AFL plan to push players to media
The AFL plans to give networks better access to players, and clubs will not be allowed to refuse them.
- Published by David Knox
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With a new TV rights deal between the AFL and broadcasters likely be struck during the global financial crisis, there are plans for networks to enjoy better bang for their buck.
The AFL wants to help its broadcasters find value from its five-year $780 million deal, notes the Herald Sun.
Under the proposed agreement, networks will be able to request interviews with players and clubs will not be allowed to refuse them.
While several clubs, such as Essendon and Collingwood, are mostly willing to allow interviews to promote games, broadcasters say most are extremely uncooperative.
AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan confirmed an agreement was likely to be in place before the start of the season.
Such a move would also diminish the potential for exclusive documentaries, such as one currently being filmed around Ben Cousins. The documentary crew has now been banned from Richmond headquarters, with club president Gary March admitting that allowing the Cousins film crew into Telstra Dome on Thursday night “probably wasn’t the smartest decision”.
Source: Herald Sun, The Age.
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7 Responses
fat chance that will happen in these troubled times
This no doubt because the afl want to get another $780mill from the networks if possible.
before they help the fta network that will get these rights with the player interview. they should be putting more effort into getting the best deal for the fans.
If clubs are receiving money from TV rights they should give full access to the players as well. Or, alternatively the can go back to semi-amateur status and work for living and play AFL for fun. 😉
damo, the reason players make a reasonable living financially is because pay and fta tv pay alot to the afl for rights. It’s one of the things that comes with going with the highest bidder.
This is going to hurt the player’s media deals. Nine, for example, has players on contracts for the footy show which basically gives them first access to them should a big story involving them or their club arises – thats why Nine had lots of “exclusives” last year with the likes of Fevola and Cousins.
With this new arrangement, why would a network contract a player when everyone is going to have access to them and they cannot refuse.
Having said that, the AFL proposal is very much like the arrangement that the NFL has in the U.S.
another stupid thing the afl want to bring in. if a club or a player doesnt want to be interviewed. they shouldnt be handcuffed like that. the afl has to get a better deal for the fans with this next deal and they should be telling the networks what they want with their bid. what the criterea is. live games on friday night into brisbane and sydney on fta. should be the first priority and if 1 station cant do that. they should excluded from the bidding process