The Prominence and Anti-siphoning bill was passed without amendment by the Senate on Thursday, meaning subscription streamers, such as Prime Video , Netflix and Foxtel’s Kayo could now outbid free-to-air networks for digital streaming rights for Australian sporting events. This means that while streaming services, as well as subscription TV, cannot buy the free broadcast (aerial delivered) rights until a free-to-air broadcaster, such as Nine, Seven, or 10, has acquired them, they are not stopped from bidding on the streaming rights that free-to-air broadcasters currently have on their respective BVOD services (9Now, 7Plus, 10 Play or SBS On Demand). According to Bridget Fair , CEO of Free TV, the decision leaves an increasing number of Australians watching their free TV services through the internet and on BVOD services in the dark, with no guarantee of free sport.
“Research shows that 69 per cent of Australians access their TV via the internet, so it’s hard to understand why these laws do not like after their interests and guarantee free sport for the millions who watch TV online,” she said. “Sadly, with the passing of this bill, we will now see a nation of the haves and have-nots when it comes to accessing the broadcasts and online services of our beloved commercial and national networks. “How could this be allowed to happen in a country that has always celebrated the fair go for all?” Fair continues by stating the laws contain significant gaps that will “un.
