FFA locks in first commercial radio deal
Sports radio producer Crocmedia, has locked in a six year exclusive commercial radio rights deal with Football Federation Australia.
The partnership, which commences next year, marks the first time the FFA has locked in a commercial radio deal. It will see matches broadcast by the Super Radio Network including Sydney station 2SM.
It comes a week after the FFA restructured its media team, which saw the departure of general manager of communications and media, David Mason, and media co-ordinator, Nic Kerber, due to budget cuts.
Ten currently has the commercial free to air broadcasting deal.
As part of the partnership, Crocmedia will distribute the game across metropolitan and regional radio and online audiences in Australia and New Zealand.
Crocmedia will provide live match calls, and programming, which will be broadcast on radio and streamed online via www.a-league.com.au, and www.myfootballnation.com.
David Gallop, FFA CEO, said the partnership would help accelerate the sport’s growth.
“Along with our Network Ten, Fox Sports and News Corp Australia partnerships, this Crocmedia deal will allow more fans to access more of our great game and that’s a win for football. It’s another vote of confidence in the growth of the game, from the media industry,” Gallop said.
Crocmedia will aim to leverage its media assets and programs to drive interest in the sports, according to Craig Hutchinson, CEO of Crocmedia.
“As well as broadcasting the biggest matches on Football Nation, we’ll use our broader programming ecosystem to grow the A-League fan base and build the profile of its players,” Hutchison said.
“This will include parochial content to support clubs in their local markets to help them drive memberships and game attendances.”
The deal comes almost a year after Crocmedia signed a six year agreement with the AFL, as exclusive commercial regional radio master rights holder.
