Rugby on Free To Air

Everyone should have the right to watch Rugby live on Free to Air (FTA) television. Especially when their national sporting team 'the Wallabies' are competing in the toughest international Rugby competition in the world, the Tri-Nations.

Unfortunately the current FTA broadcast rights holder, Channel 7, refuse to broadcast any match live outside of New South Wales and Queensland. So on the 31st of July at 8pm, viewers in Melbourne/Victoria can expect to watch a re-run of some 'classic' family movie, while the Wallabies and All Blacks go head to head at Etihad Stadium.

The viewers will have to wait approximately four hours later for the delayed coverage of one of Australia's biggest Rugby Union events - A real shame for the Sporting Capital.

With the introduction of digital television, surely the issue could be avoided all together by showing the game live on 7 ONE with Gordon Bray commentating the action, while at the same die-hard fans of Saturday night family movies could tune in to 7 TWO and still enjoy their movie without missing a beat!?

Some might argue it should be the other way around, due to advertising revenue however, the Governments current anti-siphoning laws prevent this. Laws which ensure the Australian public have the right to view particular sporting events on FTA, it seems the requirement for it to be live wasn't included.

Events such as: The Australian Open, Melbourne Cup, International Cricket, Rugby League State of Origin and Internationals are shown live on FTA in Melbourne/Victoria. So why isn't International Rugby? We want you, fellow 'Rugby tragics' to help change this!

How you can help:

• Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RugbyOnFTA
• Call Channel 7 Melbourne, give them your opinion: 03 9697 7777
• Discuss the issue on talkback radio, 1116 SEN:
  • Call: 03 9429 1116
  • Text: 0433 98 1116
• Add the "Rugby on Free To Air" logo to your website:<a href="http://www.rebel-army.com/rugby-on-fta"><img src="http://www.rebel-army.com/img/fta_logo.png" alt="Rugby on Free To Air" /></a>
• Register your support below:

We're aware that Channel 9 is the new rights holder from next year, but it's not too late to achieve minor victory. Many indicate that without FTA coverage, interest in Rugby will not progress. So for the greater good of Rugby in Victoria, we need to act!

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Comments

I support the Rugby on Free To Air campaign (http://www.rebel-army.com/rugby-on-fta). Everyone should have the right to watch Rugby live on Free to Air (FTA) television. Especially when their national sporting team, the Wallabies, are competing in the toughest international Rugby competition in the world, the Tri-Nations. Events such as: The Australian Open, Melbourne Cup, International Cricket, Rugby League State of Origin and Internationals are shown live on FTA in Melbourne/Victoria. So why isn't International Rugby? For the greater good of Rugby, we need live coverage of the Wallabies matches from the 24th of July. Without it, the growth of Rugby is at risk. We hope you can support our cause and fulfill our request.

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