AFL a contender for narrowcasting
Jane Schulze
The Australian
February 22, 2007
AN AFL channel could emerge on one of the two new television services to be auctioned by the federal Government later this year.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking public comment on what may be allowed under the definition of narrowcasting.
ACMA's final decision on the issue will partly determine the economic value of Channel A, one of the two digital channels.
Potential bidders for the channel are expected to argue for a broad definition to increase the commercial appeal of the service. But the free-to-air TV networks - which are barred from bidding for the channel - will argue for a tight definition as they fear narrowcasts could siphon away advertising.
ACMA said when defining a narrowcast it will consider geographic coverage, the size and nature of the audience, the accessibility of the service and its duration and frequency.
On program content, ACMA said sports events featuring Australians were likely to be excluded from Channel A: "However, a court has found that a service consisting of matches or rounds of the AFL to be a narrowcasting service."
Similarly, it said general news services were unlikely to be allowed but niche news services may be provided.
Submissions on the narrowcast options are due by March 9.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21264677-2722,00.html
