Anti-siphoning review to ensure free-to-air sports

The federal government has satrted consultation on the anti-siphoning scheme and list to ensure Australians continue to free coverage of events of national significance.

Communciations minister Michelle Rowland says the anti-siphoning scheme aims to give free-to-air broadcasters an initial opportunity to buy the television rights to major events included on the anti-siphoning list.

The scheme prevents subscription television broadcasters from acquiring the right to televise an event on the anti-siphoning list unless a free-to-air television broadcaster has a right.

The list includes key sporting events across the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, AFL, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, tennis, netball, motorsports, horse racing and cricket.
 
The review will also assess the operation of the scheme in the contemporary media environment. The consultation paper outlines a number of issues for consideration, including:

• the objective of the scheme and the mechanism for achieving this objective;
• the acquisition of media rights by streaming services and other online services;
• the regulatory rule that sits at the heart of the scheme;
• the use and disposal of the rights to televise events on the list;
• information disclosure and gathering arrangements; and
• the composition of the list.   

Since the scheme commenced in 1994, technology has evolved, the viewing habits of Australians have changed, and newer platforms, including streaming services, are not subject to the rules.

The review will examine these and other trends, and consider the case for amendments to ensure that the anti-siphoning scheme remains fit-for-purpose and continues to support coverage of iconic events available free to the general public. 
 
Consultation closes on December 6.