The NRL says it is not Big Brother – but after gagging coaches, they have now taken their ability to influence what fans are seeing on television to another level.
The NRL is now requesting information on topics to be discussed by the experts on panel shows before they go to air. Program rundowns have been requested by the NRL for shows such as 100% Footy on Channel Nine and NRL 360 on Fox Sports.
Producers of those shows have been asked to have discussions with media spin doctors at head office as the game’s bosses seek to control the narrative, particularly when it comes to refereeing and bunker issues.
The requests are to find out exactly what the programs are planning to discuss.
It’s smart from the NRL. They used the magazine shows to reinforce the rules around high tackles after some went unpunished last round. But, unfortunately, the message was not delivered correctly on the night by Fox Sports, leading to the hysteria the NRL was trying to avoid – and leaving NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo to correct the information on the same program.
I understand the NRL’s desire to control the narrative in the game, particularly when it comes to officiating, because mistakes are made. Even in commentary last week, Fox Sports callers were telling viewers that a player could retrospectively be sent to the sin bin if a player was ruled out of game due to a high shot. That is not correct.
Nine Network commentators Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns. Nine Network commentators Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns.Credit: NRL Photos
But regardless of the potential for errors to be broadcast, the media companies should politely tell the NRL to stick to running the game and dealing with the multitude of issues that need addressing.
The concern is that if they are allowed to have input on what is being prepared for the fans, how long before some of the game’s loudest and most respected voices, such as Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, Cameron Smith, Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns on Channel Nine, and Gorden Tallis and Matthew Johns on Fox, are told to go easy on the NRL?
Particularly with a broadcast rights negotiation about to commence.
The opinions of journalists have already been compromised. A senior News Corp reporter said on air he felt hamstrung when it came to giving an honest view on the Las Vegas experiment because he had been flown to the US by the NRL.
Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould has often been critical of the NRL. Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould has often been critical of the NRL.Credit: Getty Images
“Conversations with our broadcast partners have occurred over many years and are part of our contractual obligations to provide them with accurate information regarding events, themed rounds and on field matters,” an NRL spokesperson said.
The opinions of some of the game’s biggest names scare the suits at league HQ. If they are restricted in those views, the panel shows should pack up and let the networks air reruns of Skippy. If the NRL wants to produce television shows, they should make their own. Or they can bring back the Graham Annesley hour, which has been dumped by the NRL.
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