Victorian racing will not be seen on Sky Channel from Monday week if the Tabcorp-owned broadcaster and the state’s industry cannot complete a long-term agreement.
Racing Victoria recommended the three metropolitan clubs and Country Racing Victoria do a deal with Seven West to broadcast Victorian racing on a free-to-air channel rather than accept a 10-year $300 million package from Sky Channel.
Racing Victoria does not have the scope to sign a deal on behalf of the four organisations, which were stakeholders in the defunct broadcaster TVN until the station ceased transmission in March, meaning a deal is still be negotiated with Seven West.
Sky Channel has broadcast Victorian racing courtesy of short-term agreements in recent months but TABcorp released a statement putting the onus on the Victorian parties to respond to its offer.
“Tabcorp notes the announcement by Racing Victoria Limited on Saturday, June 6, 2015, that it is recommending to its four member racing clubs that its preferred outcome for the broadcast of Victorian thoroughbred racing is to partner with Seven West Media,” Tabcorp said in a statement.
“Tabcorp made a Formal Offer on June 1, 2015, in accordance with a timetable agreed with RVL.
“At the same time as submitting its Formal Offer, Tabcorp gave notice that the current interim broadcasting arrangements with Victorian thoroughbred racing will cease on June 15, 2015.
“Tabcorp has not received a decision from RVL and its member clubs in relation to its offer.”
Sky’s last blackout of Victorian racing occurred in December last year at the height of the split between Racing NSW and the Victorian shareholders in TVN.
www.racenet.com.au
Brad Waters