A hypothetical for a slow VFL news week (and I am really rambling in this post)...
With Channel Seven winning the AFL broadcast rights, I would expect them to be keen to test both their gimmicks for 2007 as well as their panel of commentators prior to the start of the AFL season.
Now...During the 2005 season, the idea of VFL and SANFL clubs that have a 'bye' during the H&A season playing each other. The concept had support from clubs on both sides of the border, however the financial costs were too high for the idea to become practical.
If Channel Seven do want to iron the bugs out in their broadcasts, I think they should consider sponsoring a couple of one-off games between VFL and SANFL sides.
The games wouldn't get good ratings if going up against AFL games, however I believe that if the matches were scheduled for a Sunday morning (11am to 1PM) that the TV ratings would be quite good on both sides of the border. Would Channel 7 be interested in subsidising the cost of travel to have a quality TV game to test out their coverage with?
What are your thoughts? I have considered forwarding this on to Channel 7 Sport and Programming departments.
Not a chance Ons.
With other major sporting events like the Cup Carnival, Australian Open, and Golf I'm sure 7 would be more than comfortable broadcasting footy again. They did it for 40 years already.
Doesn't ABC have the rights for SANFL & VFL games so channel 7 wouldn't be allowed to show the game without their permission. I do like the idea though.
Exclusive rights? Sure they have rights for the competitions but do those rights apply to individual clubs? Just wondering.
I think you'd find that a Club's entitlement to play in the VFL carries some obligations to recognise the League's TV broadcaster, and not have any arrangement with another station without the consent of the League's broadcaster.
Agreed, beat me too the point.