Another Broadcaster Tipped To ‘Enter The Conversation’ About AFL Media Deal

Don’t be surprised to see Channel 9 and the AFL start chatting about the league’s next media deal, reports Caroline Wilson.

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t hear about Channel 9 just entering the conversation with the AFL in the next few weeks.   “Gillon McLachlan needs to create some competitive tension. I’m surprised he hasn’t already spoken with Channel 9. I’m not sure whether the parties have spoken in the last few days but my understanding before that is that they had not spoken. We know that Channel 9 loved having Friday night football…   “Channel 7 — their financial situation is a disaster — but they’re still determined to extend their media agreement with the AFL. They want to cheapen it but extend it over an extra two years…   “I know that Gillon McLachlan loves a bit of tension and loves competition so I don’t think that one’s over yet, but I think we’ll have a new broadcast deal this year absolutely.”