2020 NO janitors allowed

NRL 2020: NRL receives pitch to save tens of millions annually with in-house broadcasts
Adrian ProszenkoApril 11, 2020 — 4.30pm



The NRL has been approached about forming a venture to produce its broadcast content in-house in a move that could slash tens of millions of dollars in annual costs.

The Sun-Herald can reveal a third party with extensive global sports production experience has pitched a proposal to powerbrokers at Rugby League Central that could revolutionise the way rugby league telecasts are produced. The parties met to discuss the idea for the next broadcast deal, which could allow for an increased number of rights holders when the existing contract expires at the end of the 2022 season.

However, those discussions could be fast-tracked given the uncertainty around whether the current broadcast partners, Foxtel and Nine – publishers of The Sun-Herald – have the desire or means to fulfil their obligations.

The third party, which wishes to remain anonymous, is proposing to bring its infrastructure and expertise to the NRL to transform it into an organisation capable of broadcasting matches and associated content itself. It is estimated that production costs could be reduced by as much as 50 per cent for every game. The potential to reduce costs is timely given Rugby League Central spends almost $500,000 a day to run the competitionjust as the coronavirus outbreak has resulted in a massive downturn in revenue.

Those behind the pitch believe the quality of the product will be every bit as good as current telecasts. The initiative would also give the NRL creative and editorial control and could open the door for other sports to use the services. It also opens up the prospect of rugby league being on-sold to a mix of traditional broadcasters, including free-to-air and pay TV, as well as Netflix, Google, Optus and Amazon. Those platforms could also potentially be involved in simulcast arrangements with traditional partners.

The NRL has already committed $150 million towards its digital strategy, including a huge investment into nrl.com. That gives the game the option of providing more of its own exclusive content directly to subscribers or on-selling games to a variety of providers.

The NRL has been approached about a new way of producing broadcast material.

The Herald revealed in October that bringing production in-house was an option for the NRL. The model has been used overseas and locally, most notably by Supercars and tennis. A host of propositions – from ending simulcast arrangements, selling off State of Origin separately, and playing matches in quarters to increase advertising slots – have been workshopped with a view towards the next deal.

However, all of those options could immediately come into play should Nine and Fox seek a return to the table to renegotiate the current arrangement.

Another option for future broadcast cycles is the prospect of one partner filming all of the games and then on-selling some of the content to other parties.

Rugby league has long gone with a two-partner model of a free-to-air and subscription provider. However, there are growing concerns about whether Foxtel can afford to meet its commitments, while Nine may be looking to renegotiate its deal after accusing the governing body of years of mismanagement and wastefulness.

Nine chief executive Hugh Marks was livid about being left out of the planning to resume the current season, which was halted due to the coronavirus crisis. NRL boss Todd Greenberg isn’t expected to play a meaningful role in peace talks following Nine’s stinging statement, which said millions of dollars had been squandered over the years by "a bloated head office completely ignoring the needs of the clubs, players and supporters."

This week’s talks between the broadcasters and the NRL will determine the length of the current season. RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said more games didn’t necessarily mean more revenue.

"Not necessarily, it depends on the timing of matches," Newton said. "It’s about maximising the amount of revenue. Sometimes more doesn’t mean more revenue because it comes down to the operational costs and the expenses that will be incurred."

That PM isnt worth a damn is he? The NRL probably couldnt care less about him. The PM couldnt care less that the NRL dies because of lack of funds. He seems almost as bad as Trump. I hope it restarts on May 28th. I am looking forward to it.

I can see that asshole PM putting an end to the restart for May 28th. Nice power trip for him? Politicians suck!!!!!

www.nrl.com/news/2020/04/10/simply-the-best-which-winger-better-than-all-the-rest/


The best winger ever isnt even there. Eric Grothe Sr was a bit injury prone but he was the best ever.

The PM has said virus restrictions to stay for a month and that would almost bring us to the NRL's date to recommence the season. Although, I personally believe lockdown will be at least another six months, because I saw an email from the Union saying they won a case for the Australian government to pay 130 billion for the next six months for loss of jobs. That must confirm what I was already thinking.