Cricket Australia, Channel 7 broadcast rights battle heats up over summer schedule
As the broadcast rights battle heats up, Cricket Australia’s Nick Hockley has revealed he has not spoken with Channel 7 boss James Warburton since his explosive comments around the games summer schedule.
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Cricket Australia interim chief executive Nick Hockley says he has not spoken to James Warburton since the Channel 7 boss delivered his extraordinary attack on the game’s scheduling plans.
Hockley reiterated that Cricket Australia is “committed to delivering our side of the bargain”, which they believe is simply providing a full schedule of matches.
According to Hockley, their agreement with broadcasters was “clear” and is further indication that head office has no interest in entertaining the prospect of offering their cash-strapped broadcasters a TV rights rebate, even in the face of a potential legal battle.
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Both Channel 7 and Fox Sports are adamant that a full schedule does not equate to full value, and will both pursue discounts on their deal for the COVID-19 hit summer, where top line BBL talent, crowds and venues look set to be compromised.
Hockley has only just stepped into the hot seat vacated by Kevin Roberts and has worked hard to rebuild relationships, but Channel 7’s rapport with Cricket Australia is clearly at breaking point.
The interim CA chief said dialogue with Channel 7 has been regular, but admits he has not contacted Warburton since he publicly berated cricket’s handling of the COVID crisis compared to the AFL.
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“Not since that. But we are in very regular contact. We are having lots of discussions about how Seven are going to bring to life cricket this summer,” said Hockley.
“We’ll continue to work through those. The discussion is very regular and there is lots of good dialogue.
“They’re a great partner. I’ve really enjoyed working with James and we’ve got so much to look forward to.
“We’re kicking off in less than a month with the WBBL, the BBL and we’ll be doing everything we can to get the full summer away.”
Hockley said Cricket Australia was extremely sure of its position in regards to what they must provide to broadcasters.
HOW SUMMER MIGHT BE SHAPING UP
Late November ODIs and T20s v India
Early December Test v Afghanistan
Four Tests v India, including a second in January after New Year’s Test
“We’re absolutely committed to delivering our side of the bargain which is a fantastic summer of cricket and (we will) work with all our partners to deliver the best possible summer, the best possible experience, the best possible entertainment for all our fans and the public,” said Hockley.
“So, that’s what we’re focused on and I think we’ve got a very clear agreement. That is fulfilling our part of the bargain and that’s entirely what we’re focused on.”
Hockley confirmed that the final pieces of the summer schedule are falling into place and insists broadcasters are being kept across “the latest information.”
“As soon as we have some more certainty around quarantine arrangements we’ll be making some announcements on what the particular dates of the summer are moving forward,” said Hockley.
Originally published as Cricket Australia, Channel 7 broadcast rights battle heats up over summer schedule