Media consultant says Foxtel "has its hands off the tiller" in helping to promote Super Rugby.getty images
A "leading broadcast consultant" accused Super Rugby rights holder Fox Sports of "neglecting the ailing competition and urged Rugby Australia to demand more" of its broadcast partner in upcoming negotiations, according to Georgina Robinson of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. With Super Rugby and the SANZAAR partnership "at a crossroads," RA CEO Raelene Castle is "deep in discussions" with the organization's new hire, consultant Michael Tange, on what Australia's professional "rugby footprint should look like" beyond '20. With TV audiences stable, "but well down on years gone by, and game attendances continuing to fall," there are "growing calls" for Castle to push for a trans-Tasman competition or to "pull Australia out altogether from the 15-team competition." But veteran consultant Colin Smith of Global Media & Sports said that RA "should not be working alone to save the domestic game in Australia and should have more direction from Fox Sports." Smith: "Right now, one would suggest Foxtel has its hands off the tiller. One of the things broadcasters are generally good at in other genres is that they are actively involved in managing and producing the most attractive product to attract the most viewers. Rugby Australia can't do this on their own, they need the expertise of Foxtel in leading what is going to make Super Rugby more attractive for people watching on television." Insiders said that while the relationship "is friendly, it is largely hands off on the big issues, with Foxtel preoccupied with its billion-dollar investments" in rugby league and the Australian Football League, as well as its "growing interest in motor sports" (SMH, 5/23).
