There will almost certainly be 11 fewer AFL games broadcast on free-to-air television in 2017.
On Thursday, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan conceded Channel 10 appears unlikely to take up an option to return to the sport it broadcast for 10 years between 2002 and 2011.
As part of the $2.5 billion, six-year television broadcast deal the AFL agreed with Channel Seven and Foxtel last year, the pay-TV provider was given the option to onsell an 11-game package – with those matches in the late Saturday afternoon time slot – to a free-to-air network.
That network was thought to be Channel 10, but McLachlan told reporters that now appears unlikely.
“That’s my understanding. I don’t have a documented basis for saying it but it looks like Channel 10 won’t be taking up that option next year,” McLachlan said.
“So that would be 11 games less on free-to-air than 2016.
“There was an option there for a free-to-air broadcaster and we thought it was more likely than not (to happen) – it hasn’t turned out to be (the case).”
Channel 10 recently posted a $156.8 million annual loss, but will have the same 11-game option available in 2018.
McLachlan denied free-to-air viewers were slowly being denied access to more games with the signing of each new broadcast deal.
“In 2018 we might have 11 (free-to-air) games more than in 2016,” he said.
“This is a one-year arrangement, I’m not guaranteeing it, but the provision is in place.
“The broadcasting landscape, I think everyone understands, is moving very quickly … I don’t think you should take a lead for 2018 from what’s happening in 2017.”
Penster
Roar Guru
They've got you where they want you.
craigo
Guest
Who cares about crowds!!!! RL got 10 million+ on the AFL TV is the future and the AFL is going backwards
craigo
Guest
RL got 10 million+ LOVE IT. That's gotta make you choke on your cornflakes clipper!!!!
Vocans
Guest
Gradual erosion of free to air sport. In a country where the gap between rich and poor is widening free to air is one of the entertainments available to those who are poor. Those who can least make do without it are those that are having to do without it.
clipper
Guest
and the lowest total crowds since 2006. Do the NRL ratings include the SoO - have to factor that in.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
I was forced to watch the grand final on FTA and it drove me insane, ad after ad after ad. Whilst it's disappointing that people won't have a chance to watch it for free, the $40 a month for Fox is well worth the price.
Cat
Roar Guru
But RL crowds were only ~40% of what AFL get.
Mike
Guest
Very strange development this. The ratings for the year are going to drop for sure with these 11 games going Fox only. Bearing in mind RL got 10 million+ more viewers than the AFL this year it is a strange one indeed.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
And the three week bye periods generally get higher average ratings. As someone said above, with Fox now covering around 50% of the TV deal, the AFL probably doesn't mind seeing a situation emerge where more people will feel inclined to subscribe to Fox.
Don Freo
Guest
Although...maybe the Finals bye signalled that.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Never heard of a game becoming more popular by showing less of it.
mdso
Guest
Sounds a bit like to the AFL or Gil and Foxtel and trying to entice more people to take up Foxtel options.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
AFL - what a joke. Why would Gil remove 11 games on Sat Arvo on FTA? Otherwise ratings during Sat Arvo would drop.
Birdman
Guest
Nice bit of spin Gil but we can smell the BS.
Don Freo
Guest
Well, Gill, do something to redress the 2017 issue. You hold every card. Do something.