One of Australia’s leading experts on media rights has "backed plans" to televise two live National Rugby League games on Friday nights, a move that could "end the stalemate" between the Australian Rugby League Commission and pay-TV provider Foxtel over broadcasting beyond '17, according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. Global Media & Sports Dir Colin Smith also suggested that the return of Optus to the sports rights market could have "played a decisive role" in talks between the ARLC and Foxtel "reaching a watershed in recent weeks." Smith believes that "the days of telecasting sport on delay are over," hence the desire of the ARLC and Foxtel to "squeeze in an early game on Friday nights." It is understood that as part of their plan for the future -- which is expected to net the commission upwards of A$1.7B ($1.2B) over five years -- "Fox Sports would showcase a live game at 6pm on Friday nights." Smith said, "Live sport is absolutely critical these days. If they think that's the best way they can do it, that's a heck of a lot better than the current arrangement. Is it perfect? No. But I am not quite sure how you do it if you don't do it this way." While Optus was "unlikely to be in a position to bid for NRL rights," Smith has no doubt the "company’s move to snatch the EPL from Foxtel played a part in advancing negotiations over rugby league." Smith: "What has changed now is there is another player in the rights acquisition market who hasn't been around for 10 years. Now they're back in -- that's Optus -- which makes you think about competitive tension and keeping everyone honest" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/12).
