Rumour is doing the rounds that Australia’s Channel 7 Network is looking to squeeze another $10 million out of the AFL grand final replay on Saturday.
Last Saturday, Channel 7′s audience was estimated to reach 2.76 million nationally.
The result, a draw, required a replay rather than an allowance for time on, a rule that has received mixed, and largely negative, reaction from the Australian public and other sports affected by the decision.
Despite this, it is expected that a large TV audience will watch the replay and club ticket allocations are sold out.
For every five minutes of advertising, Channel 7 will earn around $1 million. A 30 second slot will cost advertisers up to $100,000 according to a seasoned media buyer.
Under the terms of the AFL agreement between Channels 7 and 10, the windfall is all Channel 7′s since the deal for Channel’s 10 and 7 means each channel can broadcast the grand final in alternate years.
Ten is focusing on the Commonwealth Games which is itself controversial due to the state of construction and security in India. Ten’s coverage is due to begin on Sunday evening.
Photo: Herald Sun (check out the rest of its 2010 Photo Grand Final Gallery)
