Fox Sports opens more pathways to women’s sport with expanded coverage
AS the appetite for women’s sport continues to grow, Fox Sports will increase their coverage to unprecedented levels in 2018, which includes a landmark deal with Gymnastics Australia.
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FOX Sports will increase their coverage of women’s sport to unprecedented levels in 2018.
As the appetite for women’s sport continues to grow, the game-changing coverage will include a new partnership with gymnastics while also providing growth for women’s competitions as a whole and showcasing the talents of women as sport presenters.
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Foxtel will broadcast 90 per cent of women’s sport on Australian TV.
The plans for 2018 were unveiled at a Dare to Dream breakfast hosted by Yvonne Sampson, Kel Underwood and Jess Yates at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday.
“Our plans for women’s sport and those who lead the way on and off the screen won’t be a token effort. It will be real and it will make a difference,’’ said Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany.
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“Foxtel and Fox Sports, harnessing the reach of News Corp, will help grow the profile and professionalism around women’s sport.
“We will provide more platforms for female athletes to prosper across more sports as we showcase new competitions including Super W and AFLW while increasing our coverage around W-League and hockey and more.
“And in further great news, today we announce an exciting partnership with Gymnastics Australia. In the lead up to the 2020 Olympics we will become the home of gymnastics.
In all, 16 sport shows will be hosted by female presenters with four times more coverage on Foxtel than all free-to-air networks combined.
“It is about time and a great reflection on where we are in terms of our community and society,’’ said Jess Yates.
“Women love watching sport and playing sport so it makes perfect sense to have a better representation.
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“I have been at Fox for 12 years and I have to say this is a proud moment for me.’’
More than 60 codes and competitions — from the Jillaroos and Southern Stars’ matches to bowls, tennis, surf lifesaving, golf and cycling — will be show across Fox Sports channels in a major boost for sports chasing increased attention and sponsor backing.
“In 2018, Fox Sports and the Australian Government are making sure there are more pathways, more opportunities for young girls to dare to dream,” said Delany.
“Dream about becoming the next Erin Phillips running out on the MCG, the future Lauren Jackson representing her country or perhaps join Simona De Silvestro competing in the same field as her male competitors.”
Sport stars attending the breakfast in Canberra included Supercars driver De Silvestro, Opals legend Jackson, Sevens gold medallist Ellia Green, WNBL star Carly Wilson, NRL gun Sam Bremner and Australian rugby star Ash Hewson.