Greens to protect free sport as regional SA enters free-footy blackout
Greens to protect free sport as regional SA enters free-footy blackout | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Greens to protect free sport as regional SA enters free-footy blackout 2025-07-01 Footy fans in regional South Australia are devastated that as of today (July 1), they’ll be unable to watch the footy on free to air television.
A deal between the AFL and Foxtel already meant the first 8 rounds were not broadcast on free to air television in South Australia and many other parts of the country, but the breakdown of a private agreement between WIN TV and Seven West Media will now leave thousands of regional fans locked out for good. Comments attributable to Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for SA and Greens spokesperson for communications: “There’s nothing more Australian than a night on the couch watching the AFL.
But footy fans in regional SA will be forced to whip out their credit card to watch their favorite team as of July 1. “South Australians expect to be able to watch the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide for free, but the current regulation is not working for them. “Across the country thousands of footy fans, including right here in South Australia, were locked out of watching Saturday matches for free in the first 8 rounds.
Now this is about to be a permanent reality for all fans in regional SA. “This is just un-Australian. “Regional footy fans shouldn’t have to miss out on watching the footy for free just because these media companies couldn’t come to an agreement.
“Any South Aussie will tell you how important the Showdown is, but with the second Showdown of the season this month and Seven’s broadcasts ending across Mount Gambier and the Riverland this week - how will regional fans be able to tune in for free? “The anti-siphoning list acknowledges the cultural importance of the AFL, but the laws have left many footy fans locked out.
We need media regulations that are fit for the 21st century. “In a cost of living crisis, regional South Australians shouldn’t have to fork out extra cash to pay for Foxtel or Kayo just to watch their team play, let alone fixing up poor internet connections that regional communities are often burdened with. “All Australians should be able to watch the footy for free, and the Greens will act to fix this law when parliament returns.” Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
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