While I'm disappointed with the lack of coverage given to the Tigers v Eagles for those not having access to Foxtel, I'm particularly disappointed with ABC radio in Melbourne not covering this game.
Supposedly, the ABC, as a govt-funded organisation, are not in the position of chasing after ratings but offering an alternative service to the commercial broadcasters. If that is the case, why aren't they providing an alternative service to Richmond fans who want to listen to the game on Saturday night?
Triple MMM and 3AW (and Ch. 10) are already covering the Pies v Saints game; what is the point of the ABC covering the game as well? Even as a purely ratings driven move it doesn't make sense as they are competing against TV and the other stations for the same potential set of supporters, when they could have the wide array of non-Foxtel Richmond supporters in Melbourne all to themselves.
And it is hardly unprecedented for the ABC to give preference to an interstate match as opposed to a match in Victoria. Just last week they decided to broadcast the Swans v Cats match from the SCG instead of the Blues v Dogs match.
If the ABC aren't there to provide an alternative in the field of footy broadcasting, then there's little point in them broadcasting football anymore - the other commercial networks and TV can provide ample coverage of the matches spread out over the weekend.
All in all, a poor show from the ABC.
Supposedly, the ABC, as a govt-funded organisation, are not in the position of chasing after ratings but offering an alternative service to the commercial broadcasters. If that is the case, why aren't they providing an alternative service to Richmond fans who want to listen to the game on Saturday night?
Triple MMM and 3AW (and Ch. 10) are already covering the Pies v Saints game; what is the point of the ABC covering the game as well? Even as a purely ratings driven move it doesn't make sense as they are competing against TV and the other stations for the same potential set of supporters, when they could have the wide array of non-Foxtel Richmond supporters in Melbourne all to themselves.
And it is hardly unprecedented for the ABC to give preference to an interstate match as opposed to a match in Victoria. Just last week they decided to broadcast the Swans v Cats match from the SCG instead of the Blues v Dogs match.
If the ABC aren't there to provide an alternative in the field of footy broadcasting, then there's little point in them broadcasting football anymore - the other commercial networks and TV can provide ample coverage of the matches spread out over the weekend.
All in all, a poor show from the ABC.
