After much debate and conjecture, the AFL radio rights have been locked away.
Crocmedia has secured a watershed, six-year broadcasting deal.
The Australian media production business and radio programming syndicator will become the AFL’s exclusive commercial regional radio master rights holder under the arrangement.
Crocmedia will partner with fellow media companies Macquarie, Southern Cross Austereo, NOVA Entertainment, Pacific Star Network and Grant Broadcasters in the 2017-22 AFL broadcast, distribution and content supply partnership.
Having already broadcast AFL matches since 2010, Crocmedia has significantly strengthened its AFL relationship through this new deal.
There will be Crocmedia exclusivity on commercial regional broadcasts to all commercial radio stations around Australia other than stations owned by Southern Cross Austereo.
Existing, already-strong partnerships with major regional media owners ACE Radio, Grant Broadcasters and Super Radio Network have also been bolstered and extended as part of the new AFL radio rights.
Additionally, Crocmedia will develop a national AFL radio call across metro markets under the revamped AFL deal.
New arrangements to supply a range of sports and entertainment programming across 2UE, 3AW, 6PR, FIVEaa, Magic882, SEN and Southern Cross Austereo’s regional stations underpin the exciting new partnership.
A new, exclusive programming deal with afl.com.au rounds out the suite of supply partnership deals.
Crocmedia has also extended its ambassadorial partnership with the AFL’s Premiership Club Hospitality business for six years.
Crocmedia Chief Executive Craig Hutchison said the landmark deal was a boon for AFL fans across the stations.
“We are delighted to play a bigger role in shaping the way the game is heard and promoted nationally,” Hutchison said. “It is fantastic that all incumbent partners have not only maintained their position but increased their commitment to cover and broadcast the game. We look forward to working with all partners for the next six years.
“There has never been as much choice for AFL fans to consume the game via play by play broadcast or programming. Radio is the best way to connect fans to the AFL and there’s no doubt with greater choice than ever fans are the big winner.”
Hutchison said regional Australia remained the core of Crocmedia’s audience.
“We’ve never been more committed to regional Australia and it’s pleasing to pick up even broader regional distribution to our call,” Hutchison said.
“We will still be providing a call aimed at connecting regional Australians to AFL like never before. It’s fantastic that we can offer our brand partners greater flexibility and choice and extend their campaigns further nationally via our call and shows.”
The deal means Crocmedia will produce a call of all nine AFL matches each weekend, including for the first time two matches into metro capital cities.
Those matches will be heard on 2SM, 2UE, 6PR, FIVEaa, Brisbane’s Magic882 and SEN.
Metropolitan program supply deals on 2GB, 2SM, 2UE, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, FIVEaa, Magic882 and SEN, along with a new regional programming deal with Southern Cross Austereo, form part of the commitment to AFL content.
“We are thrilled to have been able to work with the AFL to achieve greater distribution than ever before in NSW and QLD,” Hutchison said.
“The game will be broadcast and therefore heard on more platforms, more often, into those two key regions.
“We’d like to thank all broadcast partners for working collaboratively and congratulate all existing right holders on extending their deals with the AFL.”