Shanghai Showdown between Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions in Shanghai on October 17.
It will extend into the 2011 AFL Premiership season to include one AFL match each week.
“The AFL is very excited to showcase Australian football to one of the world’s biggest markets as we continue to develop the code on the international stage,” Demetriou said.
The AFL has also launched a development program in Shanghai schools to teach young children the basics of the game and recently launched a Mandarin language website, www.51afl.com.au.
Brumby boasted the agreement was a tremendous coup.
“(It’s an) opportunity for Victoria and will further strengthen links with our major trading partner and our friends in China,” he said.
beaver fever
Guest
Even "before the game" now has a chinese version/franchise, i thought the chinese Sam Lane was quite good looking, especially when she was holding the drill.
Mister Football
Guest
We should all be supportive of any Australian firm trying to sell its uniquely Australian product to overseas market. At the end of the day it represents improved export earnings for Australia and that's good for the economy - benefitting us all.
Norm
Guest
Actually JF I think describing AFL as a small Australian firm says it all.
JF
Guest
Small Australian firm? The AFL is a well funded, cold, calculating, evangelical machine. Pretty sure we are not bound by some duty as Australian to support the little AFL battler.
BigAl
Guest
I don't understand why anyone should get upset by all this ? - the worst it could do is bring a smile to your face.
Mister Football
Guest
As Australians, we should all be supportive anytime a small Australian firm tries to generate a bit of export income
Norm
Guest
Chinese broadcaster and Chinese people.
Mister Football
Guest
And the value right now to the Chinese broadcaster would be next to nothing - that's hardly a revelation.
Norm
Guest
What one pays for something reflects how much value one attaches to that something.
beaver fever
Guest
I think you will find that Dan Silkstone is a soccer fan more than a Australian Football one. BTW Norm + Phobic comment, you can bank on it.
Option 2 then, fair enough.
Norm
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_"Um… you realise I’m being facetious?"...OMG REALLY!!!
Norm
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Art, it suits Mr Foney to categorize Dan as a soccer reporter.
Um... you realise I'm being facetious? Or are you just embarrassed?
Norm
Guest
If you say so.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Correction MF, Dan would like to remind you that he is a capable sports journalist. At the moment he's been busy covering the Comm Games and the AFL for The Age.
Did you think of it all by yourself? You deserve a pat on the back!
Norm
Guest
Yeah I thought so.
"Whatever Mr Foney." Classy.
Mister Football
Guest
As the quote says above, "the AFL is taking a long term approach" - so most probably it's been given away for nothing or next to nothing. With a billion dollar deal round the corner, the AFL doesn't really need the money - they can afford to give the rights away to overseas broadcasters for a good while yet.