Gallop exit won't harm broadcast negotiations
- by: Darren Davidson and Simon Canning
- From: The Australian
- June 06, 2012 9:20AM
BROADCASTERS said yesterday they did not expect David Gallop's sudden exit from rugby league to derail negotiations for a new TV rights deal.
A source close to incumbent rights broadcaster Nine Network rejected speculation that tensions over the negotiations and a perception Gallop was too close to Nine and its chief executive David Gyngell was a factor in the ARL Commission's decision to sever ties with the long-time NRL boss.
"It has nothing to do with Nine and it is fair to say that Gallop and Gyngell have not been overly close," the source said.
Gallop told reporters he remained upbeat about the TV rights negotiations. "The TV deal should be a good one," he said. However, sources close to the commission said the timing of Gallop's departure was closely tied to the ongoing negotiations.
"We are about to enter a very sensitive stage and we all agreed it would not be right if someone who was not going to be in his position in three of four months' time was a part of those discussions," the source said.
"We are in a very strong position in the media negotiations and have created some competitive tension."
The source noted that interim chief executive Shane Mattiske was well placed to drive the right final outcome.
"Shane understands it much better than David," he said.
As director of strategy and special projects, Mattiske has been at the centre of the negotiations.
