Federal MP launches free-to-air campiagn

MEMBER for Barker Tony Pasin MP is fighting to keep the broadcast of major sporting events free to air via WIN TV across the Limestone Coast and Riverland regions.

Mr Pasin said regional Australia was already grappling with lack of access to many services enjoyed in metropolitan centres, with free to air sporting events now under threat.

Under the anti-siphoning legislation, sporting events of national importance and cultural significance are required to be available to Australian television audiences free to air.

“The requirements for sporting events of national importance and cultural significance to be available to Australian television audiences free to air exists in Legislation for a reason. To suggest that streaming services can replace traditional television broadcast is completely out of touch with the reality for regional viewership, including the elderly and more vulnerable sections of the community that are either not tech literate, or unable to access fast or affordable internet,” Mr Pasin said.

“Those without the appropriate means or materials to watch major sporting events through streaming services should not have to go without. For many the Friday night footy or Australia Day test match is significant event on their calendar.”

“Aussie sport brings Australians together like nothing else. Noone should be excluded from this,” Mr Pasin said.

Since learning an agreement between Seven West Media and WIN TV may not be reached, Mr Pasin said he’d contacted WIN TV’s CEO, Andrew Lancaster, Seven West Media, the AFL and Cricket Australia.

Mr Pasin has also written to the Minister for Communications asking for clarification on the Legislated requirements of broadcasters under the current Anti-siphoning Laws.

A petition calling on Seven West Media to continue broadcasting free to air into the Limestone Coast and Riverland via WIN TV can be signed at www.tonypasin.com/save_free_to_air_football