Cricket’s governing body has rubbished media reports that the ABC would be excluded from the next radio broadcast rights deal.
A number of media outlets reported that Cricket Australia (CA) was considering ending more than 80 years of tradition by not including the ABC in the next agreement on radio rights.
The speculation surrounding the ABC being dumped from broadcasting cricket on the radio in the future kicked a couple of politicians from different sides of the House of Representatives into action.
Federal Sports Minister and Deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie and Labor regional communications spokesman Stephen Jones voiced their support for the government-funded broadcaster via Twitter.
Nothing says ‘it’s summer’ more than cricket ? on the radio @abcgrandstand @CricketAus #lovesport @getactive
— Senator Bridget McKenzie (@senbmckenzie) June 14, 2018
This is bullshit. These guys have no judgement https://t.co/dAPNjIPeZF
— Stephen Jones MP (@StephenJonesMP) June 14, 2018
However, a CA spokesperson allayed any fears that the ABC would lose its cricket broadcast heritage.
“We are currently finalising our radio rights negotiation and are comfortable with this process,” the spokesperson said.
“Current media speculation is incorrect. An announcement on these rights will be made in due course.”
Macquarie Media and/or Crocmedia are tipped to claim the rights to international matches in the next deal, which is understood to be for a period of five years, after Southern Cross Austereo opted out of all rights negotiations last month.
