In a major win for local sports ABC management yesterday (22/9/2011) announced that they will commence negotiations to bring state-based local sport competitions to audiences in 2012 and 2013.
This announcement is in response to CPSU, members and the public’s continued lobbying of MP’s, Senators, local sports communities, nationally seeking a recommitment from ABC management to continue its broadcasting of local sports.
This recommitment by ABC management would not have been possible without the ongoing support and assistance of members and staff working together for a better outcome.
With the announcement by ABC management we are now in a position to continue seeking positive changes in the ABC. Outstanding areas that we are still campaigning include:
- Full Public Inquiry and Audit of the ABC: How you can help
- Petition seeking the ABC to reverse their decision to axe Lawn Bowls Coverage and to ensure that local sports remains on the ABC
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Adelaide Now - 22nd September 2011
THE ABC is retreating from plans to dump SANFL television coverage from next year but wants more money from the sport to continue broadcasts. The corporation will not provide any details of the conditions surrounding future coverage - if it will continue as an in-house production or move to the favoured outsourced model.
Managing Director Mark Scott has reopened the negotiations which were discontinued last month following an announcement of national ABC funding cuts for in-house productions.
"The ABC will commence negotiations to bring the state-based Australian Rules competitions, Queensland's Rugby League competition and NSW's Shute Shield to audiences on ABC1 in 2012 and 2013," Mr Scott said in a written statement.
The ABC has been under intense pressure from all sides of politics, the SANFL, past board member Peter Hurley and the football public.
Mr Scott said a Senate inquiry into the issue would next week be told new broadcasting agreements would be negotiated with the individual sporting bodies over coming weeks.
But his concessions were heavily qualified and with no indication that the current commitment would be maintained.
The SANFL currently provides $60,000 to the ABC to partly fund coverage.
"The ABC will look to work with the major football codes to secure the substantial support, both financial and logistical, that is necessary to continue the coverage of local football on ABC TV," the statement says.
Minister for Employment Participation and MP for Adelaide Kate Ellis today welcomed in part the ABC decision.
Ms Ellis, who circulated petitions attacking the planned dumping, said more detail was required about the proposal and the ABC statement was a "first step".
"I do welcome the decision not to scrap television coverage of the SANFL," she said
