Federal Opposition slams Foxtel’s sports grant over transparency concerns
The shadow minister for communications, Michelle Rowland, has hit out at the Federal Government’s additional $10m grant to Foxtel’s Fox Sports, saying there is no transparency around the deal and “serious questions” remain.
Yesterday, the Federal Government revealed Foxtel would receive an additional $10m, as part of a now $40m package to broadcast more women’s, under-represented and niche sports.
Mumbrella asked the Government yesterday about whether the funding was available to other broadcasters, why this funding was a priority when so many media outlets are in need of relief, and whether a subscription television service – which is not accessible to all consumers – should receive such a grant.
Last night, a spokesperson for Paul Fletcher, minister for communications, cyber safety and the arts, responded, but didn’t directly answer the questions.
The decision to give money to an organisation that charges people to watch their channels and enjoys a revenue stream from advertising under the premise that it somehow publicises minority sports is indefensible.