Comments on: Pay’s prayer to the anti-siphoning gods

By: msd

msd — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:24:59 +0000

As someone else pointed out, Kim Williams is definitely massaging the figures to fit his argument.

I believe the anti-siphoning list is important. It will continue to be important while 75% or so of people don’t have access to Pay TV.

Having said that, it does need tweaking. One bizarre example is that the FA Cup is on it but the Socceroos games (excluding the WC itself) aren’t. The whole idea is to protect events of “national interest” so everyone can afford to see them if they want to – the Olympics, the Melbourne Cup, the Aussie Open tennis, the football World Cup etc. Somehow, a game between two English Premier League teams is of “national interest” to Australians but World Cup qualifiers featuring the Socceroos aren’t? Err, thanks.

Rather than dumping the list, there needs to be more co-operation between Pay TV and FTA, more leeway for them to make deals when one doesn’t take up the rights and/or can’t show an event live.

FTA HD channels could also be doing more. 10HD does, 7 does some stuff too. 9 doesn’t seem to do anything with their HD channel except dump failed sitcoms onto it late at night.

By: Stan

Stan — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:12:29 +0000

The anti-siphoning rule should stay until the government relaxes the pay-tv rules as well. There isn’t enough competition in that area either. Why is pot calling kettle black it’s beyond me. Both are protected species in this country.

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:26:46 +0000

Yeah, Chris i was just making a quick example from when TEN didn’t use TEN HD. I have been watching the races on TEN HD, most of them have been live unless you live in the western states.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:05:56 +0000

Matt, TEN have been airing live F1 races and sometimes qualifying I think on TEN HD most of, if not all this past season.

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:37:23 +0000

I agree with the general concept you either show it or lose it. However Foxtel itself is preaching showing events when it shows one or two games a week of NBA, and the same for the NBL.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:34:31 +0000

The statement they make is ridiclous, over 1,300 sporting events are left untelevised. they count every single match for Wimby and AO, including most matches that aren’t on televised which makes that statement a ridclous overexaggation and a joke. State the proper facts Foxtel.

However, the list obviously needs to be revised with the multi channels coming up (AFL on ONE HD and TEN is going to be silly next year), maybe only including a few major events and giving Pay TV more freedom when it comes to picking up events that are delayed or etc. For example, if TEN didn’t have the enw sports channel and kept delaying the Formula One, allow Foxtel if wanted to pick it up LIVE while TEN had it delayed. Witht he enw sports channel that won’t happen obivously.

There should be a few events that should always be on FTA but the list and the way the list is set up is completly outdated

By: Byron Frost

Byron Frost — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:23:00 +0000

What the government should do is allow Anti-siphoning listed sport to be shown on the new multichannels to ensure the public can watch events of national importance for free, like it should have allowed Seven to do with the Olympics. Also, the Rudd Government seriously needs to work out a way to get Socceroo WC qualifying matches on FTA.

By: Mike Beckham

Mike Beckham — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:42:05 +0000

I don’t think the Government should be dictating what should air where. Whoever can get the deal, pay the most or whatever should be able to air it. Simple.

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:40:16 +0000

ITA there is a lot of sport being held back by FTA and shows late night when it could be shown in the evening when people can and will watch it, if FTA can’t do this then give the rights to FoxSport or split the rights so those that choose to PAY for it can see it live, then the rest can she it several hours later on FTA.

By: Ooh Me Plums!

Ooh Me Plums! — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:58:28 +0000

Agree 100%. I’d also like to see this rule apply to other programming; if you don’t intend to air it in a timely manner, pay TV should be able to purchase the rights off the rights holder for a reasonable amount.