Foxtel launches its biggest investment to date, Fox Cricket
Foxtel has officially launched its dedicated cricket channel, Fox Cricket – its most sizeable investment in history.
The News-Corp owned subscription service launched the channel in Sydney, and has signed on Toyota Australia, Alinta, Lion Beer Australia, Bet365, Harvey Norman, McDonald’s, Bunnings and Maytronics as sponsors. In addition, it has added former Australian cricket captain Steve Smith and Australian Cricket coach, Darren Lehmann, to its commentary lineup.
Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany presenting in Sydney on Tuesday night
All the talent is in the commentary box, but there’s none on the field. Australia’s two best batsmen are not playing. This is not a great season to be asking cricket fans to pay to watch the game.
I feel for these guys. They are doing their utmost to hype a product they have obvioulsy put a lot of hard work and investment into. But the cricket product itself is over staurated with too many meaningless games, and a general lack of consumer interest. I hope this works, but I can’t see it doing so…
Dying sport on a dying platform, nothing can go wrong here at all. Yes, I know I am going to have some raving cricket fans reply this message, but truly, how many people do you all know who actively support a Twenty20 team like they do an AFL or NRL club?
My TV antenna doesn’t work and I’m too tight to fix it. So I’ve been watching all my TV through apps and Apple TV… Over the weekend I wanted to catch the Bathurst 1000. After the obligatory search for a free live stream, I came across an article suggesting fans should take advantage of the Foxtel Now FREE 2 week trial. With the Bathurst race only 6 hours long, this felt like a good scam – and something I could renege on at my desk come Monday morning. Too easy. However, on closer inspection the basic + sport package looks great – sure, the weekly movie offering is expectedly b-grade, but the other bits and sport offered is fantastic. And as an avid cricket fan I’m absolutely keeping it on my phone to see what the cricket looks like this summer. #2weekfreetrial #doit #lorealworthit
Obviously a lot of coin behind Foxtel at the moment. Let’s hope the players perform.
Of the 31 commentators signed by Fox how many are professional broadcasters/journalists?
Top-heavy with former players as usual and plenty of female presence … but where are the experienced expert journos and broadcasters?
Only exceptions are the fearless and well-credentialled Robert Craddock and Gerard Whateley.
4K Channel?????. I ordered a 4K Foxtel Box to watch Bathurst. DIDN’T work. It turns out that some of these units are faulty and Foxtel don’t know how to overcome the glitch. I asked for a replacement, but was refused. SO PLEASE don’t keep raving on how good sports are going to be when you start broadcasting. It will probably end up in a shambles like your 4 K set top boxes
How old are the majority of NRL and AFL clubs vs BBL franchises?
BBL attendances are up there with the best in the world.
The BBL is not the pinnacle of the sport, NRL and AFL is (with the exception of Origin).
People support the national side and their state with a 2 month window where domestic teams take center stage around the test matches.
Last seasons Ashes was the most attended Ashes in history.
Foxtel NRL audience’s were up YoY
AFL finals were up YoY
Way off the mark here mate.
You’re not wrong.
Wait until you have to pay for it. Great while free.
Foxtel Now should be no more than $29 for *everything*.
Well seen as 4kQ is for the exclusive new Customers I really don’t care less about Cricket IQ3 is much bettet than 4kQ it is nit all that … lost some Customers because of your new prices totally ridiculous
Well seen as 4kQ is for the exclusive new Customers I really don’t care less about Cricket IQ3 is much bettet than 4kQ it is nit all that … lost some Customers because of your new prices totally ridiculous
Hey, what a disaster. Who is going to watch inept displays like last night’s fizzle against Pakistan? And commentators like Healey and Brett Lee are pathetic. You’re losing me quickly and you’ve only just began.
Article has an error. Not all the Big Bash will be simulcast with 7. Fox will have 16 exclusive matches
Hi Rich,
Thanks for flagging and you are correct. That has been amended.
Cheers,
Zoe – Mumbrella
Mate, my response to that is A-League
Football/Soccer has never really gotten any traction in this country as a spectator sport.
Yet, with the likes of the WSW, Syd FC, Melb Victory etc being around the same age and have so much more passionate fans than Sydney Thunder or Brisbane Heat etc
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also go to see this blog on regular basis to get updated from hottest
information.
A nowadays big thing to invest money on demand services. Any best suggestion?