AFL TV impasse could be over - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

AFL TV impasse could be over

19/01/2007 06:21:28 PM Comments (0)

The impasse over the final details of television coverage of the 2007 AFL season could be close to ending.

Pay-TV network Foxtel has reportedly re-entered talks with networks Seven and Ten over securing rights to televising four of the eight matches a week.

The three networks are reportedly working together to finalise the splitting of matches over weekends ahead of the pre-season competition, which starts February 23, and the premiership season, which starts March 30.

Foxtel is understood to have made a bid of at least $50 million a year to Seven and Ten to televise games.

The two free-to-air networks paid $780 million for the broadcasting rights for the 2007-11 seasons.

There is speculation the talks could be finalised over the next fortnight, however a Foxtel spokeswoman declined to comment.

Spokesmen for Seven and Ten could not be contacted.

An AFL spokesman said the league was unable to confirm whether the two free-to-air networks were in talks with Foxtel.

Talks between Foxtel and the two free-to-air networks broke down in December, which increased speculation Seven and Ten would have to televise all eight games a weekend to fulfil their agreement with the AFL.

Seven and Ten also considered forming a partnership with networks including SBS and Channel 31 to share the load.

Foxtel announced last August it would close its round-the-clock football channel, which first raised doubts over whether the pay-TV network would continue televising games.

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