Embarrassment for Nine after ACMA says it hasn’t got permission for 3D NRL broadcast because it didn’t hand in its homework
TV regulator the Australian Communications and Media Authority has accused the Nine Network of announcing a 3D broadcast of the NRL grand final without getting permission to use the spectrum.
The network has been denied a licence because it failed to report back on how its previous trial broadcast of State of Origin went.
The Nine Network sent out the following announcement last night:
After the outstanding success of the 2010 State of Origin Series, the Nine Network and Harvey Norman will partner again to broadcast the 2010 Telstra Premiership Grand Final live and in 3D.
The Grand Final will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, October 3, after a huge build-up, with all the day’s action televised exclusively live on Nine.
Nine CEO, Mr David Gyngell, said today: “Nine is thrilled to once again bring rugby league fans the most technologically advanced way to watch their game.”
NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said: “The speed, skill and excitement of the Telstra Premiership Grand Final has 3.6million viewers around the country watching every moment and the chance to see it in 3D keeps rugby league and Channel Nine at the forefront of sports broadcasting.
“The reaction from fans who saw the world’s first live, 3D, free-to-air sports broadcasts during this year’s Harvey Norman State of Origin Series couldn’t have been more enthusiastic and to experience the unique atmosphere of a Grand Final day in 3D will be something many will look forward to.
“It is another vote of confidence in the game, both from Channel Nine and Harvey Norman, to show the Grand Final in 3D and everyone in the game will appreciate the opportunity they are providing.”
But this morning ACMA, which controls the TV spectrum previously used by Nine and SBS for 3D broadcasts issued its own release saying:
No 3D TV trial licence for Nine to screen NRL Grand Final
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has not issued a licence to the Nine Network to broadcast the NRL grand final in 3D, contrary to the network’s media advisories earlier today.
Nine has not yet delivered a report on its previous 3D TV trial to the ACMA. Providing a report on consumer, reception, interference and technical issues was a condition of the previous 3D TV trial licence. The report was due within 30 days of the expiry of the licence (18 August) but has not been received.
The ACMA has indicated to Nine that no further trial licences will be issued before the report is received and considered.
At the time of posting, Nine had not responded to Mumbrella’s request for a comment.
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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topics
ACMA
Australian Communications and Media Authority
David Gallop
David Gyngell
Grand Final
Harvey Norman
Nine
Nine Network
NRL
State of origin
television
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