Networks push back on betting ad ban as Labor questions government plans
The Seven and Nine networks have openly challenged a mooted “siren-to-siren” ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts expected to be put before cabinet early next week unless it includes digital platforms.
The Australian Labor Party has also questioned the motivation and timing of the decision after the Coalition refused to back a similar proposal from Labor just weeks ago.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield is reportedly planning to introduce a ban on gambling advertising during live sport broadcasts in the face of rising community concern about the growing number of ads being broadcast.
I don’t care whose idea it was – just do it. I hate seeing betting ads every time someone kicks a goal or wins a point. Hate it. And I won’t let my children watch sport on TV because of this. Makes it very hard now the footy season is here and the wee ones want to support their team.
this is a complex issue and whilst i believe it should be applauded I can see the networks issues with it.
under the proposal it impacts the networks – who will have ads removed during games. no question this will have a financial impact HOWEVER there will be other categories that take these spots … however will it be at the same yield.
The gaming companies are wily and will find other ways to impact customers during games – stadium signage is the obvious one, which will mean ‘siren to siren’ there will still be loads of gaming ads impacting children as these will fall outside the network.
If a child is using the AFL/NRL app – these gaming ads will hit them too. Will the leagues voluntarily adhere to the removal during game times?
Digital channels will be a huge beneficiary of the betting co’s looking to hit users during games – especially Google and Facebook – which will give the networks more ammunition to claim they are unfairly disadvantaged and these rules will be little more than money moving from the networks to the overseas digital giants.
Will the ban impact online newspapers? Sports tipping sites? Again – if not, why not?
Will radio be impacted? They are running betting ads at a far greater volume than any other channel at almost all parts of the day – on SEN there are gambling sponsors for every slot including breakfast and drive, both times where kids are listening.
This is a great opportunity for the govt to show they have a handle on the way media is consumed in 2017 and look to legislate across channels, not just TV.
If they just target TV the networks have every right to complain.