Crows and Power fans look set to be potential losers as live coverage of games could be limited to Pay TV services under changes to broadcasting laws mooted by the Gillard Government.
Reports in the Financial Review today suggest Labor is set to allow Pay TV operators to bid directly for four weekly AFL games, with the choice of which games left in the hands of the AFL.
Pay TV providers are known to be eager to secure popular AFL games services in South Australia and Western Australia to help combat their low penetration rates in those states.
South Australian Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham has called on Labor to come clean about their plans, which need to be finalised this month, and tell South Australians how their access to AFL games may be impacted.
“Footy dominates the winter months in SA, with many people having few greater loves in life than their love for the Crows or the Power,” Senator Birmingham said.
“There will be understandable outrage if the capacity of South Australians to watch their local team on free to air television is taken away.
“Labor needs to come clean and tell all South Australians if they’re going to let footy disappear from their TV screens.”