p.Tah
John Thornett (49)
Sorry, I don't have a subscription I accessed it through a google 'rugby news' feed.It would no doubt be an interesting read, but there is no way I'll pay Murdoch one single cent ever if I can help it. Links to subscription sites are not all that useful unless you already have a subscription.
The gist of it is:
- The ARU want rugby on free TV. This is backed up by analysists who say its the only way rugby will grow in the country.
- Free to air TV like the NRL and AFL because (apart from the ratings during the game) viewers stayed tuned to watch other shows (e.g. news). Since the advent of the internet and portable devices this is happening less and less but is critical for the TV networks.
- Based on recent results, Free to air TV won't that willing to buy into rugby. Therefore they need to know what the ARU strategic plan is for rugby, how will it be marketed? How will rugby help the networks and the futue advertisers?
- Rugby has a lot going for it. It hasn't yet tapped into the family appeal as much as League and AFL have. [The article doesn't say this I believe that is 7s rugby]. Rugby is the only winter sport to have a true national team (I think soccer is classed as a summer sport). It is the only sporting platform for the Blue Chip advertisers to reach white collar workers on mass.
- It is believe Pulver is looking to get Super Rugby on Free to air TV.