News Corp and Telstra will sell Foxtel in a US$2.2bn (A$3.4bn) deal, the companies announced on Monday.

[Senor M]

Yeah this is the exact point though isn't it, you know it's on and are a rusted on fan that's already committed, so you don't require the sport to require any extra attention to catch your eye. To pick up say the casual sports fan in nsw and qld, it's gotta be on 7 main, advertised during the news and front and centre on the first page of the tv guide for people with a fleeting interest to watch. This is reflected in the ratings being up to 50 percent higher when the games are on the main channel there. Also the reason why advertising is significantly higher on the main channels.

My usual process is, I'll flick the tv on, go to the 'all channels guide' on fox, hit the down button 3 or 4x (pages) to see everything that is on currently, then if there is nothing on fox (I get all the channels for $55 these days so it's worthwhile), then I'll flick over to YouTube and watch the options from stuff that i know I like. If nothing there, then I'll go to Netflix etc etc. But the initial guide check is to catch anything I might have interest in that I wasn't expecting to be on (usually local stuff), literally takes 20 seconds. I reckon there would be a decent number of people still do this kinda thing and that's why it's important to be front and centre on page 1 and on the main channel (as the news on the main channel is still the top rating program in each city, 80 to 90 percent of nights in Australia).

You’ve described the viewing habits of someone of an older generation—- watching nightly FTA news & using a TV guide on a dying media platform.

Younger people are significantly less likely to be home with the television on at 6pm (either still on their way home from work, at the gym, cooking dinner, etc.)

Commercials during News broadcasts aren't going to obtain new viewers. Television commercials aren't the most effective way of engaging with a young audience—- it doesn't matter what the “top rated program” on FTA each day is when that number is a third of the viewers it was 15 years ago.

The DAZN sale (the entire purpose of this thread) is evidence that the old model for television is now longer working

 

[The Tilt]

Some speculation on what the sale of Foxtel might mean for the NRL and Aleague rights.

Foxtel’s sale could change the game for two sports in Australia

The seismic deal between News Corp and DAZN for Foxtel adds another layer of intrigue to a number of upcoming rights negotiations.

www.theage.com.au

But with the Murdochs out of the picture, the doubts will be on DAZN’s intent and whether it sees value in chasing the sport. DAZN may view rugby league as an asset out of shape with its aspirations to become the leading sports streamer across the globe, leaving room for either Nine or Paramount to swoop in.

One sporting code more simpatico with DAZN’s global strategy is the round ball game, football. Australia is home to a domestic competition in dire need of revival.

I really don't get this. Why would wanting to become the "leading sports streamer across the globe" leave them uninterested in the NRL rights? Surely their interest in getting the domestic rights will be determined by the size of the domestic audience, which is obviously large for the NRL.

 

[Bjo187]

You’ve described the viewing habits of someone of an older generation—- watching nightly FTA news & using a TV guide on a dying media platform.

Younger people are significantly less likely to be home with the television on at 6pm (either still on their way home from work, at the gym, cooking dinner, etc.)

Commercials during News broadcasts aren't going to obtain new viewers. Television commercials aren't the most effective way of engaging with a young audience—- it doesn't matter what the “top rated program” on FTA each day is when that number is a third of the viewers it was 15 years ago.

The DAZN sale (the entire purpose of this thread) is evidence that the old model for television is now longer working

But that's suggesting we leave that whole audience that do still watch through traditional methods off the table. That's silly to do. Yes engage with younger audiences through their common means, but you still need to be up in lights on the main channel, in what still has the biggest gathering of local viewers in the one place at the one time.

Some speculation on what the sale of Foxtel might mean for the NRL and Aleague rights.

Foxtel’s sale could change the game for two sports in Australia

The seismic deal between News Corp and DAZN for Foxtel adds another layer of intrigue to a number of upcoming rights negotiations.

www.theage.com.au

I really don't get this. Why would wanting to become the "leading sports streamer across the globe" leave them uninterested in the NRL rights? Surely their interest in getting the domestic rights will be determined by the size of the domestic audience, which is obviously large for the NRL.

Interesting this article also mentions two things I've been going on about for ages, the fact the AFL has more viewers than the NRL and how being shoved off to the secondary channel for the A league has made the sport near invisible in Australia.

"Whichever way you shake it, the AFL is the larger sport in Australia. Its total average audience per game and viewership for the grand finals exceeds that of the NRL. The code also boasts a higher on ground attendance.

As for the NRL, it is streamed for free by more Australians than are games in the AFL. That’s largely because it’s been available for free on Nine’s video on demand service 9Now for quite some time. The AFL has only recently started streaming on Seven Network’s free digital on demand platform, 7Plus."

"While it has made its digital service 10Bold the home of free football, the game has struggled to find new audiences, hidden away on the secondary channel for the nation’s third-largest network."

 

[Senor M]

But that's suggesting we leave that whole audience that do still watch through traditional methods off the table. That's silly to do. Yes engage with younger audiences through their common means, but you still need to be up in lights on the main channel, in what still has the biggest gathering of local viewers in the one place at the one time.

DAZN is interested in getting the eyes of their target demographic that they can use to sign advertisers.

Not all viewers are created equal—- large companies want their products advertised in front of their intended audience.

An older audience is more likely to have less disposable income, be more loyal to existing brands and less willing to try new products.

Advertisers don't give a sh*# if 100,000 60-year-old Barry’s from Brisbane see their commercial if they aren't going to buy their product. They’d prefer to get the eyeballs of 20,000 25-year-old Brayden’s.

It’s why Love Island Australia still continues to be renewed despite its poor FTA ratings.

 

[craffles]

There is absolutely no way the AFL would allow their contracted broadcast partner to dictate their expansion strategy. They are obviously willing to provide low cost concessions such fixturing slots etc but they aren’t going to change their expansion plans unless it becomes a one horse race for future negotiations and the broadcaster has more leverage.

 

[Bjo187]

DAZN is interested in getting the eyes of their target demographic that they can use to sign advertisers.

Not all viewers are created equal—- large companies want their products advertised in front of their intended audience.

An older audience is more likely to have less disposable income, be more loyal to existing brands and less willing to try new products.

Advertisers don't give a sh*# if 100,000 60-year-old Barry’s from Brisbane see their commercial if they aren't going to buy their product. They’d prefer to get the eyeballs of 20,000 25-year-old Brayden’s.

It’s why Love Island Australia still continues to be renewed despite its poor FTA ratings.

What's dazn and it's advertising got to do with our discussion around you thinking it makes no difference if footy is on 7's main channel or not, into Sydney, Brisbane and often Perth?

The point is, it does make a difference to the potential casual viewer, having your product front and centre on the main channel. The data even backs that up, whether it's predominantly your 50 year old Keith and his wife or not.

 

[Giant YoYo]

You’ve described the viewing habits of someone of an older generation—- watching nightly FTA news & using a TV guide on a dying media platform.

Younger people are significantly less likely to be home with the television on at 6pm (either still on their way home from work, at the gym, cooking dinner, etc.)

Commercials during News broadcasts aren't going to obtain new viewers. Television commercials aren't the most effective way of engaging with a young audience—- it doesn't matter what the “top rated program” on FTA each day is when that number is a third of the viewers it was 15 years ago.

The DAZN sale (the entire purpose of this thread) is evidence that the old model for television is now longer working

The viewing habits you're describing in a number of posts isn't of gen Z which is increasingly moving towards TikTok and YouTube.

The paid content steaming service providers are increasingly struggling with this demographic.

The majority of the paid content streaming services industry isn't sustainable.

A lot of your posts read as though the current environment is fait acompli and it's no where near.

 

[jwint43]

Telling us that you still use Foxtel directly is evidence that your viewing habits are not reflective of the majority of Australians under the age of 60 (if you are under the age of 60).

“Flicking” through television isn't something most most young people do these days mate.

I'd guess that most subscriptions to Foxtel are Gen X and Boomers who don't actually watch the channels (beside Sport) and have been too comfortable financially to bother cancelling the subscription.

I doubt anyone under the age of 40 has signed up for anything except Kayo and Binge. It was a decent pivot by Foxtel to add on demand streaming as part of the box setup, but the content is pretty thin and only getting worse. The amount of dead air on Foxtel would be staggering.

 

[Billy ray]

The only plus for foxtel is the satellites delivery which is far superior to streaming.
And live means live with satellite.
If i decide to rejoin for fox footy, ill be going to foxtel satellite not kayo.

 

[Senor M]

What's dazn and it's advertising got to do with our discussion

Look at the thread title?

I think you're capable of answering that question yourself mate.

 

[Bjo187]

Look at the thread title?

I think you're capable of answering that question yourself mate.

Lol ok, so you come into the thread picking holes in my post specifically relating to main channel importance and the fact nobody uses an on screen guide to watch tv anymore. I explain it with details and facts and then it's supported by an smh article right on cue, so then you randomly pivot to replying to me about the thread title and make out I've gone off track . Well played.

 

[Senor M]

Lol ok, so you come into the thread picking holes in my post specifically relating to main channel importance and the fact nobody uses an on screen guide to watch tv anymore. I explain it with details and facts and then it's supported by an smh article right on cue, so then you randomly pivot to replying to me about the thread title and make out I've gone off track . Well played.

What “details” and “facts” have you provided?

You have made anecdotal claims and broad statements with no evidence, expert opinion or statistics. I’ll be honest-— neither have I; however I am not the one claiming that the outdated way YOU do things should be that target audience of a national sporting code & International streaming service.

The world doesn't revolve around you mate, complaining that the AFL doesn't make decisions to make you happy isn't going to change the financial situation of the league. The priority is income streams; not if a random BigFooty poster is “happy”

 

[Senor M]

Lets be realistic for a moment— the DAZN deal will have a massive impact on the next set of rights in 2032 unless the Anti-Siphoning laws are rewritten.

DAZN will have no interest in traditional broadcasting, we will see the enshitification of Foxtel satellite to a point that all customers will just use streaming — likely Kayo will be incorporated into the DAZN and an a separate entertainment content service (which won't have much based on increasing competition)

DAZN will bid for exclusive at a picture quality that FTA TV will be unable to match. DAZN will build its userbase through collaborations with sports betting companies (ie deposit $50 on SportsBet, get DAZN for free for a month) & become more appealing for a younger generation (that will watch on the go, multi screen, etc)

Without the partnership with Foxtel, Channel 7 will struggle to afford to produce games to the quality it currently does, making it even less desirable to watch.

The entire ‘debate’ of 7 Vs 7mate is irrelevant when the target audience will be sports gamblers who are more likely to watch multiple sports, are tech savvy & willing to spend more money (even inadvertently) for content.

In summary:
- AFL is an ideal sport for DAZN to focus on due to when it is played ( Australian winter = Northern Hemisphere summer) and overnight/early morning in Europe/ American timezones. Provides live content at a time where minimal other elite sport is played globally
— DAZN will bid for 2032 AFL streaming rights independently (or in collaboration with a sports betting agency)
— the Anti siphoning laws will keep games accessible on FTA for a shrinking audience which will see a decline in the quality of the coverage (especially in comparison to DAZN)

 

[Bjo187]

What “details” and “facts” have you provided?

You have made anecdotal claims and broad statements with no evidence, expert opinion or statistics. I’ll be honest-— neither have I; however I am not the one claiming that the outdated way YOU do things should be that target audience of a national sporting code & International streaming service.

The world doesn't revolve around you mate, complaining that the AFL doesn't make decisions to make you happy isn't going to change the financial situation of the league. The priority is income streams; not if a random BigFooty poster is “happy”

The article from the smh yesterday helped back my points, but I'll break it down one last time for you in a clear summary. Try not to just counter it with another thought bubble.

1. Foxtel still has over 1.2 million subscribers in Australia that use the tv remote. That's before you even count the fta watchers that would also use the remote and on screen guide to see what's currently on.

Foxtel Group Fiscal 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings

News Corp today released its Fiscal 2024 (FY24) Fourth Quarter (Q4) and Full Year Earnings for the 12 months ended 30 June 2024, including subscriber highlights for the Foxtel Group and financial results for the Subscription Video Services segment. Commenting on the Foxtel Group at News Corp’s FY24…

foxtelgroup.com.au

2. FTA tv is still the number 1 spot in Australia that you will have the most people watching the same program, at the same time, in the country.

3. Main channels significantly outrate secondary channels, one of the reasons likely being, secondary channels are pages down on tv guides. This article is a few years old, but shows you even when fta tv was bigger, stations like 7 mate only obtained 4 percent of the fta national audience share, that's pathetic. Why? Nobody watches or even checks what's on these channels most of the time.

https://www.smh.com.au/entertainmen...multichannels-even-exist-20181204-p50k3v.html

4. Having tracked tv ratings of footy games weekly for years, it's common knowledge on here that games on the main channel rate up to 50 percent higher than those on secondary channels, particularly in those expansion markets, in fact even in Perth this happens. You can have a look at the tv ratings thread during the 2025 season to confirm this.

5. Even if the market is moving towards streaming more, which I agree with you, why would a sporting league actively choose to leave millions of potential viewers on the table, when there is still a large proportion consuming tv in the more traditional manner?

6. It's not an afl choice to allow their product to be shoehorned off to a secondary channel, it's the 7 network, it is however the afl's responsibility to demand from it's broadcaster to be front and centre in all avenues, as much as possible (pvl is famous for doing this on behalf of the nrl). This ensures that people particularly in the northern states, don't forget the game exists. It's why sports battle for media exposure as much as possible, otherwise you end up like soccer or rugby in Australia.

7. Yes they should be promoting in the methods you mention to attract younger audiences and they do, but you don't in the meantime actively choose to ignore a significant percentage of the population, just because a higher percentage of them are over 40 years old, that's nuts.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Australia is a bubble market, nothing will really be impacted.

It could have a flow-on in terms of viewership overseas though

 

[Senor M]

5. Even if the market is moving towards streaming more, which I agree with you, why would a sporting league actively choose to leave millions of potential viewers on the table, when there is still a large proportion consuming tv in the more traditional manner

You're massively overestimating the amount of people like you mate. There is no point trying to have a discussion about the impact DAZN and will have on the AFL’s broadcast agreements if you are unable to look beyond your insulated bubble.

If you're going to continue to quote me, at least acknowledge that viewers like the type you describe are in a decreasing minority & are not the target demographic of the AFL or DAZN.

 

[Bjo187]

You're getting into trolling territory now mate, it's ok to admit you were wrong instead of trying to cherry pick and change your point to pretend you were meaning something else.

You're massively overestimating the amount of people like you mate. There is no point trying to have a discussion about the impact DAZN and will have on the AFL’s broadcast agreements if you are unable to look beyond your insulated bubble.

So you're saying the 1.2 million foxtel subscribers, plus the few million 'reach' the nightly news has every single night on fta tv, doesn't add up to 'millions' of people in Australia, still consuming tv this way?

Let's just look at last night as an example, 2.5 million tuned into 7 news alone, that's not even including those that tuned into ch9 news which would add a few million more.

If you're going to continue to quote me, at least acknowledge that viewers like the type you describe are in a decreasing minority & are not the target demographic of the AFL or DAZN.

Gee, here i was thinking i did acknowledge that multiple times, including the part of my post that you actually quoted .

5. Even if the market is moving towards streaming more, which I agree with you, why would a sporting league actively choose to leave millions of potential viewers on the table, when there is still a large proportion consuming tv in the more traditional manner?

 

[Senor M]

You're getting into trolling territory now mate, it's ok to admit you were wrong instead of trying to cherry pick and change your point to pretend you were meaning something else.



So you're saying the 1.2 million foxtel subscribers, plus the few million 'reach' the nightly news has every single night on fta tv, doesn't add up to 'millions' of people in Australia, still consuming tv this way?

Let's just look at last night as an example, 2.5 million tuned into 7 news alone, that's not even including those that tuned into ch9 news which would add a few million more.

View attachment 2194554



Gee, here i was thinking i did acknowledge that multiple times, including the part of my post that you actually quoted .

Cherry picking data much?

The “Seven News” you quoted has nearly identical ratings to the last session of Day 2 of the Test match. I’m not sure if you were watching, but in Melbourne the news started late due to a late finish at the MCG. It was a “peak” of 2.5 million with an average closer to 1.4 million.

What is the news broadcast on an average Friday night when its actually showing news & not Scott Boland demolishing the Indian middle order?

 

[Senor M]

Instead of laughing reacting to me Bjo187 —- provide evidence to back up your claim.

When was the last time Seven News & Nine News had a combined 4.5 million viewers that wasn't impacted by sports viewership ( the 2.5 mil for Seven News and the “couple of million more for Nine news”)??

 

[Bjo187]

Instead of laughing reacting to me Bjo187 —- provide evidence to back up your claim.

When was the last time Seven News & Nine News had a combined 4.5 million viewers that wasn't impacted by sports viewership ( the 2.5 mil for Seven News and the “couple of million more for Nine news”)??

Coz you tell me to back up my claims, I provide 4 links in my posts above, you provide zero, then you tell me to back up my claims again. At least read the other ones first and you might stop making a fool of yourself.

But anyway, to quote you and prove you wrong yet again. Here you are highlighting my claim of 'millions' and then saying 'you're massively over estimating'. Let's look at Monday before the test match started and before Christmas.





3.2 million +, now that seems like million'S to me.

 

[Senor M]

Coz you tell me to back up my claims, I provide 4 links in my posts above, you provide zero, then you tell me to back up my claims again. At least read the other ones first and you might stop making a fool of yourself.

But anyway, to quote you and prove you wrong yet again. Here you are highlighting my claim of 'millions' and then saying 'you're massively over estimating'. Let's look at Monday before the test match started and before Christmas.

View attachment 2194596

View attachment 2194595

3.2 million +, now that seems like million'S to me.

Coz you tell me to back up my claims, I provide 4 links in my posts above, you provide zero, then you tell me to back up my claims again. At least read the other ones first and you might stop making a fool of yourself.

But anyway, to quote you and prove you wrong yet again. Here you are highlighting my claim of 'millions' and then saying 'you're massively over estimating'. Let's look at Monday before the test match started and before Christmas.

View attachment 2194596

View attachment 2194595

3.2 million +, now that seems like million'S to me.

Peak viewers, not average viewers. IF people do as you claim & flick from channel to channel then they’d be counted for both programs.

Your math aren't mathing mate.

This thread is soo far off topic because you’re obsessed with this idea that people flicking channels is important to DAZN & the AFL.

 

[GC2015]

There is absolutely no way the AFL would allow their contracted broadcast partner to dictate their expansion strategy. They are obviously willing to provide low cost concessions such fixturing slots etc but they aren’t going to change their expansion plans unless it becomes a one horse race for future negotiations and the broadcaster has more leverage.

Someone feel free to correct me if this is wrong, but wasn't part of the reason GWS were established to do with the broadcasters wanting a second team in Sydney and in doing so it meant a home game would be played in Sydney virtually every week? I thought I remembered reading that somewhere.

Broadcasters obviously have their preferences on many things and I'm sure some their preferences are at least spoken about at some point before they hand over billions of dollars to the AFL/NRL. Doesn't necessarily mean the AFL/NRL have to listen to those requests.

 

[Big Sauce 21]

The only plus for foxtel is the satellites delivery which is far superior to streaming.
And live means live with satellite.
If i decide to rejoin for fox footy, ill be going to foxtel satellite not kayo.

There is no chance this gets scrapped for only streaming right ? I have the foxtel satellite and never fails me except when it's extremely heavy rain.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Peak viewers, not average viewers. IF people do as you claim & flick from channel to channel then they’d be counted for both programs.

Your math aren't mathing mate.

This thread is soo far off topic because you’re obsessed with this idea that people flicking channels is important to DAZN & the AFL.

The stat is poor, as it is recorded from an average

 

[Billy ray]

There is no chance this gets scrapped for only streaming right ? I have the foxtel satellite and never fails me except when it's extremely heavy rain.

I hope not! But who knows