The federal government has weighed in on the AFL’s intensifying broadcast negotiations, asking the governing body to keep games available to watch on free-to-air TV.
Communications minister Michelle Rowland directly addressed the AFL Commission and broadcast stakeholders, in a rare move for a federal government which could impact the direction of negotiations as they enter the advanced stages.
“I note reports AFL media rights negotiations have entered their final stages,” Rowland said in a statement on Wednesday.
“I encourage the AFL Commission and its broadcast and streaming partners to ensure there is no diminution in the availability of AFL matches on free-to-air television under the new deal.”
It comes amid the Labor government’s review of anti-siphoning laws, a pre-election pledge to limit global streaming platforms’ ability to bid for major sporting events before FTA broadcasters and ensure free access for the public.
“Free-to-air television is universally available and accessible, and it is an important source of information, education and entertainment for all Australians, regardless of their means or location,” Rowland said.
“The broadcasting of key sports competitions like the AFL premiership helps to create shared experiences, foster a collective Australian identity, and contributes to grassroots community-based sports participation.
“All Australians should have the chance to enjoy iconic sporting events live and free, rather than those events being behind paywalls.”
As it stands, incumbent broadcast partners Seven and Foxtel lead the race, though there are reports that Nine Entertainment Co and Paramount are also bidding for a deal the AFL hopes will be its most lucrative yet.
Last week, Foxtel compromised its coverage by agreeing to let Seven stream free-to-air matches on its streaming platform, 7Plus.
Seven West Media welcomed Rowland’s intervention.
“As a proud, Australian-owned free-to-air television network, Seven welcomes Minister Rowland’s statement today, which backs up the Albanese government’s stance on the issue of anti-siphoning prior to the federal election,” said managing director and chief executive officer James Warburton.
“Seven will continue to fight fiercely to ensure all Australians can watch the sports they love live and free.”
Bridget Fair, the CEO of Free TV which represents Australia’s commercial FTA TV licensees, said the current rules needed to be updated to better reflect a significant technological advancements.
“What the government highlighted in their statement today is that there is a real risk of iconic sports events being exclusively acquired by subscription platforms,” Fair said. “We strongly agree with the government’s commitment to updating the current anti-siphoning rules, which are 30 years old and only cover free-to-air and pay TV.
“These are analog rules in a digital world, and we look forward to working with the government to renew the anti-siphoning list and expand it to cover all subscription platforms so that all Australians can continue to enjoy live sport on their TVs, free and for everyone.”
