Government finally set to allow TV networks to broadcast their main channels in high definition

WE’VE been waiting a long time for this. The government is set to change laws to allow the major TV networks to improve their broadcasts.

Lance Franklin during the 2014 AFL Grand Final match between Hawthorn Hawks and the Sydney Swans at the MCG Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2014. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

AFTER years of frustration watching major sporting events such as the AFL Grand Final and the Bathurst 1000 in standard definition, the government is finally changing laws that will allow their high definition broadcast.

Previously, TV networks were forced to broadcast their primary channel in standard definition, but the Federal Government is looking to repeal the law that covers it.

This would mean TV networks could choose to either broadcast their main channel exclusively in HD or simulcast the channel in both HD and SD.

Television networks were originally required to broadcast their main channels in standard definition to help ease the transition from analog to digital broadcasts.

Sports fans then suffered due to anti-siphoning rules that require major sporting events to be broadcasted on the network’s primary channel.

The amendment to the bill could be introduced in parliament as early as tomorrow, however moving the channels to HD may take some time.

Australia’s great race has long been an event fans have begged to be in HD.

Paul Anderson, CEO of Ten welcomed the news, saying: “Ten Network welcomes the Government’s proposal to remove the restriction on broadcasting our main channel in high definition.

“It will take time to move the main channel to HD, but we are already working on the technical and rights issues.”

Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes expressed excitement to finally offer all free to air AFL games in high definition, saying: “Today we are really proud to be building the next foundation of our great sport.

“We have included bigger and stronger coverage and will take to the public the free-to-air component and other aspects of the game we intend to promote for AFL football.”

From 2017, Seven will broadcast every single free-to-air AFL game in high definition after it struck a colossal $2.5 billion broadcast rights agreement alongside Fox Sports with the AFL.

In the past, TV networks have claimed “technical difficulties” as the reason for not simulcasting major sporting events on their secondary channels like ONE, Gem and 7mate. However, industry analysts believe it has more to do with the extra revenue stream having different content brings in.

When the new changes go through, moving the main channel to HD would remain purely a commercial decision. With some network’s using more spectrum than others, it may take them more time to switch over as to not lose viewers who own non-HD TVs.