Next TV rights deal

[BuffaloRules]

Based on last year that's no longer true, there were only 12 NRL games in the top 100 rating STV programs in 2013 and I think the highest was like no.30. It's not unexpected when the AFL have every game bar the grand final on STV. The fact that the NRL still have a lot of content exclusive to 9 means they have more to offer foxtel next deal, the afl don't really have anything new to offer in their next deal.

Do you have a link for this?

 

[insert.pause]

Do you have a link for this?

Sorry can't remember where i saw it, it might of been only top 50, thats all i could find.
http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/12/pay-tv-2013-top-50-sports-shows.html

 

[BuffaloRules]

Sorry can't remember where i saw it, it might of been only top 50, thats all i could find.
http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/12/pay-tv-2013-top-50-sports-shows.html

Lots of Ashes programming listed there that won't be a factor this year, and may end up on Gem from now on as well.

Not a typical year.

I also read into your comments that the AFL was lapping them which is clearly not the case.

 

[insert.pause]

Lots of Ashes programming listed there that won't be a factor this year, and may end up on Gem from now on as well.

Not a typical year.

I also read into your comments that the AFL was lapping them which is clearly not the case.

I didn't say the afl were lapping us, just that the divide is nothing like it use to be when you could have legitimately said that NRL was far and away the most popular sport on STV.

 

[GongPanther]

International sporting events will always fare well against domestic competition.

It'll be interesting to see what this years figures will spit out.

 

[Perth Red]

It s hard to see how the NRL could sell directly to consumers and get $220million a year. Our regular audience is ? 1 Million people. Say 650k households. That is a lot of money per household, even including advertising revenue.

 

[Raiderdave]

It s hard to see how the NRL could sell directly to consumers and get $220million a year. Our regular audience is ? 1 Million people. Say 650k households. That is a lot of money per household, even including advertising revenue.

700K households ( the bare minimum I'd say) paying $30 a month is 21 Million a month or 252 million a year
the same as the current deal
I'd say we could have over a million households sign up & get near 1.8 Billion

for 8 months ( feb to oct) you'd get a dedicated RL channel

NRL X 9 games live & exclusive
Holden Cup
NSW Cup
QLD Cup
ESL
tests
9's
SOO
All stars
City V country

the other 4 months would be replays of the previous season
classic encounters of past years

I'd doubt a Govt could force a business like the NRL to show their games on FTA under anti syphoning laws
the best FTA will do is show a replay of games

the NRL is a business & form of entertainment
it has a right to make money & force people to pay to see it live even if they're sitting on their arses at home ....

 

[georgesnmith]

We should be winning by more than 20k per game

As our fox games are exclusive and theirs on the majority aren't

Fox games are a bit of a worry

Used to top 350k a game.

Now lucky to get 250k

well if it makes you feel any better the situation on FTA is much healthier for RL.

 

[byrner]

700K households ( the bare minimum I'd say) paying $30 a month is 21 Million a month or 252 million a year
the same as the current deal
I'd say we could have over a million households sign up & get near 1.8 Billion

for 8 months ( feb to oct) you'd get a dedicated RL channel

NRL X 9 games live & exclusive
Holden Cup
NSW Cup
QLD Cup
ESL
tests
9's
SOO
All stars
City V country

the other 4 months would be replays of the previous season
classic encounters of past years

I'd doubt a Govt could force a business like the NRL to show their games on FTA under anti syphoning laws
the best FTA will do is show a replay of games

the NRL is a business & form of entertainment
it has a right to make money & force people to pay to see it live even if they're sitting on their arses at home ....

Your looking at revenue.
Those numbers will not look as healthy as GP or NP.

I still think the NRL should sell their content direct, but you need to look at figures including potential costs.

 

[juro]

You'd also need to add the advertising revenue

 

[Dogs Of War]

Your all ignoring what happens when people can't watch tv on free to air. They can get forgotten easy as it's harder to attract new viewers. Your not going to pay for something until you decide you want more.

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/night-fight-in-tv-rights-deal/story-fnca0von-1227026131599

Night fight in TV rights deal

The Australian
August 16, 2014 12:00AM

Stuart Honeysett
Sports Reporter

THE dreaded Thursday and Monday night games could be under threat as NRL chief executive Dave Smith pushes for greater flexibility in the next broadcast deal, which is expected to net the code even more money than the previous $1.1 billion record contract.

The issue of scheduling has dominated the code recently following several poor crowd turnouts. Only 6345 fans — the lowest for this season — braved the freezing conditions on Monday night to watch the Sydney Roosters beat the Gold Coast at Allianz Stadium.

This week the first of four Thursday night games to finish off the regular season was played with only 14,092 fans watching South Sydney topple Brisbane at ANZ Stadium.

Both games could have attracted more fans in a friendlier timeslot and the networks may have to pay more if they want to retain those slots.

“In any deal you wouldn’t do the same thing,’’ Smith told The Weekend Australian.

“You learn through the deal, particularly a broadcast rights deal.

“The way the contract is structured we would look for more flexibility of course. Similarly, over time it won’t only be about broadcast rights; it will be about digital rights as well, and with digital rights you get immense flexibility.

“So there’s a number of things we would think about next time which would be different. This is a long time journey and next time will be even better.

“The next time we do the rights it will be better than this time and we’ll get more money for it.’’

While clubs have bemoaned the losses at the gates stemming from Thursday and Monday games — which they fear will impact on other areas, including merchandise and memberships — there is nothing that can be done about them.

The NRL is locked into a five-year contract until the end of 2017.

Talks on the next broadcast deal could start within the next 18 months. Although most clubs would be happy to see the back of Thursday and Monday night games, broadcasters will fight to keep them (Thursday’s Souths-Broncos game attracted over a million viewers).

A compromise could be reached that would see Thursday night games played at the start of the season and Monday nights to finish it off.

It is unlikely those games will be played in the middle of winter with the NRL looking to stage them in warmer months to attract more fans.

Smith will also look to maximise the return on the State of Origin series, which ranks consistently in the top 10 programs on Australian television every year. He believes the product is being undersold by being packaged in the regular season and will look to sell it separately to the highest bidder.

Smith acknowledged the broadcasters would still need to get their money’s worth from the next contract and it was important to find the right balance between the networks and the fans.

The last deal netted the code $1.1 billion, which has proven beneficial in raising player wages, the annual grants to every club, and other areas of growth, development and investment.

Other benefits include a fixed schedule and the removal of a first and last rights bidding option for free-to-air broadcaster Channel Nine.

“It was a really good deal, and you learn from all these things. Within the five-year period we’ll make it as good as we possibly can,’’ Smith said.

“It would be wrong to say it was a bad deal. It was a pivotal moment in the game’s history where we got rid of first and last rights (and) got significantly more money.

“I’m not saying it’s perfect. It’s not perfect but it was a good first step and the real question is when we take the second step, which will be 2016-17.’’

A number of Sydney clubs have been so alarmed by the problems around scheduling and the poor crowds that go along with it that they approached Smith before the recent chief executives’ meeting.

There are plans for a working committee to be formed to open talks with both of the broadcasters, to see if there is any room to move around the broadcast deal, which has been described as “unbelievably *restrictive’’.

Clubs are resigned to the fact that nothing can be done about this season but there is hope that some solutions can be found to ensure this year’s problems are not repeated in 2015.

Other areas being looked at are which clubs receive byes around the State of Origin period and the timing of certain blockbuster matches throughout the season.

“At the last CEOs’ meeting we agreed that we would sit down and just work through the pros and cons of the season with the clubs — the NRL and the clubs are all one and the same,’’ Smith said.

“We’re doing a bit of work in the background to look at what went well and what didn’t go so well — there’s a set date where we have to agree on next year’s schedule — and ideally we want next year’s schedule to be as good as we can possibly make it.

“The contract that we’ve got is the contract that we’ve got. It was signed up in 2012, so it’s about working within those boundaries.

“The broadcaster will want to listen to us and do as well as we possibly can on behalf of the fan.”

 

[elbusto]

Last night's Sydney ratings were exceptional by the way.

 

[Desert Qlder]

Thanks for posting that article. Scheduling is the number one issue affecting the game at the top level, from this everything else flows.

It is heartening to see that Smith is aware of the extent of the current constraints with the current deal. Also, his willingness to pursue digital platforms will tether the networks somewhat in their aggressive approach next time.

What worries me in future is that because media networks are having their margins squeezed ever more, they are having to resort to extremes to hold market share. For instance, The Australian newspaper quite openly presents itself as a right wing news outlet and wishes to dominate that share of the market. My concern is if Channel Nine were to retain a free to air segment of the broadcast rights their presentation would continue to in its lacklustre and shoddy presentation, in order to appeal to what they see as their core market. Basically meaning we get more of the gibberish from the likes of Fittler, Hadley, Johns et al., only on a worse scale

Rugby League needs diversity in its presentation. Ideally we would see two free to air networks, a subscription network and also a digital package as part of the next deal.

 

[taipan]

Thanks for posting that article. Scheduling is the number one issue affecting the game at the top level, from this everything else flows.

It is heartening to see that Smith is aware of the extent of the current constraints with the current deal. Also, his willingness to pursue digital platforms will tether the networks somewhat in their aggressive approach next time.

What worries me in future is that because media networks are having their margins squeezed ever more, they are having to resort to extremes to hold market share. For instance, The Australian newspaper quite openly presents itself as a right wing news outlet and wishes to dominate that share of the market. My concern is if Channel Nine were to retain a free to air segment of the broadcast rights their presentation would continue to in its lacklustre and shoddy presentation, in order to appeal to what they see as their core market. Basically meaning we get more of the gibberish from the likes of Fittler, Hadley, Johns et al., only on a worse scale

Rugby League needs diversity in its presentation. Ideally we would see two free to air networks, a subscription network and also a digital package as part of the next deal.

Think you will find ch10 will want a slice of the action.They were cheesed off missing out on the NRL last time, and need a popular winter sport to boost ratings and bring in advertisers.There is not much in the winter cupboard for them.

 

[undertaker]

Just found this article. I'm interested to see what implications this could have on the PayTV component of the next tv rights deal if News Ltd's financial performance continues to decline:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/kim-...igures-are-not-his-fault-20140820-106f8e.html

The poor financial health of News Corp Australia's newspapers has been exposed by the release of confidential documents showing continuing losses at its flagship publication The Australian, diving profits for its tabloids, and swingeing job cuts.
Insiders say the release of the 276-page internal operating accounts, by website Crikey, had News Corp Australia's Holt Street headquarters in meltdown.
The accounts, for the year to June 2013 as News Corp was splitting into two, showed revenue at The Australian fell 20.2 per cent to $107.6 million. Operating income for the broadsheet fell to a loss of $27 million.
Melbourne's Herald Sun saw revenues fall 13.5 per cent to $249.6 million, while revenue at Sydney's Daily Telegraph dropped by 14.4 per cent to $160.4 million.
Advertisement
The Herald Sun contributed operating income of $34.6 million to the group, down 40.5 per cent, while the Daily Telegraph's operating income fell 64.5 per cent to $8 million.
Australian permanent staff numbers were slashed by 987 over the year to 8019.
Kim Williams, who was chief executive at the time of the accounts, said: ''I've no doubt there will be a festival of vengeance against me. I have nothing to say.''
He added: ''What all print journalism companies are dealing with are completely immutable and unstoppable forces. And people who deny that is the case are clearly living in a different world than I am living in.
''I haven't seen the Crikey piece. Apparently there's some suggestion that this is all my fault.'' He added: ''Obviously, I beg to differ.''
Mr Williams defended his decision to pay $30 million for the media business of ABC presenter Alan Kohler, which the figures show cost News Corp Australia $2.5 million despite its $3.5 million revenue. ''Here's one thing about purchase prices: people always have 100 per cent hindsight.''
Mr Williams announced his departure from News Corp in August last year, just months after News Corp split in two, and the time of these accounts.
His successor, Julian Clarke, described the figures on Wednesday as ''14 months out of date, have been illegally circulated and are not from our statutory accounts. They do not reflect the current performance of the business''.
He told staff in an email yesterday: ''We have continually emphasised our confidence in the future of our print and digital assets, driven by an experienced management team which has developed robust plans for the future.
''We will be sharing details of these plans with you over the next few weeks and I look forward to working with you as we continue to build the business.''
The company declined to comment on whether its 2014 results were better, but veteran media analyst Mark McDonnell noted News Corp's recent results ''readily acknowledged that the Australian business continues to deteriorate''.
News' Australian newspaper revenue fell 18 per cent in the year to June, accounting for a majority of the revenue decline in the company's flagship news and information arm. But News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson hinted at an improvement in Australian advertising conditions, citing ''green shoots on the Nullarbor Plain''.
One fund manager said The Australian's losses were ''not an unsubstantial amount of money. I imagine the stock is mainly valued on its 61 per cent REA shareholding''. REA Group owns real estate classified site realestate.com.au.
Prominent media investor Simon Marais of fund manager Allan Gray said the departure of Rupert Murdoch as News Corp chairman would likely cause abrupt changes to the local operation. ''When he goes, you would think the new guy will probably come in and say, 'Why are we doing this?' ''

 

[Delboy]

Same as in the States , newspapers will go on to a digital platform. Subscription TV generates major dollars, so not likely to impact on what is paid for sports rights which are the major driver

As per the rest of the world, a premium will be paid for sports, so the guys who pays the bill will want it , and the female half is she doesn't like footy will get the other channels, and the subscription gets paid

Simples

 

[DC_fan]

Just finished reading the most recent edition of Mediaweek http://mediaweek.com.au

Interesting comment about how the AFL are looking at a 10 year contract for their next deal. I wonder how well that may work for the NRL?

 

[DC_fan]

Foxtel slashes subscription fees in battle for customers

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/medi...-customers-20140904-10c9kc.html#ixzz3CR5CfQet

Foxtel is stepping up its battle for subscribers by slashing the cost of a basic cable package by half to $25 and launching a new on-demand BoxSets channel for pay TV and digital users.
The announcement came as part of a revamp of Foxtel's cable and satellite subscription pricing in what could be seen as a preemptive move before US giant Netflix, which is rumoured to be eyeing Australia, enters the local market.

"We recognise that many Australians feel that Foxtel is too expensive to fit comfortably into their budget," Foxtel chief executive Richard Freudenstein said.


The newly created $25 per month entry point entertainment pack includes 40 channels, such as MTV, National Geographic TCM and Universal. Previously, the entry level package cost $50 per month.

The BoxSets channel will be available for an additional $10 on top of the newly announced $25 entertainment pack.

"Bingeing on television is hugely popular and we know that this service will be a smash hit," Mr Fredenstein said at a subscription TV industry conference on Thursday.

Subscribers will be able to view complete series of television shows on demand, including popular series Game of Thrones, The Newsroom, Entourage and The Sopranos.

BoxSets will be available through its mobile service Foxtel Go and through its internet-connected iQ personal video recorder boxes. At this point in time, it has not been announced for online only package Foxtel Play.

The channel is also available as part of a $20 drama pack, which also includes the Showcase, BBC First and FX channels.

Foxtel's sport package will remain $25. This means those wishing to subscribe to sport channels will pay a minimum of $50 per month, combining the entry $25 package and an additional $25 for sports.

The new pricing and content offerings will be launched November 3.

 

[DC_fan]

Fox Sports presents new channel line-up with best year ever ahead



Australia’s Sports Leaders Fox Sports has announced a new seven High Definition Channel line-up. Source: FoxSports
AUSTRALIA’S sports leader, Fox Sports, today announced the launch of a new seven High Definition channel line-up from Monday, November 3, in preparation for what is set to be the best year ever with more live, premium sport than ever before in 2015.

With over 10,500 hours of the best live sport from at home and around the world in 2015 - including the AFC Asian Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup, the IRB Rugby World Cup, and more than 1,300 hours of live motorsport action on the calendar including every Championship Race of the V8 Supercars - Fox Sports is set to break records for the number of hours of live sports content.

2015, THE BEST YEAR EVER IS COMING:

AFC Asian Cup: every match LIVE – 32 games

ICC Cricket World Cup: every match LIVE – 49 games

V8 Supercars – every practice, qualifying, Championship race LIVE



NRL Telstra Premiership: every game of every round of the Premiership Season (5 LIVE)

Toyota AFL Premiership Season: every game of the Premiership Season LIVE

Hyundai A-League: every match LIVE – 140 games

Barclays Premier League: the only place to see every match – 380 games

Asteron Life Super Rugby: every match LIVE – 125 games

The Castrol Edge Rugby Championship: every match LIVE

IRB Rugby World Cup: every match LIVE – 48 games

From Monday, November 3, the FUEL TV and SPEED channels will be become fully fledged Fox Sports branded channels - Fox Sports 4 and Fox Sports 5 - both available in High Definition to deliver fans more live, premium sport in HD than ever before.

Fox Sports CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “2015 will be the best year ever on Fox Sports, with more hours of live, premium sport than we’ve ever had.

“To celebrate this new era and deliver fans sport the way it should be - live and in High Definition - we are updating our channel line-up to include two new High Definition Fox Sports channels. The inclusion of Fox Sports 4 and Fox Sports 5 in our channel offering means fans can enjoy more of their favourite sports live and in High Definition.”

“All our premium sport will be consecutively listed in the Foxtel guide and all will be recordable in HD. An added benefit will be new capacity to add even more enhancements using our innovative RED button feature,” he concluded.

Fox Sports has been a world leader in enhancing broadcasts with extra vision and statistics using the RED button feature for the past 10 years. The changes to the channel line-up will free RED button capacity, enabling Fox Sports to take enhancement of events to another level next year - right across its wide-ranging, premium sports offering. Feature holes and features groups across all PGA Tour events and golf majors, an option to choose your own commentary team and simultaneous live feeds of V8 Supercars are just some of the innovative enhancements on offer on Fox Sports in 2015.

The amped-up RED button feature will be further liberated by broadband with Foxtel’s revolutionary iQ3, which will customise the TV experience seamlessly merging satellite with broadband.

With no such thing as an off-season on Fox Sports, fans will have the choice of 24 entertainment shows between play each week, hosted by the most loved personalities in sport.

The two new Fox Sports channels, Fox Sports 4 and Fox Sports 5, will also be available across Foxtel Play and Foxtel on Telstra T-Box, as well as on the go via Foxtel Go alongside the other Fox Sports channels.

From Monday, November 3, 2014, Fox Sports’ new channel line-up will include six Fox Sports branded channels (Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Fox Sports 3, Fox Sports 4, Fox Sports 5 and Fox Sports News) plus Fox Footy.

As well as all seven channels being available in High Definition, the new Fox Sports channel line-up will be easier for fans to find in the EPG and all live sport on the channels will be recordable.

Fox Sports and Fox Footy are available to Foxtel sports subscribers. HD available when subscribing to the HD tier with a Foxtel iQHD or MyStar HD Box.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sp...-year-ever-ahead/story-e6frf56c-1227046594056

With Foxtel dropping prices and increasing their sports channels it opens the opportunity for much more league to be shown and seen by new viewers