Seven's AFL deal threatens rugby coverage

Hi Guys,

Been a member for a while but haven't got around to posting, so decided to make my first one a good one!

Rugbyheaven is running an article about Channel Seven winning the AFL coverage and the possible impact of this on their televising of the rugby Tests. See here:

http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/ar...655078159.html

IMHO Seven does a cr*p job of showing the rugby anyway. It has never been a priority for them and also seems to me to get third rate treatment (late timeslots, amateurish commentators- think Chris Handy). But I am not particularly looking forward to wall-to-wall AFL coverage of games, team selections, pre and post match analysis, and various other trivial matters that will undoubtedly push rugby further down the pecking order.

I have been talking to a few mates recently who have developed quite an interest in the Force since it was established. They are all non-traditional rugby supporters and were very surprised when I told them that there was no free-to-air coverage of Super 12 and this was not going to change for Super 14.

I would be interested to know everyone's thoughts on this issue. Does the lack of a free-to-air TV deal for Super 14 disadvantage rugby in attracting new audiences? Will Seven's win in the AFL see a further deterioration in the quality of rugby coverage, especially in WA? Does anyone have an inside word on whether there are talks to broaden the current broadcasting range of rugby games at all levels (NSW premiership, Super 14, 6 Nations, Tri-Nations...)?

Cheers

Yes, yes, and no.

man of few syllable there sage! I assume you are actually showing contempt for 7!

Yep - they need *some* free to air - radio only cuts it so far. I'm sure to enjoying going to the pub which I tend not to do so much these days, but how can anyone possibly expect the sport to be picked up by more folk if they never get to see it? I'm totally disgusted with 7 in Perth for their NON coverage of rugby, and am hoping that th Western Force might prod them in the right direction, but this AFL stuff is sure to take priority.

No inside word here either :(

BTW - I found a site which may be usful for anyone seeking games to view now or in the future - have a look at www.aussietorrents.com

Even if it was like Cricket, sold out games are televised locally, that would be awesome. Alas it'll never happen.

its virtually foxtel or nothing guys
how much advertising is going to be on ch 7 to pay for the afl rights?

G'day niggle, good topic to start off on!
I agree totally with your view of the merits of Sevens coverage, absolutely crud.
They need to have a look at how SBS covers their sports and use that as a starting point.
In fact, just hand it over to them, at least the SBS presenters admit when they are out of their depth on a given sport!
Until there is a live free to air component to the broadcast of all Wallaby Internationals and Australian Super 14 matches rugby will fail to make the final leap above league and in WA it will remain a trendy novelty sport "if you're good enough" to the wider public.
Look forward to reading your views across our wide range of topics!

Channel 7 did not show one minute of Super 12 in 2005. in 2004 it was on after the late movie on Saturday nite or an hour show on Sunday (about 9.30am or something like that).

The problem with Super12/Super 14 is the television rights are owned by Foxtel - Channel 7 arent allowed to show live Super 12. so they dont show it at all

AS far as commentary is concerned its not the best, it could do with improvement - but I always enjoyed Budha Handys commentary.

..and who owns foxtel?

7 could show it if they really wanted to. That's not the problem, it's as you said, they won't.


Bastards.

Telstra, Mr Murdoch, and Mr Packer Junior

I recall Gordon Bray being a good commentator way back when he was on the ABC, either I was too young to know better or Seven has bashed decent commentary out of him?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sagerian

..and who owns foxtel?

7 could show it if they really wanted to. That's not the problem, it's as you said, they won't.


Bastards.

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murdoch owns foxtel
kerry stokes(ex rugby player) owns ch 7

From what I've seen on TV, Greg Martin (?) from Fox is quite a good commentator. Tim Horan is also v. good although he does more analysis than commentary.

I reckon as good or better than anyone is the ABC crew on both tv and radio.
I really enjoyed the commentary for the Queensland and NSW clubs matches in '05.
Includes Gerry Collins, Tim Gavel and a couple of others who's names escape me at the moment.

Bring on the "Rugby Channel", showing International, Provincial, Sevens, Club, Schoolboys and Womens matches from around the Southern Hemisphere (or world)!!! I'd pay for that no worries at all.

ohhhhhhhhh (insert the Homer Simpson drooling smiley) Rugby Channel

I would never go to work

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sagerian

Yes, yes, and no.

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Come on Saggy spit it out!