The current anti-siphoning list is set to remain in effect until April 2023 following a decision by the Australian Government to defer sunsetting of the list, which was set to occur in April this year.
The Australian Government will review the anti-siphoning list over the next two years as part of its reforms to support broadcasters and enhance the quality of services and content available to all Australians.
The anti-siphoning scheme started in 1992 and aims to give free-to-air broadcasters the first opportunity to acquire the rights to broadcast events on the anti-siphoning list. The Scheme lowers the risk of subscription television broadcasters obtaining exclusive rights to televise events of national importance and cultural significance.
By deferring the sunsetting of the current list, the free-to-air networks will continue to have the first opportunity to purchase the rights to culturally significant events, such as the Olympic Games and other major sporting events.
The impact that COVID-19 has had on how live sporting events are broadcast and the associated changes in deals negotiated between broadcasters and rights holders will also be considered.
The Government is currently consulting on the next stage of its media reform program, and stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the media reform green paper by 23 May 2021.
Read more about the anti-siphoning scheme.