Blog:
The Federal Government has been urged to allow free-to-air TV networks to
broadcast major sports events on their new digital channels.
Former Queensland premier Wayne Goss was recently appointed chairman of lobby
group Free TV Australia.
He has told ABC Radio's Sunday Profile it is in the public interest to allow
sports programing on the extra channels.
"The Government have got to juggle what's best in the interests of those
stakeholders, but on the other side of the equation the public," he said.
"Obviously Free TV will want to maximise what they do.
"But I think free TV does a pretty good job on sport and I'd like to see
major sporting events going out to 99 point whatever per cent of the Australian
public it is."
But Mr Goss has denied his friendship with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and
Treasurer Wayne Swan will influence the Government's policies on digital
television.
Mr Rudd and Mr Swan both served under the former Queensland premier.
But he says everything will be above board.
"I will not use my friendship to get a better deal for anybody whether its
Free TV Australia, Disney or the ABC," Mr Goss said.
"My view is that this is an important area of public policy. It's one that
will be transacted in the open."
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