Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Push for Saturday night free-to-air NRL games
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/free-to-air-nrl-games-on-saturday-night/story-e6frexnr-1225943882797
THERE is a push for Saturday football on free-to-air television after NRL research revealed it's what the fans want.
While Fox Sports enjoy stellar ratings for their extended Super Saturday coverage, fans are calling for free-to-air coverage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The development comes amid speculation that current rights held by Channel 9 may be carved up in the next broadcasting deal with rival Network Ten.
"While Super Saturday is very successful on Fox Sports, our research suggests a big appetite for a free-to-air game on a Saturday night," NRL boss David Gallop said last night.
"It would be great to have coverage on free-to-air over Friday, Saturday and Sunday."
Under the current deal, Nine has two matches on a Friday night and a third on Sunday afternoon. A change could lead Nine to sacrifice a Friday night match for one on Saturday. But that may have to wait until the new TV deal is reached for 2013 because Fox Sports is not ready to give up one of their Saturday time slots.
Television industry sources yesterday said Ten would be reluctant to bid for the NRL on its own and may search for a partner.
Nine CEO David Gyngell and good mate James Packer, who launched a $245 million raid on Network Ten last week, could join forces.
Asked whether he thought Nine and Ten could combine to cover NRL, Gallop said: "It's too early to say but no doubt the whole landscape is fascinating."
Seven remained committed to bidding for rugby league as well.
"I wouldn't be shocked if Nine and Ten got together, but Nine hasn't made a habit of sharing," said one source.
Meanwhile Fusion Strategy managing director Steve Allen last night expressed doubts whether the NRL could obtain its anticipated $1 billion for the next broadcasting rights.
I Submitted this about 6:30am this morning but it wasnt published
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/free-to-air-nrl-games-on-saturday-night/story-e6frexnr-1225943882797
THERE is a push for Saturday football on free-to-air television after NRL research revealed it's what the fans want.
While Fox Sports enjoy stellar ratings for their extended Super Saturday coverage, fans are calling for free-to-air coverage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The development comes amid speculation that current rights held by Channel 9 may be carved up in the next broadcasting deal with rival Network Ten.
"While Super Saturday is very successful on Fox Sports, our research suggests a big appetite for a free-to-air game on a Saturday night," NRL boss David Gallop said last night.
"It would be great to have coverage on free-to-air over Friday, Saturday and Sunday."
Under the current deal, Nine has two matches on a Friday night and a third on Sunday afternoon. A change could lead Nine to sacrifice a Friday night match for one on Saturday. But that may have to wait until the new TV deal is reached for 2013 because Fox Sports is not ready to give up one of their Saturday time slots.
Television industry sources yesterday said Ten would be reluctant to bid for the NRL on its own and may search for a partner.
Nine CEO David Gyngell and good mate James Packer, who launched a $245 million raid on Network Ten last week, could join forces.
Asked whether he thought Nine and Ten could combine to cover NRL, Gallop said: "It's too early to say but no doubt the whole landscape is fascinating."
Seven remained committed to bidding for rugby league as well.
"I wouldn't be shocked if Nine and Ten got together, but Nine hasn't made a habit of sharing," said one source.
Meanwhile Fusion Strategy managing director Steve Allen last night expressed doubts whether the NRL could obtain its anticipated $1 billion for the next broadcasting rights.
I Submitted this about 6:30am this morning but it wasnt published