Major sporting events to stay on free TV in Oz
November 25, 2010
The Australian federal government is to create a two-tier anti-siphoning list with major iconic sporting events going into the first tier with the requirement that they be broadcast on free-to-air TV. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said no Australian events shown on free-to-air television had been removed.
He said the major change would be creation of the two-tier anti-siphoning list. Tier A will comprise nationally iconic events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Bathurst 1000 and the State of Origin series, as well as finals of Australian tournaments such as the NRL and AFL premierships.
Senator Conroy says the most popular sports will remain available to Australians on free-to-air TV under the changes.
“The changes will allow free-to-air broadcasters to take advantage of digital multi-channels to show more sport and show it live,” he said. “The changes to the list will also ensure that hugely popular sports like the Twenty20 cricket involving the Australian team will be protected by the anti-siphoning list.”