Today's TV Coverage in Sydney

[Mogg0]

It's a catch 22 though. We can boycott the coverage but that's EXACTLY the reason we're getting handed this half-arsed coverage. NOBODY'S watching.

I'm in Brisbane and had to cop the Swans game twice. Would have loved to have seen the Showdown, but sadly not.

The AFL demands so much money, why can't they set guidelines that state Brisbane and Sydney games must always be shown LIVE in their respective states? QLD viewers are guaranteed live Lions coverage, so why not Sydney?

[Primmy]

I am lucky I have a friend with Foxtel, but I recorded the seven coverage anyway and had a look last night.

You have GOT to be kidding me! What on EARTH were they think of. Or do I have it wrong. The thinking part I mean.

One and a half minutes of adds between goals if the Swans scored. Full replay if Carlton scored. They cut about 20% of the game out.

Does Anyone out there have a meaningful address I can vent my spleen to at AFL headquarters and Channel Seven? I am in the mood for some vitriole.

Why on earth bid for the AFL if you can't be bothered with it! I mean, Benny Hill!!! Whattha!!

[AnnieH]

I am lucky I have a friend with Foxtel, but I recorded the seven coverage anyway and had a look last night.

You have GOT to be kidding me! What on EARTH were they think of. Or do I have it wrong. The thinking part I mean.

One and a half minutes of adds between goals if the Swans scored. Full replay if Carlton scored. They cut about 20% of the game out.

Does Anyone out there have a meaningful address I can vent my spleen to at AFL headquarters and Channel Seven? I am in the mood for some vitriole.

Why on earth bid for the AFL if you can't be bothered with it! I mean, Benny Hill!!! Whattha!!

02 9877 7777
Ch7's phone number.
Mail C/- Ch7, Martin Place, Sydney.

It sucked. But it was better than nothing.

[Primmy]

Thanks Annie, will get my english prose sorted, with high faluting expletives etc.

Just because some of us cannot get Foxtel (see block of units run by pensioners who cannot afford to get the infrastructure sorted out) we are held to ransom by seven. Makes me spit (ladylike though).

[Danzar]

They did the same last year so this is not new.

It's really frustrating.

What they do is:

1. Show only the scoring plays of the first quarter (or any major non-scoring plays).
2. Start from the beginning of Q2 but cut, after an ad break, non-scoring periods, effectively accelerating that quarter.
3. Same as Q2 but they cut less of the game. About 10% of the quarter.
4. Q4 play the full quarter without cutting time BUT play a four ad cycle after every second goal, instead of the usual one ad. This allows them to finish the cut down telecast of the game with the same amount of ads played as a full three hour telecast. The 'clock' does not stop while the ads are on so you miss the post-goal bounced and the first passge of play or two.

I aactually believe this could be called a breach of contract. It cannot be a broadcast if you have not shown the full game. No way.

Plus I wonder whether seven has exceeded the allowable number of ads for a two hour broadcast. It's up to a viewer to complain (to the regulatory body I think). The regulator must ask seven to supply details of the ad/program ratio and will be fined if it's exceeded.