The debate on whether Nine is in breach of gambling in sports rules will continue to rumble on for some weeks yet as Canberra crunches through its reforms and Senator Xenophon keeps sights trained on Tom Waterhouse and company.
While authorities have largely agreed a new version of the commercial television code, dates for implementation are hazy. The new codes could be put out for consultation within weeks, but would then take time to be ratified by ACMA.
Nine would not comment on whether it may be potentially in breach of the code as the inquiry was ongoing.
Meanwhile gambling reform committee will question the NRL, the Australian Wagering Council, Astra and FreeTV at a public hearing next week. AFL Victoria has already been questioned by the committee.
Earlier this week the department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy would not be drawn this week as to whether it thought Nine had breached the code under its arrangement with Waterhouse.
Simon Pelling, first assistant secretary, broadcasting at the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy gave evidence at the public hearing held on Tuesday.
He said the code “would allow representatives of gambling organisations to be part of a pre-game or a post-game show, talking about live odds, provided they are clearly distinguishable from the commentary team.” However, the code “would not allow the commentator to say live odds.”
Quizzed by Xenophon as to whether Waterhouse's role crossed the boundary between gambling representative and commentator, Pelling ducked the question.
“To tell the truth, I think the last time I personally saw Mr Waterhouse was during some of the one-day domestic competition a while ago, but I have not seen him recently,” he told the committee.
Betting in sports has injected around $100m to the advertising industry over the last two years. Sponsorship deals would likely increase that figure. It is the industry's fastest growing segment.
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at brendancoyne@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.