MEDIA RELEASE
October 16, 2009
ASTRA CALLS FOR MODERNISATION OF ANTI-SIPHONING SCHEME
Today Petra Buchanan, CEO of subscription television
peak body ASTRA, called on the federal
government to bring the rules governing televised sport into the 21st century.
As part of ASTRA’s submission to the federal government’s ‘Sport on TV’ review, the industry explains
how the anti-competitive ‘anti-siphoning’ regime disadvantages both sports fans and the codes.
However, Ms Buchanan emphasized that the industry was not seeking wholesale abolition of the
scheme, as all Australians should be able to enjoy iconic sporting events.
“What we are asking for is an end to the protectionism that has allowed the old networks to prevent
Australian sport fans from choosing what they want to watch and when,” said Ms Buchanan.
“The anti-siphoning list contains around 1,300 sporting events, and gives the old networks complete
control over when they are shown,” she said.
“More than three-quarters of these events don’t get shown at all on old TV.”
With the media landscape changing rapidly, the review being conducted by the Department of
Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy is a unique opportunity to bring this legislation
into line with the expectations of the Australian public.
Currently over 40% of Australians –
and more than 50% of self-identified ‘keen sports fans’ –
have
subscription TV, and this continues to grow.
Research conducted by ASTRA has shown that when it
comes to viewing sport, Australians particularly want choice, and especially more live sport.
In its submission, ASTRA also explains how Australia’s major sporting codes and organisations stand to
benefit from reform of the list because it stops them negotiating a fair deal for their broadcast rights.
This deprives sports of valuable revenue for facilities, equipment and junior sports development.
ENDS
For comment, contact ASTRA CEO Petra Buchanan on 0431 001 111 or
Petra.Buchanan@astra.org.au.
NEWS 
