Foxtel To Launch HD AFL Channel
From www.asiamediajournal.com/pressrelease.php?id=3091
FOXTEL today announced it has signed Eddie McGuire to spearhead its AFL coverage and launch a groundbreaking dedicated high definition AFL Channel from FOX SPORTS, to be called – FOX FOOTY.
FOX FOOTY will bounce down from February, 2012 and will be a standard inclusion at no extra charge for FOXTEL’s basic sports tier in a standard FOXTEL broadcast subscription package.
FOX FOOTY (which will be produced by FOX SPORTS) will provide AFL fans with unprecedented LIVE coverage commencing with the exclusive broadcast of the NAB Cup pre-season competition, followed by every game of every round of the home and away season LIVE including the entire Finals series*, in high definition and standard definition, and uninterrupted siren to siren - where games clash, matches will broadcast on FOX FOOTY and FOX SPORTS 1.
FOXTEL’s Chief Executive Officer, Kim Williams AM said, “Today marks a great achievement for FOXTEL in securing one of the biggest names in television and AFL broadcasting to our dedicated AFL Channel. We are thrilled to welcome Eddie to the team; he brings with him a wealth of live broadcasting knowledge and unwavering passion for the game. I share, with a legion of fans, a deep admiration and affection for Eddie’s passion, knowledge and joy in all that makes AFL great.”
“Eddie is an outstanding television presenter with more than 20 years experience, his tremendous depth of knowledge, experience and vital talent will compliment an already well established team.”
Eddie McGuire said, “I am looking forward to joining FOXTEL and FOX FOOTY in this landmark AFL broadcasting deal and getting back behind the microphone calling the game that I love. Being a part of the new historic broadcast landscape with FOXTEL and FOX FOOTY is a great opportunity to be able to showcase AFL how we all want it on our television screens - every single game live, uninterrupted siren to siren and in HD. Calling the footy one game a week is something I'm really excited to be doing. Everyone knows I love the Pies and for that reason I will not be calling Collingwood games for FOX FOOTY, instead cheering them on from the stands or wherever I am around the country calling for FOX FOOTY! This new channel has every team live every week and I relish the challenge and opportunity to be a central part of it.”
Eddie McGuire will join FOX FOOTY’s match day coverage calling an initial one game per week for FOX FOOTY. He will also host, in the first of several initiatives with the channel, his own signature program to be telecast weekly as part of the comprehensive AFL magazine program line-up exclusive to FOX FOOTY.
FOX FOOTY’s agreement with Eddie McGuire is possible with the agreement of the Nine Network where Eddie will continue hosting Millionaire Hot Seat, other programs and events.
Patrick Delany, CEO of FOX SPORTS said of Eddie’s appointment, “Eddie will be a remarkable addition to a great team we have for the new FOX FOOTY – we have been in close dialogue with him for several months and it is a pleasure to welcome him to the exciting new sports home for AFL – FOX FOOTY – we can't wait for the 2012 AFL season to commence!"
“Complementing Eddie will be a rich array of broadcasting expertise and talent to bring the new FOX FOOTY to life with a program schedule which will be announced in the coming weeks. FOX FOOTY will offer a one stop AFL destination - a new home for ALL games, news and AFL review, analysis and entertainment.”
FOX FOOTY will commence for season 2012 with LIVE and exclusive coverage of the NAB Cup with the first triangular match between Hawthorn, Richmond and North Melbourne on Friday February 17, 2012*.
# supplemental charges will apply for HD and Xbox customers (separate pricing will be announced by Telstra for its TBox and Mobile FOXTEL products).
*FOXTEL’s live NAB Cup coverage is simulcast with the Seven Network. Only the AFL Grand Final will be broadcast on delay.
The bad news is we can not see Foxtel here in Thailand unless you sling it via the internet ..
