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Australia’s Anti-Siphoning List Intact Until 2023

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Free-to-air networks in Australia will continue to have first access to some sports rights, with the Australian Government extending the current anti-siphoning list for two years.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher decided to push back the expiration of the list until April 2023, ensuring that major sporting and cultural events will be made available to the public for free.

This includes events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Olympic Games, as well as some tennis tournaments and NRL, cricket, rugby union and AFL games.

The extension comes as streaming services begin to influence the sports broadcasting landscape, with major players such as Optus Sport, Kayo, and Stan Sport purchasing exclusive rights to Australian and international leagues and tournament.

Created in 1992, the anti-siphoning list does not account for these services, but Minister Fletcher has stated his intentions to review the list.

“We recognise that many Australians have strong views about being able to watch culturally significant events for free,” Minister Fletcher said.

“It is clear that the current anti-siphoning list requires review to make sure that it continues to meet the expectation of Australian audiences.

“We also need to consider the impact that COVID-19 has had on how live sporting events are broadcast and the associated changes in deals negotiated between broadcasters and rights holders,” he said.

In recent years certain international sporting events have been cut from the list, including the FA Cup Final and Wimbledon and US Open tennis finals in 2017.

The Australian Government is currently working on the next stage of its media reform program, with public recommendations being taken until 23 May 2021.

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