ABC to continue VFL football coverage
Phillip Hudson From: Herald Sun September 22, 2011 3:54PM
THE ABC will continue its weekend TV broadcast of VFL games, but it wants to strike a new deal for financial and logistical support because of falling ratings and pressure to show other programs.
The national broadcaster had been considering axing VFL coverage but today said it would begin negotiations in coming weeks for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
ABC managing director Mark Scott said the broadcaster understood local football coverage was important to state leagues in developing profile and grass roots support.
"While the ABC appreciates the importance of local football to passionate fans, the reality is that audiences have declined markedly in recent years.
"To cover the amount of local sport that the ABC currently broadcasts is expensive and the ABC must ensure that it is delivering value for money to its audiences and other stakeholders,'' Mr Scott said.
