TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

AFL Standings

	W	L	D	%	Pts
Magpies	20	2	0	167.66	80
Cats	19	3	0	157.38	76
Hawks	18	4	0	144.12	72
Eagles	17	5	0	130.32	68

Full AFL Ladder (standings)

2012 NAB Cup Schedule

2012 AFL Draw (schedule or fixture)

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2009-09-15 11:43.

Can anyone give me firm information on whether espn360 is going to show the cats v pies game this weekend?? It lists AFL live at 5:30am sat but than it lists the saints games after it!?!?!? any help would be great.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Tue, 2009-09-15 13:29.

We will have something on that very shortly and our TV schedule page will be updated accordingly. Hang in there and check the schedules page for updates..

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Tim (not verified) on Wed, 2009-09-16 08:26.

if I'm correct the only way I can watch my beloved cats play off for a GF is paying an extra $7.00 to watch it on a european sport streaming site!?!?! Disgraceful AFL!

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Wed, 2009-09-16 09:59.

Hi Tim,

At this point, it appears the only ways to get that match are Aussie Sport TV, the new omnisport.tv service we will have info on later today, and internet radio in North America. However, from what we can learn this wasn’t the AFL’s fault. ESPN and TSN are obligated (contractually) to take one game only. Originally, that was going to be the Geelong v Collingwood game. Then they switched to the other match. From the info we had last week, we interpreted the schedules to mean both games but apparently that was not the case. Therefore, the fault is on ESPN (since TSN takes their initial cue from ESPN). The AFL just, coincidentally, had omnisport.tv coming on line this weekend. That has been in the works for weeks however, we couldn’t talk about it since it wasn’t nailed down. This was not an "AFL" sc**w-up or plot to charge you for the game, just fortunate (or unfortunate depending on your point of view) coincidence.

Once again, this is fallout from the contracts the AFL had to negotiate in a very short time back in mid-August. To that extent, it was their responsibility but honestly, I probably wouldn’t have gotten a better deal had I been doing the negotiating. I’m hopeful these issues can be ironed out before the 2010 season.

AFANA would prefer to see both matches available, but there is little to be done here except complain to ESPN and TSN.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Sean (not verified) on Wed, 2009-09-16 13:24.

Re: Collingwood vs Geelong

Assuming seats at the MCG are not sold out yet, you can't discount the AFL's motivation to hold off the release of the game to ESPN360 prior to reaching a threshold/selling out the MCG. Why would the AFL, Collingwood and Geelong want to make their game available on what is probably the best broadband system FOR FREE when they need to fill up the seats? They all share in the seat revenue. So they will wait until they get the threshold level, which is liekly to happen. There were over 90K in last year's prelim. ESPN360 has a blank spot now where last Sunday they had both games scheduled. In the near future, once seats are sold, the game will likely be available on ESPN360.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Wed, 2009-09-16 15:36.

Hi Sean,

No, don't count on it appearing. Yes, I do discount that the sellout / non-sellout situation had anything to do with this. This was, plain and simple, a programming decision by ESPN. How about the theory that ESPN simply wanted the game involving the top of the ladder club? There is no evidence of any conspiracy by the AFL to withhold the game. ESPN360 is not easily available (due to geo-blocking) in Australia and unless you have lots of spare cash you aren't going to drop everything, buy a game ticket and a plane ticket and fly to Australia to see it. Whether the game sells out isn't going to be affected by which game ESPN chooses nor is ESPN's choice going to be affected by the ticket sales. The game will not magically appear on ESPN360's schedule at the last minute if there is a sellout. I'd like to persuade ESPN and TSN to take both games but don't hold your breath.

I know that some readers here are looking for AFL conspiracies behind everything. Sorry folks, they simply aren't present here.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Mike in DC on Thu, 2009-09-17 05:49.

Gidday Rob,

New member and first off thanks for all your efforts in keeping this site up and running.

Much appreciated mate.

One question reon the live stream Aussie Tv sport for the Cats v Magpies game.

I clicked on the site and got to step 2 and saw the disclaimer for all the countries not able to recieve tjhe live stream. Buried in the middle tof the list was USA. Am I right in saying it does not work anywhere in the States ? I fnd this strange given the size of the market !! In fact from all the countries listed it would probably be easier to list teh Countries WHERE it is available.

So Rob before I spend my hard earned (ahem) US $ could you verify that it is NOT available in the States.Any information much appreciated.

Thanks Rob

Mike in dc

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Thu, 2009-09-17 11:16.

Hi Mike,

(Update: ASTV sent us the following announcement:

It's down to the Preliminary Finals...who will make it to the Grand Final on 26th September?

As a fan of AFL, you'll be pleased to learn you can watch Collingwood vs. Geelong

Exclusively LIVE online with our friends Omnisport.tv!

So if you're in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland or Europe for just $5.99USD, you can catch all the action from the Pies vs. the Cats, live and direct from your computer.)

This might just ASTV sending you to Omnisport.tv but I haven't tried the signup links for this live offer.

Aussie Sport TV usually carries video on a 12-24 delay (or longer as it seems they don't always get the matches posted in a timely basis). They haven't done live for the USA / Canada but they carry every AFL match (or that's the promise). Just this week, the AFL has launched a second source for live video online for the USA (& Canada, UK, etc). (The first source being ESPN360). The new source would be Omnisport.tv. They, like ESPN360, will have it live and for a short time after (48 hrs max) but may not for future on-demand beyond 48 hours or have all matches.

The trade there is: want it live (then either ESPN360 or Omnisport.tv depending on the match); if on-demand after the first day or two, then ASTV. We will be posting word on Omnisport.tv today. As for this offer, all I can say is try it and let us know.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Chris (not verified) on Mon, 2009-08-31 09:55.

Hi,

Has there been any confirmation yet on whether the 2009 AFL Grand Final will be on ESPN2 in the US, and more imporantly, will it definitely be live?

I'm trying to organise an AFL Grand Final party for my American mates... to show them what all the fuss is about! Haha.

Thanks,
Chris.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Mon, 2009-08-31 10:30.

Hi Chris,

First, please do not repeatedly post the same message. This succeeded in getting you labeled as a spammer. Probably not what you wanted. Second, and this applies to all visitors here: anonymous posters (not logged in!) have all submissions go into moderation for review (and you get a screen message to that effect after you post!). This is easy to avoid. Register at this site, confirm your registration and log in. Any post made by a registered user who is currently logged in appears immediately. Easy.

Now to your question: We are in discussions with the AFL and by extension, ESPN on the Grand Final. We have previously been told that the Grand Final would be live on ESPN2. We have no hard information to the contrary. However, we are seeking definitive confirmation and when we have it, we will add the GF to our TV schedules. Until we do that, you can assume we do not have satisfactory confirmation. (Trust me, AFANA has no reason to withhold this sort of information. It just makes our job harder as we answer endless queries just like this one.). Once we have a start time for the broadcast and an end time, it will appear on our schedules. You can tattoo that promise on your least favorite appendage.

Cheers,

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Chris (not verified) on Mon, 2009-08-31 12:08.

Thanks Rob for the quick response. I wasn't sure how readily updated this website was, but you've confirmed that the answer is "frequently".
So I guess I simply will plan my party on the assumption that everything is going ahead as hoped! I'll check back for the update to the Calendar throughout this month.
Apologies for the multiple posts - my computer was freezing on me during the comment posting stage and i never saw any sort of confirmation, so i assumed my posts weren't going through.
I'll register now as well.
Thanks again,
Chris.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Mon, 2009-09-14 23:56.

We have confirmed word that the Grand Final will be live on ESPN Classic and ESPN360. See our TV schedule page for details.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Fri, 2009-08-07 22:32.

Regarding the Highlights package and the Brownlow medal ceremony:

We are advised by the AFL that they do not expect ESPN to carry either in 2009. The Brownlow ceremony will probably be available on afl.com.au but that has not been confirmed. The Highlights package situation for 2010 & 2011 has not been determined.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2009-08-18 13:26.

Do you have any updates on whether the finals will be broadcast live in Canada?

Unfortunately, one delayed game a week through TSN in Canada is pretty poor compared to what we had through Setanta.

Is there anyway to view ESPN in Canada?

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Tue, 2009-08-18 15:09.

We are waiting to hear from the AFL and TSN regarding the Grand Final. As soon as we have confirmation, we will add it to our TV schedule page.

We agree that one delayed game per week is inadequate for Canadian fans. It's an issue we will talk to the AFL and TSN about, particularly for 2010 and 2011. What I will say is that the same analysis we've posted here regarding US coverage applies to Canadian coverage when discussing Setanta. The same financial issues apply and the same issues regarding fan support apply just on a smaller scale. As fans, we did not support Setanta Canada as we should have and that made us an easy target for cost cutting when the financial strain became significant.

At this time, I know of no legal way to watch the ESPN coverage in Canada. We'd like to see the TSN web site make matches available the same we ESPN360 does and that is another issue for discussion with the AFL and TSN.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Tue, 2009-09-15 16:22.

As of this morning, the Grand Final will be live on TSN2. We have the schedule on our TV schedule page

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Steve, E-town (not verified) on Wed, 2009-08-19 19:31.

Rob,

As a devoted afl fan in Canada I am very discouraged to see that Setanta sports gave up on its afl coverage with no warning, mid way through a season. I had no problem with paying the price to get 2 games a week. Now that TSN has taken over, since round 19 we've had 1 delayed game played. There have been no games since and it doesn't look as if they'll be playing any this weekend. Will TSN be into this agreement whole heartedly or is it a time filler for them on an early sunday morning?

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Wed, 2009-08-19 21:02.

Hi Steve,

Even if Setanta had given us direct warning, it would not have altered anything. In any case, AFANA did sound the warning through 5 articles on the front page of this site over several months. I personally warned fans that the coverage could go away at any time and very few commented or e-mailed or even seemed to notice.

As for TSN, we receive weekly schedule information from the AFL for all international broadcasters including TSN. Normally, we do not depend on that and prefer to get the information direct from the network ourselves. So far, that has proven difficult to arrange but we continue to work on getting that done. The AFL information indicates that TSN is telling the the AFL they will air a match. Why that is not happening, we don't know and we are seeking clarification. We hope it is simply technical details that have not been fully ironed out. The AFL has been told that Collingwood v Sydney will air at 3:30 AM EDT on Monday. Please let us know if that takes place. We'll post more when we know more.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Rob (not verified) on Thu, 2009-08-20 10:01.

As a Canadian who subscribed to Setanta, I'm very disappointed in the lack of matches now available to Canadians. I do subscribe to Aussie Sport TV so I am able to watch the recorded matches. However, Aussie Sport TV does need some drastic improvements to bring the service up to the appropriate standards. Why does AFL cut out the pre-game commentary and half-time interviews when these matches are uploaded? I've only been following the game since 2006 and these commentaries and interviews are helping me to learn the nuances. I love watching the teams run through the banners and then watch the winning team sing their fight song at the end. These are unique flavours of the Aussie game that are lost when matches are uploaded in an edited format. As well, the delay between the time the match is played and the time that it's uploaded to Aussie Sport TV is very frustrating. This will be a real issue for the finals, especially for the first week, when I will hope to watch all 4 mtaches. Can some work be done with the AFL to resolve these two issues?

In terms of TV broadcasts in Canada, TSN's one taped match per week is simply inadequate. Would it not be possible to have some sort of Pay Per View service with the Canadian Cable outlets for the remainder of the season so that we're able to watch the entire finals series? In Canada (an I'm assuming the United States) you can subscribe to NFL Prime Ticket and NHL Centre Ice. I'm told that both of these subscriptions are available in Australia as well. Why can't a similar service be available for the AFL in Canada.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Thu, 2009-08-20 11:27.

Hi Rob,

Let me see if I can address all of your points. Yes, Aussie Sport TV has deficiencies and we have been continually working with the AFL. Matches are not posted in the timely manner that is expected. AFANA has forwarded complaints about this to the AFL several times this season already. I can't say for sure where the problem lies; whether it is with the Australian networks, Telstra, or with Aussie Sport TV or all of them at various times. We've made the AFL very aware of it though. The loss of pre-game and half-time commentary is likely because that is the property of the Australian networks and not only the AFL. It would require permission to include and it may be that was not part of the Aussie Sport TV deal. (Telstra can't sub-license the commentary as they can with the match itself.). I would not expect that to change this season but we'll take note for our next submission to the AFL.

I think AFANA would agree (as I've noted elsewhere) that the TSN coverage is inadequate. However, given the circumstances the AFL was in, it was probably all they were offered by TSN at the time. AFANA will be pushing the AFL and TSN to do better next season. Whether than happens, I can't say. I'll just tell you that AFANA sees it as a high priority. Setanta Canada was subscription. Even at that price point ($14.99/mo), it appears many fans thought it was too expensive and wouldn't pay for it. Therefore, the cost of a pay per view package is probably going to be a hard sell to the AFL and Canadian networks. I'd love to see that as an option for fans everywhere in North America. AFANA tried to put together a package like that ourselves twice in the late 90's and early 00's and we couldn't get enough people to express interest to get it off the ground. Fans wouldn't commit to paying the annual fee it would have required so it appears you are a minority on that one. An alternative might be a TSN online option similar to ESPN360 but with all matches available each week.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2009-08-21 11:57.

For Canadian fans: TSN's website has now just started to show replays starting with the Friday night game.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Rob (not verified) on Wed, 2009-08-26 09:49.

I watched the TSN broadcast of Sydney v. Collingwood on Monday and with one exception was quite impressed. First of all, the broadcast was in HD - 1080. Second, the broadcast included the pre-game analysis, half time analysis, post game interviews and even the fight song in the locker room. Further, as the 150 minute time slot wasn't up, highlights of North Melbourne v. St. Kilda were shown. The broadcast did have a few extra commercials, however the game was "paused" while the commercials were shown and the commercial inserts were placed at boundary throw ins. The one aspect that was problematic was that 12 minutes of the 2nd quarter was skipped. Judging by the score before and after the skip I can see that now much was missed and I can also understand why this portion of the game was edited out. However, I would be concerned if in future broadcasts to fit the game into 150 minutes, a half quarter were to be skipped. Setanta always was able to fit a whole game into 150 minutes. As much as I like the post game, perhaps it could be chopped down a bit instead of losing game-time. In any event, overall I'd give TSN's attempt a good score.

I also noticed that on TSN.ca, an additional game was available for viewing in its entirety - Richmond v. Hawthorne. The game was only up for a day. Since I didn't check until Monday, it is possible that other games were up earlier and deleted. It may be that TSN's broadband is going to put up games like ESPN360?

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Sat, 2009-09-12 13:40.

A fan who wishes to remain anonymous, for reasons that I understand, has submitted by e-mail the following review of the coverage on TSN during the first week of the finals. (I personally vouch that this is authentic and we are publishing it with permission):

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

--------------
A quick report on the coverage of Finals Week 1, live on TSN2 in Canada - in case no one from up north has told you how this panned out.

I wasn't actually here to watch it live, but have just finished watching it on delay off the DVR. Geelong vs Western Bulldogs was the match shown.

Scheduled timing was 12.30am - 3.30am EDT.

Assuming my DVR started when I think it did, coverage began 20 mins. late due to over-run of live US Open tennis coverage on TSN2. As a tennis fan too, I know such coverage can sometimes overrun by 1-2 hours, so I figured 20 mins. was a good result.

As it was, TSN2 was showing a full 30 mins of pre-game coverage, so no match coverage was lost. We still saw the teams run out, anthems, last minute comments by boundary commentators before the match began at exactly 1am EDT (if the DVR timing can be relied on.... I thought this was later than the advertized start time for the game)

TSN2's dealing with the live coverage was excellent (in comparison to Fox and even Setanta in the early days). They never inserted a commercial break anywhere over live coverage - only during commercial breaks from Australia. There was never a commercial break during any of the 4 quarters of play. At 1/4 and 3/4 time, there was a single 2-min commercial break before returning for boundary-rider comments before the game restarted. Half time featured the usual number of commercial breaks and comments/anaylsis. Once the game finished, coverage ran on for another 25 minutes, including all after match interviews with players and coaches, and further analysis. The after match coverage included references to Australian coverage of the Carlton v Brisbane match coming up later that night in Australia, which did not apply to Canada. However, I'd rather they show this than try to blank it out.

In all, the coverage would have run a full 3.5 hours, were it not for the 20 min tennis over-run at the start.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Fri, 2009-09-25 19:39.

A late report by the same individual with a more critical analysis of TSN coverage:
-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

----------------

Anyway - I wanted to update you on TSN coverage of StK vs. WB last week. Less good things to say there also. The timeslot was 3.30pm - 6pm EDT on TSN, and repeated on TSN2 two hours later. 2.5 hours is tough to fit a game in - and so it proved for TSN. Each of the first 3 quarters had two commercial breaks inserted. In addition, after each of these breaks, the game clock had moved on 1.5 - 3.5 minutes from where it was when the commercials cut in. Only one behind was scored during all the missing periods of play, but in a game so close and tight, that's missing the point. The breaks were also inserted at strange times. Only one occurred after a goal had been scored. Others were after a behind was scored. More were inserted either when the ball went out of bounds before a boundary throw-in, or even in one case after the umpire stopped play to call for a bounce (which we never saw). Fortunately, they showed some appreciation for the game in the final 1/4 - only one commercial break here, and no time lost from the game coverage. Aside from the above, we got about 5-6 mins. of pre-game and a commercial break before it started, and 10 mins. of post-game, this also included a commercial break. I guess you take the good of a convenient timeslot with the bad of the fact that they can sell much more advertizing at those times than 3am! Oh well - hopefully the GF will go smoothly - although if ESPN is producing it they won’t have the 'experience" to go with TSN's folks from the last few weeks. However - I'll keep my fingers crossed - esp. if I decide to watch the shortened version on TSN2.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Rob (not verified) on Tue, 2009-09-29 11:25.

In relation to the Grand Final, TSN did a great job. TSN handled the live broadcast really well. No play was lost to commercial breaks. In fact, TSN inserted breaks at exactly the same time as the Australian broadcast (I know because I had the Australian broadcast streaming on my laptop as well). The broadcast was scheduled for 3 hours but TSN ran an extra 1/2 hour so as to not cut off the presentation of the cup, the Norm Smith medal, or the speeches. This is a big improvement from some of the previous attempts by TSN in the earlier rounds where extra breaks were inserted in the middle of play and several minutes each quarter was missed. For next year, TSN should look at allowing 3 hours for a game which would allow their extra commercials without missing play. Alternatively, TSN could insert 30 second commercial breaks immediately upon a goal being scored. When I've been in Australia, local broadcasters often insert breaks at this point and no actual game time is lost. Perhaps TSN could work with the AFL to learn how and when to insert breaks.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by HelenO on Fri, 2009-08-14 19:14.

Hey, this is seriously great to hear. I'm one of the AFL fans who DID vote with her pocketbook and ante'd up for Setanta broadband for those 11pm and 3am non-time-shiftable games because I enjoyed watching AFL at a decent video quality level. Telstra's lower-priced option that I used after that point, is simply NOT. Their low-res cell-phone quality video is NOT as good quality as what was provided on Setanta's high quality setting. I will give Telstra/Bigpond props for the on-demand capability they provide, though. For what it's worth, when I'm in America, I use an ISP who's not on the ESPN360 list either, but I'm glad to see SOME Internet coverage back, at least.

Now onto another topic... I'm currently in Oz looking for work, and I read on the afl.com.au site that the cheapest tickets for the Grand Final are $161. I hope to be able to spend GF week in Melbourne to watch the craziness and take some pics of my adventure (if I'm not working at a job I can't get away from by then, of course), as a friend just moved there from Sydney and I can probably stay with him for a few $$. However, because I'm looking for work, I don't have much cash for those expensive ticket packages sold online. Any idea how an American who's never seen an AFL game in person before can score one of those cheap seats (which for all I know may be standing room?) for that one day in September?

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Sun, 2009-08-16 10:54.

Hi HelenO,

Getting Grand Final tickets is analogous to trying to get Super Bowl tickets. There are very few available to the public and often members of the competing clubs get shut out in large numbers. The game is now a "corporate" event and the public is mostly an afterthought.

Your best bet is to go through a travel agency. There a number that have "Grand Final packages" including tickets, accommodation, etc, but they vary widely and there a few where you get tickets and a meal only, etc. Contact Michele Garval, fbtr...@afana.com and she can forward information to you. You should also contact the AFL Travel agency. Good luck.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Dave (not verified) on Thu, 2009-08-06 10:38.

What a joke. How did Setanta have a contract that ended in the middle of a season?! Ridiculous

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Thu, 2009-08-06 11:11.

Dave,

You are mistaken. That is NOT what happened here. We posted stories for months detailing the financial problems of Setanta Sports. The UK arm is in receivership and subsequently the US arm is having trouble paying it's way. The contract did not end in the middle of the season, rather Setanta dropped coverage because they have serious economic difficulties and can't pay the rights fees or production costs. This change was forced on the AFL and the footy fans. No one planned for this.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by kimber smith on Thu, 2009-08-06 11:44.

We've been getting responses and want to clarify: The change in coverage was not a decision made by either the AFL or AFANA. Setanta is doing everything it can to cut its operating expenses and stay alive. (Ed. note: see the editorial post from the co-chairs here: Now What?.)

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Sean (not verified) on Thu, 2009-08-06 15:10.

Kimber

Something is better than nothing. However, ESPN360 live has its logistics problems, in that matches can start at ~3AM PST and I have no idea how to "TIVO" an internet broadcast. Pls do what you can to lobby ESPN to provide on demand Replays of round 19 thru the playoffs. Currently, there is no indication that ESPN360 is going to do so.

BTW, I have doubts about the AFL not taking corrective action to continue coverage for the remainder of the season. The Tri Nations rugby is STILL ON Setanta as far as we know. TNR goes on almost til Sept 19th. The AFL season goes on til Sept 26th. AFL is more popular in North America. The AFL should have done more to continue TV coverage until a tranisition could be made.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Thu, 2009-08-06 17:00.

Sean,

Speaking for myself here, not Kimber, you can be assured AFANA will seek improvements where we can convince ESPN and the AFL to make them. We do not know yet if ESPN360 will also make the matches available "on demand" later. We're seeking answers to those sorts of questions but keep in mind that rights to all those "delayed" matches are held by Telstra/Big Pond/Aussie Sport TV worldwide. Getting even this much on ESPN360 probably took some serious wrestling by the AFL with Telstra. I'm sure if you search the web other fans of other sports have already assessed if you can capture ESPN360 and record it to your computer. Footy fans will, too, if it can be done and we'll have info on that in due course.

You may have doubts about the AFL not taking corrective action, but again, and I will be blunt: you are simply mistaken on that point. Setanta dropped footy for financial reasons. The AFL and AFANA couldn't alter that. They also dropped the NRL who are in worse shape in the US at the moment. Further, do not assume they won't drop other sports or that they will even be on the air two months from now. I will have a blog posting on this site later today that discusses the situation in historical context. The AFL did everything I would reasonably expect here but if the other party is indicating they are terminating the contract, what would you propose they do? Footy fans need to get some reality here. The AFL isn't giving you a raw deal on this. Frankly, as many issues as I have with this deal (and I have mucho), I am pleased we have any coverage at all for the rest of this season.

AFANA knows this deal is less than perfect but we warned everyone for 3 plus years that if we lost Setanta there wouldn't be another network step right in and do lots of live matches on cable or satellite. Setanta has financial problems but footy fans failed to do their part to support the telecasts either which made us an easy target for Setanta cost cutting. AFANA will work to get improvements for 2010 and beyond, but to do that we need more fans to step up the plate and support what we have. Aside: our donations and advertising revenue are down just like everyone else so those than can help us are encouraged to do so. By the way, if you have references that show footy is more popular than rugby please send them to us, we can use the info!

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Rob in Seattle (not verified) on Thu, 2009-08-06 19:54.

I have been a paid subscriber to Setanta for two and a half years - we kept DirectTv for that reason only.
I just went and tried to sign up for ESPN360, and unless I have ATT or Verizon as my service provider, I do not have access to any of their contnt. As we have Qwest (we cannot even get Verizon), I am out of luck - I cannot even pay for content - - not much of a deal for some of us.
I would suggest that people check to see whether they evan can gain access to ESPN360. It seam it is available to only a limited audience.
I am crushed...

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Thu, 2009-08-06 20:16.

Hey Rob,

My sympathies. FWIW, I am in the same boat at home. That said, it is an issue we will address with the AFL shortly. Don't give up hope yet.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Brian Bay (not verified) on Fri, 2009-08-14 21:57.

Rob, same thing so far for me. I watched some of Richmond-Sydney at work, but at home, can't get anything so far. I will work on it Friday night for Saturday in Melbourne.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2009-08-07 09:56.

I've found that there is a way to get espn360 even if you don't have comcast/verison/at&t etc...

1. find someone who has access to espn360
2. have that person log in to espn360.com using your espn account (if you don't have one, then it's not hard to get one free)
3. have the person click on the button on the site reading "REMOTE ACCESS"
4. get the remote access and then have the person log out of your account
5. on your computer at home, log into your espn.com account and go to espn360 and begin watching

It's worked for some people i know so hopefully it'll work for those of you who don't have it.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Brenda Breeze on Sun, 2009-09-06 14:00.

[quote] Just wanted to let everyone know that there is another option to see the footy games-aussiesporttv.com. It's available to fans outside Australia only. It will allow the viewer to watch the games on their PC. The cost is $59.95 for a one year subscription. Go to afl.com.au and find the link for international viewers(listed as intl viewers). It's for the 2009 season and beyond. I'm getting a converter so that I can watch the games on my big screen TV. So there is other options out there for us other than ESPN. [quote]

I'd like to know why AFANA hasn't told us about BigPond's offer. I'd really like to know why AFANA is pushing us to use ESPN360 so much. It's not available in my area. Kick backs maybe? I'm also angry at the comments made here by the former chairman. Just so you know Rob, I paid for my subscription to Setanta, thanked them for the coverage we got, and was thankful for what I had. The coverage offered by Setanta was much better than when I started watching footy in 2003 when it was on FoxSports. Remember those days anyone? One game a week and it wasn't even a full game, two hours of game only including commercials and no commentary. It was up to AFANA to let us know what was going on and you dropped the ball. Why were we not contacted by AFANA in a newsletter telling us what was going on as was done in previous years when we were going to lose coverage? Now you pass the blame on to us unfairly I might add. It clearly states in the article that this was a financial decision on Setanta's part and nothing could have been done to stop it. I think someone needs a reality check here.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Sun, 2009-09-06 17:03.

Brenda,

You couldn't be more wrong and more misinformed. Frankly, if you think you could do a better job than the past or current leadership of this volunteer organization, please contact Kimber Smith, she will be happy to let you start right away.

AFANA has told you about the BigPond offer many times. It's now called "Aussie Sport TV" and we run banner adverts for it. Try checking these links:

http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2008/06/23/afl_online_video_becomes_au...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2009/07/24/afl_extends_free_streaming_...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/discussion/australian_football/television_c...

and that's just what I found in 30 seconds... However, many fans find the service unsatisfactory because it is unreliable or incompatible with their computer. (Aussie Sport TV is the AFL.com.au internet service offered through Telstra BigPond and produced by Perform, Ltd of the UK under contract to Telstra. It is the same as the "BigPond" service you quote.)

We are not "pushing" ESPN360 more or less than we have any past AFL contracted coverage including Prime Sports, ESPN2, Fox Sports Net, Fox Sports World, or Setanta Sports. We do not make a dime off anyone who watches ESPN360. In fact, we do make some commission if you sign up for Aussie Sport TV so arguably if we were as crooked as you think, we would do the exact OPPOSITE of what we are doing.

You can be angry at me if you want and you may have supported the coverage but most fans did not. The numbers are indisputable. Out of about 30 to 40,000 US households that receive Setanta Sports and have Aussie rules fans, less than 9,000 subscribed to Setanta. We, as a fan community, did not support the live coverage the way we should have. It made us an easy target when times got tough for Setanta. Don't believe me? Ask them. I can give you their management's email addresses.

We did let you know what was happening to Setanta. I personally wrote FOUR front page articles on Setanta's troubles and even warned fans we could lose the coverage at any time (read the links!). Did you comment on any of those articles? Read these links:

http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2009/06/23/setanta_enters_administrati...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2009/06/21/setanta_faces_receivership_...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2009/06/02/setantas_circumstances_wors...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2009/05/05/setanta_looks_survival_form...

Why didn't you get a newsletter? Simply, the newsletters stopped because I didn't have time to do everything that needed done in AFANA. We didn't have enough VOLUNTEERS willing to help. Any fan who wanted to see them continue could have stepped up and volunteered and no one did (we even asked in posts here on the site!). We ask for volunteers numerous times, here are just some:

http://www.afana.com/drupal5/discussion/australian_football/afana/have_a...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/content/editorial/afana_needs_volunteers-12...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2008/05/23/new_volunteer_needed_afl_re...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/content/editorial/volunteers_needed_2008-77...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/officers
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2008/10/16/how_you_can_help_afana-1284
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2008/07/08/new_look_afanacom_and_donat...
http://www.afana.com/drupal5/content/editorial/afana_seeks_fan_support-9...

I am not passing the blame unfairly to you because the fact is WE (that is ALL the footy fans) didn't do what we needed to do to support the coverage as I noted above or support AFANA. Over 99% of the visitors to this web site have never donated a dime to AFANA but are happy to use our services. There is no free lunch, someone pays to run this organization.

Up to AFANA to tell you? Since when are we responsible for the fact you aren't informed? The information is here on this site all the time. If you won't check this site, we can't help you. For example, if I charged a dollar for every e-mail I answer from a fan too lazy to read our TV Info or TV schedule pages, I could have retired years ago. Most don't even reply to thank me after I answer them.

You need a fact check, Brenda. I busted my you know what for 15 years to help footy fans in the US and Canada. Not once in all those years did the income cover the expenses. If your attitude is typical, then I wasted my time. I won't miss it. When Kimber Smith decides she's had enough of attitudes such as yours, too, don't be surprised if no one is home here any longer. Hope you enjoy the footy you won't have.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Bob on Sun, 2009-09-06 23:19.

Rob... I'm sure Brenda's attitude is not typical. There are many of us long time footy fans out here who are thankful for all your efforts over the years. You have not wasted your time.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Swans500 on Mon, 2009-09-07 03:45.

Rob, I don't know what planet Brenda has been occupying. She is misguided on all counts. I for one have received prompt and timely info from you in all matters media since I have been here these last 4 years.

She must be some sort of crank, or a lurker who never actually became a member so as to be forwarded all your information by email as it occurs.

Dennis.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by John Hawkins (not verified) on Thu, 2009-08-06 19:30.

Rob, you have hit the nail dead on. Business is business, and when any company is struggling to survive (especially in these economic conditions), hard decisions have to be made. I expected that Setanta would terminate their AFL contract at the end of the season (and to those who want to throw stones, I was a subscriber to Setanta while they had footy), but I am also not surprised that Setanta terminated their contract mid-season.

I agree that the contract with ESPN is far from perfect, but given the circumstances, this is the deal that we have to live with. We, as footy fans, failed to support Setanta. This may be our last chance to keep footy broadcasts in North America live and free. We, as a group of die hard footy fans, must show ESPN and TSN that the support is there to make footy a permanent fixture of ESPN's programming.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Tom (not verified) on Thu, 2009-08-06 23:06.

Another kick in the posterior for footy fans in the USA. I did just switch to Direct TV so I could get Setanta afer the whole ITVN shambles, now I have a contract with them for another year. Oh and to my suprise, my local cable comapny does not have acess to espn360 so again another situation happening during the season, whose fault? Maybe eveyones, but if the AFL was serious about it's coverage over here they would not have left espn networks years ago and put some of their money over here, just another poor effort so late in the year and such a good year it was, too bad we won't get to see the Saints win the flag, in 1997 the Grand Final on Espn was delayed by almost 2 hours cause of a Giants baseball game so guaranteed the night of the granny it will be delayed again, sorry to dissapoint but this is true. signed angry Aussie in Michigan

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Uncle_Freddy on Fri, 2009-08-07 13:02.

It appears that MSG+ (channel 635) will have a game on Monday afternoons through August (at least), so if you have the Directv Sports pack (which is cheaper than Setanta if you didn't have it already), you can at least get that.

I'm in a similar situation to others who cannot get ESPN 360. I was a Setanta subscriber until yesterday.

The story mentions that MHz will continue delayed coverage until 2011. Any word on America One, which has a few regional sports networks as affiliates? Like many others, I rarely watched the games live, so having delayed games in nearly as valuable.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Fri, 2009-08-07 13:33.

Yes, America One has verbally confirmed to AFANA that they intend to continue so MSG+ will continue to have games.

Please note that the ch. number given for MSG+ in the previous post is for DirecTV only.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by nsu2112 on Mon, 2009-08-10 18:06.

Since the listings for America One say it carries one tape delayed match per week selected from the matches aired on Setanta the previous weekend, how can they (or MSG+) carry any match after Round 18, when Setanta stopped carrying the AFL? I wondered what match MSG+ would carry today, and sure enough it was older than the previous weekend, Carlton v Richmond from Round 15. I can't see how they will have Adelaide v Collingwood from Round 19 on August 22-23, but I'll be waiting and hoping...

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Mon, 2009-08-10 18:30.

Hi nsu2112,

MHz and America One will sharing the programming and MHz is getting it direct from Australia. However, the logistics of that have apparently (as AFANA learned today) not been entirely worked out as far as America One goes. We're in touch with America One and have no reason, at this point, to think they won't get everything sorted out in short order. Keep in mind MHz and America One haven't had more than a few business days to deal with the collapse of the Setanta coverage either.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Uncle_Freddy on Fri, 2009-08-21 12:28.

Any news on what is going on with America One? I notice they have pulled their game from this weekend's schedule and I don't believe a game aired last weekend either. They still show AFL on their website, and it does appear in next weekend's (the 29th) schedule. My hope is they are just working through logistics of getting games due to the change, but it would be nice to get some confirmation of this.

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Fri, 2009-08-21 14:19.

America One's representatives have told AFANA they are having logistical problems getting the video of the matches. They are working with the AFL and MHz to figure out an acceptable and economic way to do that in a timely manner. AFANA is monitoring the situation and in touch with the AFL to get a further update. America One assures us they intend to continue with the coverage but are in a tough situation at the moment. This is a high priority issue to AFANA.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by Uncle_Freddy on Thu, 2009-08-27 13:38.

Thumb down Looks like America One has pulled the game from this weekend's schedule as well. Bummer!

Re: TV Coverage Returns to ESPN and TSN

Submitted by admincms on Thu, 2009-08-27 14:28.

Sadly, this will continue to happen until America One is able to resolve the logistical problems. We're continuing to monitor the situation but our last inquiry with the AFL on the matter did not produce any useful information we can share. We'll keep after it.

-Rob
AFANA Chairman Emeritus and Site Admin

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by admincms — Fri, 2009-08-07 22:57 — Last Updated: Tue, 2011-09-13 15:00

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