MORE than 2600 SANFL fans have joined a Facebook group demanding the ABC retain its coverage of the League.
Federal politicians Kate Ellis and Steve Georganas have also joined the cause, with both personally writing to ABC managing director Mark Scott urging the national broadcaster not to dump the coverage.
The reaction came as speculation grew last week that the ABC’s Saturday SANFL program, and other local sporting coverage, could be cut as part of an ABC review of its costs.
The Facebook page - set up a few days after the City North Messenger exclusively broke news doubt existed about coverage in 2012 - has been flooded with comments from people vowing to rally to save the SANFL program.
“Must save the SANFL,” wrote a member of the group Justin Caire.
“Let’s not let this fade away. The support we need now is more than ever ... No way we will ever give up on this issue.
Linda Baker wrote: “SANFL and ABC are synonymous with local footy. Why do people keep trying to take away the simple pleasures we have?”
The site has urged its members to personally email the ABC, and gained support from several SANFL club cheer squads.
In his letter to Mr Scott, Hindmarsh MP Mr Georganas wrote that hundreds of his constituents relied on the ABC to keep it in touch with the SANFL because age, disability, cost or distance made it too hard to get to matches.
Ms Ellis, the Federal Employment Minister, said the ABC’s charter required it to broadcast important “community, sporting and cultural traditions” and believed the SANFL was in this category.
“For decades, and indeed generations, SANFL football has been at the centre of the sporting experiences, entertainment or community engagement of many in our state,” she said.
ABC director corporate affairs Michael Millett told the City North Messenger the ABC was aware of “the strong campaign regarding its SANFL coverage”.
Mr Millett said a decision on the future of its SANFL coverage would not be made until mid-October, following the release of a new “television production mix strategy” being worked on by Mr Scott.
ABC COVERAGE IS VITAL
ROOSTERS marketing manager Megan Curtis is responsible for looking after the club’s 2143 members and 80 volunteers.
She knows how important it is for fans to watch their team play, especially when they can’t get to Prospect Oval.
“I used to go to games as a kid, but if I had netball in the afternoon or they were playing an away game, I would always come home and watch the last quarter on TV,” Curtis, 28, says.
She says speculation the ABC may axe or cut its television coverage of the SANFL would be disappointing for footy fans.
Curtis says some members, particularly those who are ill, should be able to enjoy the game “in the comfort of their own home”.
“Some people may not be able to afford to go to games week in, week out, so to have games available to watch on TV is important.
“A few members have a disability and would be at every game if they could, but they are so rapt to watch it at home.
“It gives them an extra option . . . and it keeps our game alive for everyone.”
3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP
1. Join the Save SANFL facebook page (or create your own page for WANFL and VFL)
2. Write to your local MP's and Ministers
3. Write a submission for the Senate Inquiry before 9th September
