“Changes to AFL television broadcasts is resulting in thousands of AFL fans in NSW and Queensland unnecessarily missing out on live broadcasts” the Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy, said today.
“I call on the AFL to do everything it can to ensure this situation is satisfactorily rectified.
“In the ACT, NSW and Queensland, Channel Nine, which has the rights to both AFL and the NRL, is broadcasting AFL games as a delayed telecast late at night.
“This is obviously upsetting millions of Aussie Rules football fans who can no longer enjoy live AFL match on Friday nights.
“Television and radio broadcasts of the AFL are an important part of the Australian way of life and their continued broadcasting must be ensured. The current situation, which may also result in the ABC being stripped of live radio coverage because of the AFL’s radio licence agreement, is clearly unacceptable to AFL followers in NSW and Queensland.
“The AFL and its broadcasters must work out a satisfactory arrangement whereby both AFL and NRL fans are treated with respect and provided with live free to air coverage of football games.
“If the ABC was resourced properly, and if the Howard Government’s digital TV policy wasn’t such a shemozzle, then multi-channelling could be used to provide increased coverage and thereby satisfy the expectations of all football fans,” Senator Lundy said.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
