NOT since the broadcast wars of 2006, when the Seven and Nine free-to-air networks were involved in a bloody drawn-out battle, has so much animosity existed between the networks. Once again, Seven and Nine are at each other’s throats, but now Ten also is involved, in an unlikely alliance with Seven opposing Communications Minister Stephen Conroy’s plan to repeal the 75 per cent reach rule. If the regulation is repealed, Nine will pursue a $4 billion merger with regional television and radio group Southern Cross Austereo. Present media laws do not allow metro and regional TV companies to combine.