TV Rights

[bunyip]

I heard on the radio today a politician guaranteeing us that the Friday and Saturday night "Blockbusters" will always be on free to air TV.
That statement chills me to the marrow.
Collingwood, Hawthorn, Carlton and Essendon fans, (and possibly Geelong) had better start saving up for Foxtell.
Foxtell will only be interested in the big games.

[Justin Bieber]

Blockbusters will be on Free to air TV? Meant foxtel?

I have foxtel but went this entire season without the sports channels. I watch any matches so doesn't bother me which matches are shown. But would hate foxtel to get all the best games while we are stuck watching the "leftovers". But foxtel can offer the cash which is what the AFL wants ::).

[Hawka]

dam  but atleast i will be able top get pay tv in 2 yrs

[nas]

Well for me that is good as live in Qld & work in the middle of Aust with Foxtel avail in the camp so all I can say (will put a few noses out of place) yahoo.

[Master Q]

I have Foxtel, but I don't want to see the Big Games come off Free TV. I live in Metro Melbourne so it doesn't affect too many here, but I think it's unfair, and I'm for the development of Free To Air.

[nas]

I have Foxtel, but I don't want to see the Big Games come off Free TV. I live in Metro Melbourne so it doesn't affect too many here, but I think it's unfair, and I'm for the development of Free To Air.

I understand that Q but as i said living in Qld it's a lot of NRL & Union so me just being selfish would love it. Would suck for the locals that miss out.

[Master Q]

But there's way more Footy fans even is SA then in Qld even with GC coming.

If you think there are a lot of Footy fans in SA, wait till you get to Vic  :o And, then there's Perth as well so I can't imagine them doing this.

[nas]

How long has 7 got left on the rights

[bomberboy0618]

i reckon that while i hate to say it, its gonna happen. Foxtel will put in a bid that the afl cant resist and then it goes to pay tv. Hopefully this doesnt happen but i think it will :-\

[bunyip]

Next season is the last season of the current agreement. I think what will happen is Friday and Saturday night footy will stay but anything else (including ANZAC day) will be up for grabs.
And don't be surprised that if Foxtel win a bid the league schedules some important games on Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
They'll try to tell us that say Geelong V Adelaide is a blockbuster on Saturday night and Carlton V Essendon will be on Foxtel on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, or Monday night.

[ossie85]

Channels 9 and 10 should buy all NINE matches, and play the remainder on the digital channels. Screw pay TV :)

I'll be getting live matches of Sydney and Western Sydney every week, so those guys in Victoria who complain about not seeing the Victorian Blockbusters... well, go to the damn game :)

[supercoach addict]

What was so good about channel 9? They're probably turn out to be just as bad as seven(but with a few extra live games). Fox sports is actually the best, but no one wants to pay for that.

[supercoach addict]

What was so good about channel 9? They'd probably turn out to be just as bad as seven(but with a few extra live games). Fox sports is actually the best, but no one wants to pay for that.

[Justin Bieber]

Channels 9 and 10 should buy all NINE matches, and play the remainder on the digital channels. Screw pay TV :)

I'll be getting live matches of Sydney and Western Sydney every week, so those guys in Victoria who complain about not seeing the Victorian Blockbusters... well, go to the damn game :)

I would love for them to do that. But money could be an issue :(.

Why did you quote yourself supercoach addict? Fox sports probably do have the best viewing but not all people can afford to have foxtel. Can't rob the loyal supporter who can only just watch the game on free to air TV.

[hawk_88]

There has been significant misinformation about this issue which has lead to a bit of hysteria.

The change being made is that Foxtel can now purchase games directly from the AFL instead of purchasing them off free-to-air stations who own the rights.

As far as I know, the Law still maintains that no more than half can go to Foxtel which means that Foxtel can't air two live games simultaneously on different channels. The only change then is that the "better" game may be on Foxtel if they have a better offer than free-to-air channels.

Ultimately this will end up being much more fair for all footy fans as the spread of teams playing on free-to-air will be much more even.

Also, the AFL have said that Friday nights will only be aired on free-to-air so this is protected.