Rebel Army

How to ‘Widen’ the Narrow World Of Sports

Most people have read my articles criticisng the Nine Network for their lack of coverage into Victoria (and other ‘Aussie Rules’ states). However, I’m a firm believer in always offering an alternative, if you’re to criticize.


Sunday’s test between the Wallabies and Samoa was Nine’s first foray into Rugby. Through no fault of my own (Nine neglect Victoria), I watched the FoxSports coverage, however I did record Nine’s version for later viewing.

Prior to viewing Nine’s coverage, I found a few reviews indicating that the coverage was poor. The common theme was that Ken Sutcliffe and Tim Sheridan lacked the appropriate knowledge and that they simply provided a simulcast of the FoxSports coverage, not providing their own commentary team. Strange considering their pre/post-match team consisted of George Gregan and Andrew Slack.

An appropriate question now, is why are Nine not using this as a platform to impress a new auidence? Arch-rivals Seven were the previous rights holders and we all know that live sports is a method by which you retain viewers. This question has no greater precendence in 2011, considering the third largest sporting event in the world, the Rugby World Cup, begins in approximately two months time. Surely a big enough auidence?

We arrive at the simple advice for Nine to improve its coverage, and give viewers some reasons to choose Nine over FoxSports.
1. LIVE coverage outside of NSW & QLD. The Wallabies are Australia’s national team
2. Provide an alternative commentary team. Hire John Eales and Gordon Bray.
3. Get smart about advertising. Rugby is a game of 2 halves, we don’t like to be interrupted:
– Display a scrolling billboard at the bottom or side
– Sponsor particular features. Eg. “<insert sponsor> replay”. League do it.
4. LIVE coverage outside of NSW & QLD. It is 2011 right?

These ideas are relatively simple and ingenious. So why can’t Nine lift their game and come to the Rugger party?