> Can't wait to see
> what the Eagles can do next year, just need a real full forward and/or center half
> forward.
I think back to '91. We lost a tough GF to Hawthorn and then dominated the comp for the next 3 seasons.
> Thanks to Rob and all the AFANA crew. Tough to get footy on TV each year, but some
> how you guys manage to do it.
Thanks for the words of support. We succeed only because fans stand with us. That's the only reason the AFL or the networks listen.
> If I were to have a wish list for TV coverage it would go in preference as follows -
> 1. Live football on any cable/satellite station
> 2. Next day replay (Sat/Sun/Mon)
> 3. Delayed replay (2-5 days later) at a decent hour
> 4. Current poor coverage.
Those are essentially the same priorities AFANA has had for it's entire history with the slight revision to #4: improving the current coverage. We continue to seek live coverage though I increasingly believe that will only happen via pay per view in some form.
> I like the 2 hour game of the week, but the one hour highlights doesn't really do it
> for me. A one hour program that showed an uninterupted last hour of a game would be
> better IMHO. Pick a close game, roll back the tape an hour or less for commercials,
> and let it fly!
Please tell the AFL that. I think the overlap between the two programs is wasted time. For the AFL and AFL Films, they say that because not every market takes both they must overlap with same wrapup and highlights sections and that cost is an issue.
I note though that this year, the only market that took just the Match of the Week and not the highlights was BSkyB in the UK. Everywhere (and that ain't much!!) else in the world (all 5 networks) took both or just the Highlights to my knowledge.
So we should keep the highlights as that but get the MOTW back to a full 2 hrs or better, go to 3 hrs and get a full match in.
> List of preferred outlets
> 1. ESPN
> 2. ESPN2
> 3. Network (NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC)
> 4. Regional sports Fox, NESN etc.
> 5. Cable TBS, USA, Spike etc
> 6. Pay per view or HBO/Showtime
> 7. Crappy FSC/FSW
> 8. Live internet coverage audio and video
I'll tackle these:
ESPN, and sister networks: Desirable if we could be assurred of a live Grand Final. However, based on what I know, they aren't interested at present but you never can predict the future.
Major broadcast networks: About as likely as Fremantle and Carlton in the Grand Final for 4 straight seasons.
Regional sports networks: A dynamically changing situation from year to year. It was a big time major accomplishment this year to get the highlights back on the Fox regionals. They had said no every year since 2000 and often insisted on six figures and that the AFL buy the time. So this year was a breakthrough. Too early to gauge 2006.
Midrange cable networks: Networks such as Spike and OLN are constantly evolving and AFANA watches them closely. None of them bit for 2005 but next year is a new year. They may be a short term option.
Pay per view: As much as no one likes it, this is the future. Minor sports will go to those who pay for them. That was my assessment after last season and will likely be the one I give the AFL after this season. If we want better coverage the money has to come from us.
FSC and FSWC: FSWC in Canada has been a good partner for the sport and continues to believe in it. They will be on board next year if we have a US outlet to partner them with.
Not many fans are happy with FSC and this year they took the coverage at the last minute in a public change of direction that had to be embarassing. Without a certain NY mogul's son around, don't hold your breath for future years.
Internet coverage: likely to continue to grow along with the price tag. The AFL is increasingly depending on this to reach places in the world they can't otherwise get to or to supplement other coverage. That will grow.
-Rob de Santos
AFANA Chairman
AFANA TV page
Rob de Santos
billB