Women’s sport and local sporting events are likely to be hardest hit by the $530,000 funding cut to live sports coverage on the ABC.
The ABC has said that cuts will only affect one-off events coverage, but with ongoing pressure from the Howard Government for the ABC to cut its Budget, sports coverage – especially of women’s sport and of local sporting events – in Australia is quickly slipping off the radar.
The Australian Hockey Association has expressed concern that the coverage of events such as Hockey’s Women’s Champion Trophy to be held in Sydney in November/December this year could be under threat, thanks to the Howard’s Government’s slash and burn agenda.
Coverage of the South Australian National Football League’s (SANFL) Magarey Medal and the Western Australian Football League’s (WAFL) Sandover Medal will no longer be covered by the ABC, and broadcast negotiations with other sports are still being conducted.
The announcements of funding cuts to live sports coverage is sure to make many other sporting organisations nervous that their current agreements will not stand up to the pressure being exerted over the ABC Budget.
The ABC has had a good relationship with Netball and Women’s Basketball over the years and, in the face of inexplicable disinterest from the commercial channels, has served a growing audience with quality coverage of women’s sporting events.
The Howard Government is hell bent on unleashing its attack dogs on the ABC, and it’s an absolute disgrace that the Coalition persists in undermining the important role of the ABC.
Media contact: Adina Cirson ‑ (02) 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
