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Channel Nine has a bit of pickle come September, with the Rugby World Cup clashing with the NRL finals. Programmers have a difficult decision to make that will hurt or anger one side of the debate.
But to me, there is a way Channel Nine can get out of its predicament.
Just to give you a background, the 17th of September is a busy day in sport across Australia (AFL and NRL finals, Rah Rah matches, V8 Supercars and Davis Cup).
But for Channel 9 there is a massive clash with an NRL semi-final due to commence in the middle of Australia’s biggest pool match against Ireland.
This was highlighted by Sydney’s Daily Telegraph and its league-friendly writers.
“Bulldog” Dean Ritchie in his online column was screaming blue murder because Nine have to contemplate the NRL being bumped.
It is an imperative according to him and the paper that the NRL be shown before our national team and the Rugby must be moved to GEM or GO.
But is there a need for a clash if the NRL think intelligently?
Let’s step away and look at the date that is September the 17th 2011. The Rugby Union is to begin at 6:30pm and that is fixed and cannot be changed.
Starting the NRL after the Rugby at 8:30pm is way too late for fans and having it on a Sunday leaves too little time for a break leading into the grand final qualifiers.
But between Channel Nine, the NRL, the Daily Telegraph and the public, why has no-one suggested that the NRL final kick off at 4pm?
That is where the escape clause comes in; Nine televises the semi at 4pm with a break at 6pm for Nine News before going across the ditch for the Wallabies at 6:30pm.
This situation works on four fronts.
1. Keeps NRL and Rugby TV fans happy because they can watch one or both matches on Channel Nine (Many people like League and Union).
2. Sees the NRL kick off at a family friendly time (something league fans are crying out for).
3. Makes the NRL look like its schedule is flexible rather than the perception of rigidness and that TV controls all.
4. Gives Channel Nine a strong lead in to news (which is struggling) and a ratings win on that night.
With these types of ideas, I should run a major sporting comp.
I can’t see this happening, but I hope this is how Channel Nine looks on September the 17th.
It would keep everyone happy (except the Daily Telegraph) and would be the ultimate Sports Saturday.
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