Sports TV rights review to put streaming services under microscope

The future of sports broadcasting in Australia is under review, with laws that keep major events on free to air TV likely to be expanded to capture streaming giants such as Kayo, Stan and Amazon Prime.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has begun consultations on Australia’s anti-siphoning laws, which keep culturally significant sports on free to air TV.The current anti-siphoning list is due to expire in April 2023. The sports industry, clubs and Australians have until December 6 to make submissions to the inquiry into the future of sport on TV.

Unlike Foxtel, streaming services such as Paramount Plus and Stan are not covered by the anti-siphoning legislation, which came into force in 1994 before they existed. Seven West Media boss James Warburton recentlyRowland said every Australian “deserved the chance to enjoy live and free coverage of events of national significance, regardless of where they live or what they earn”.

“Subscription-based services make a valuable contribution to Australia’s media market and consumer choice, but not everyone can afford to pay for sport.”Sports law expert Simon Merritt, a senior associate at law firm Lander & Rogers, said he did not expect huge changes to the list of events covered on the anti-siphoning list.

Law Law Latest News, Law Law Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Sports TV rights review to put streaming services under microscopeHow and where Australians can watch major sporting events is being reviewed by the federal government | jamesmassola jamesmassola The problem with forcing on to free tv is the constant ads. Drives me crazy! jamesmassola FFS Who cares? Why is sport sacrosanct but every other major cultural event excluded from these ‘caps’? jamesmassola Rowland made an unusual intervention during the final stages of the AFL’s recently negotiated TV rights deal, warning that more AFL games should not be put behind a paywall on a subscription service.'
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »