2025 TV Ratings

[The Educator]

News Limited hasn't been the company's name for over a decade

Please give them my sincerest apologies next time you meet up

 

[GenericUsername202]

With the AFL adopting the braindead decision of removing saturday night FTA games and having delayed games that will rate basically a minuscule number, i can't see how 2025 will have better ratings than 2024. The AFL killed their tv ratings growth with this tv rights deal

 

[Air_Chester]

The AFL killed their tv ratings growth with this tv rights deal

And made an absolute packet in doing so. Don’t think they’ll be too phased.

 

[Fire]

And made an absolute packet in doing so. Don’t think they’ll be too phased.

pay TV is where sports go to die in Australia. I am sure the current admin will be enjoying the high life, but the next generation won't be engaged. I am sad to see this corrupt short term vision infiltrated its way into the AFL, its exposure used to be its greatest strength.

 

[GenericUsername202]

pay TV is where sports go to die in Australia. I am sure the current admin will be enjoying the high life, but the next generation won't be engaged. I am sad to see this corrupt short term vision infiltrated its way into the AFL, its exposure used to be its greatest strength.

Pretty much this. Look at the Big Bash decline the moment they took all of their FTA games off air. The AFL made a lot of money, but they killed the growth of the game because of it

 

[The Educator]

With the AFL adopting the braindead decision of removing saturday night FTA games and having delayed games that will rate basically a minuscule number, i can't see how 2025 will have better ratings than 2024. The AFL killed their tv ratings growth with this tv rights deal

Actually, not true. There are (from memory) a dozen more Thursday night games. This will substantially drown out any loss in Saturday night games in Victoria and increased number of delayed games in non Vic states. There will also be growth due to substitution to kayo and availability of 7 now streaming under the new deal

As it is, the delayed telecasts into Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane (and related regionals) averaged 169K

pay TV is where sports go to die in Australia. I am sure the current admin will be enjoying the high life, but the next generation won't be engaged. I am sad to see this corrupt short term vision infiltrated its way into the AFL, its exposure used to be its greatest strength.

Pretty much this. Look at the Big Bash decline the moment they took all of their FTA games off air. The AFL made a lot of money, but they killed the growth of the game because of it

The Big Bash declined when it tried to expand its season length outside of the ~5 week window it was popular

The AFL has never had more than half its games as live FTA. This TV deal is essentially the same share of FTA games as last year.

These are just hysterical responses.

 

[Fire]

The Big Bash declined when it tried to expand its season length outside of the ~5 week window it was popular

The AFL has never had more than half its games as live FTA. This TV deal is essentially the same share of FTA games as last year.

These are just hysterical responses.

its fair enough if you think you have a different perspective, but calling it hysterical is ridiculous.
Rugby union is dead. Basketball and Soccer have been stagnant or crept backwards for generations. LOI cricket is also now dead in Australia, even over the home summer.

 

[The_Wookie]

Pretty much this. Look at the Big Bash decline the moment they took all of their FTA games off air. The AFL made a lot of money, but they killed the growth of the game because of it

This is not what has happened here.

The number of games on FTA has not materially changed. Thursday nights rate better than Saturday nights - and without splitting the audience as happens frequently.

Thursday nights have replaced Saturdays, where last year there would be no national sunday broadcast if there was a Thursday night, Sundays are now on every week. Public holidays and Sunday nights will all be on FTA.

In addition Seven have apparently got the ability to replay their own matches on 7plus - and minis of Fox games?

 

[The Educator]

its fair enough if you think you have a different perspective, but calling it hysterical is ridiculous.
Rugby union is dead. Basketball and Soccer have been stagnant or crept backwards for generations. LOI cricket is also now dead in Australia, even over the home summer.

I am calling it hysterical because how far divorced from what is actually happening the position is - i.e. all emoting and no logic

rugby, basketball and soccer all (at least for a time) went completely off FTA and where never dominant codes in the first instance. LOI has completely gone off FTA.

The AFL has the same amount of broadcast games as the last deal. There is no change but for those games being at a demonstrably better time (in terms of number of people watching.

 

[The_Wookie]

I am calling it hysterical because how far divorced from what is actually happening the position is - i.e. all emoting and no logic

rugby, basketball and soccer all (at least for a time) went completely off FTA and where never dominant codes in the first instance. LOI has completely gone off FTA.

The AFL has the same amount of broadcast games as the last deal. There is no change but for those games being at a demonstrably better time (in terms of number of people watching.

and there should be attendant benefits in terms of driving attendance to AFL games and local sport.

 

[The Educator]

Interesting that the NRL now looks like it is have the period between the end of the game and the start of the news coded as "post match" on Sundays

The result is the the post match, which would be pulled up by people tuning in ahead of the news, made the top 30 programs but the game itself didn't

The AFL pulled 388k average which benefited from having Crows and Eagles games in those states (but for the shellacking the Eagles copped)

Sunday 16 March 2025

Reach table reordered by average audience Top 30 Programs By Average By Reach Description Network Average BVOD Reach 1 1 MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT -SUN Nine 1,926,000 520,000 3,215,000 2 3 SEVEN NEWS – SUN Seven 1,308,000 75,000 2,263,000 3 2 9NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,284,000 122,000...

forums.mediaspy.org

 

[Bjo187]

I was thinking, why wouldn't 7 do a 'before the game' style light hearted show on the Saturday after the news, similar to what ch10 use to do. It would give them some Saturday content, instead of doing shows randomly on 7 plus on a Sunday night, which nobody knows are on.

Give a wrap of the games up to that point and discuss the days games with a bit of comedy. I think it would be popular with the crowd that are missing Saturday footy content on fta. I'd pretty much copy before the game from back in the ch10 days and some of their panel members, as it was pretty popular from memory.

On another note the next tv deal I'd like to see across 10 games that 4 are on free to air each weekend. Split the fta games 2 and 2 across two fta broadcasters.

They were the best days for exposure and I feel as though the afl would do well having ch9 and all their papers pushing the game along with ch7.

I think a 4 and 6 balance of fta to pay is pretty good, but the AFL will no doubt see the $$ with giving that 10th game to pay tv.

There is a balance between taking the extra cash, but not winning enough new viewers through your product being freely available. Something they're right on the cusp of now imo.

 

[GenericUsername202]

This is not what has happened here.

The number of games on FTA has not materially changed. Thursday nights rate better than Saturday nights - and without splitting the audience as happens frequently.

Thursday nights have replaced Saturdays, where last year there would be no national sunday broadcast if there was a Thursday night, Sundays are now on every week. Public holidays and Sunday nights will all be on FTA.

In addition Seven have apparently got the ability to replay their own matches on 7plus - and minis of Fox games?

View attachment 2252644

You're conveniently leaving out delayed games on the FTA though?

 

[GenericUsername202]

Actually, not true. There are (from memory) a dozen more Thursday night games. This will substantially drown out any loss in Saturday night games in Victoria and increased number of delayed games in non Vic states. There will also be growth due to substitution to kayo and availability of 7 now streaming under the new deal

As it is, the delayed telecasts into Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane (and related regionals) averaged 169K





The Big Bash declined when it tried to expand its season length outside of the ~5 week window it was popular

The AFL has never had more than half its games as live FTA. This TV deal is essentially the same share of FTA games as last year.

These are just hysterical responses.

169k is a terrible figure for a Brisbane v Sydney game in the northern markets and Port V Collingwood. I would argue 100k of that was from adelaide alone, and had that game been live in brisbane and sydney, it would have gotten 80k in each respective states. So that figure proves my point, and trust me, the lost viewers are not jumping to kayo (which is now $40 per month).

 

[SizeMatters]

I’ve been suspect of the NEL tv ratings out competing AFL. Is that a legit thing or fluff from Vandys

 

[The Educator]

I’ve been suspect of the NEL tv ratings out competing AFL. Is that a legit thing or fluff from Vandys

This is quite the controversial topic around these parts!

Shorter game + use of aggregated averages to compare codes = artificial inflation of NRL by 50% and claims to faux victory

 

[The Educator]

169k is a terrible figure for a Brisbane v Sydney game in the northern markets and Port V Collingwood.

169K was better than I thought it would have been. Obviously it wasn't going to draw as much as if it was live. The point is it didn't drop off much

I would argue 100k of that was from adelaide alone,

100K might even be above par for a port game on a saturday night ......this one was a) delayed 90 minutes and b) had port losing by 91 points

and had that game been live in brisbane and sydney, it would have gotten 80k in each respective states.

Really? That is what it might have got on a Friday night. Can you show me Saturday twilight games from prevoius years that pulled those numbers?

So that figure proves my point,

No it does not. Deductive logic and evidence can prove things......making up numbers approves everything

and trust me, the lost viewers are not jumping to kayo (which is now $40 per month).

Really? Why should I trust you?

 

[Air_Chester]

You're conveniently leaving out delayed games on the FTA though?

He’s not conveniently leaving it out, it’s just not relevant to the point he’s making.

He’s pointing out that the same number of games are showing on FTA, and in far better rating timeslots. The claim that they’ve “killed the growth of the game” is not supported in any way.

169k is a terrible figure for a Brisbane v Sydney game in the northern markets and Port V Collingwood. I would argue 100k of that was from adelaide alone, and had that game been live in brisbane and sydney, it would have gotten 80k in each respective states.

Not even sure what you’re trying to say here.

So that figure proves my point, and trust me, the lost viewers are not jumping to kayo (which is now $40 per month).

Brazen to say “trust me” that people aren’t utilising the streaming platform that has had consistent growth year on year since it’s inception.

 

[GenericUsername202]

He’s not conveniently leaving it out, it’s just not relevant to the point he’s making.

He’s pointing out that the same number of games are showing on FTA, and in far better rating timeslots. The claim that they’ve “killed the growth of the game” is not supported in any way.



Not even sure what you’re trying to say here.


Brazen to say “trust me” that people aren’t utilising the streaming platform that has had consistent growth year on year since it’s inception.

Point 1. I think you're completely missing my point. There is no growth in Victoria, Adel and Perth. And if there is, it's very miniscule. Look at the rise in participations and ratings in the past few years and see where it come from. It didn't come from traditional markets, it came from northern markets. Particularly Queensland. That's why round 0 exists. And The loss of FTA live games in those markets is what will kill the growth of the game. However, by all means create an argument that delayed games in northern states will somehow result in better ratings and participation in these markets, because we all know it won't.

Point 2. I think i made my point quite clear here. Had the game been live in Queensland and NSW, more people would have watched it.

Point 3. There is absolutely 0 evidence that suggest hiding games behind a paywall has had a positive growth for any code, let alone AFL. You put any sport or code on a FTA network, and you will always have significantly more viewers watching the product. There's a reason why Channel 7 ratings eclispe Fox/Kayo's ratings for AFL. Likewise, you're seeing more and more people turn away from Kayo given their consistent price increases.

 

[Cmarsh]

its fair enough if you think you have a different perspective, but calling it hysterical is ridiculous.
Rugby union is dead. Basketball and Soccer have been stagnant or crept backwards for generations. LOI cricket is also now dead in Australia, even over the home summer.

Cricket is far from dead. Three consecutive 80k crowds at the MCG three days straight over the boxing day test. Very good ratings. High level of interest still in the BBL.

 

[Air_Chester]

Point 1. I think you're completely missing my point. There is no growth in Victoria, Adel and Perth. And if there is, it's very miniscule. Look at the rise in participations and ratings in the past few years and see where it come from. It didn't come from traditional markets, it came from northern markets. Particularly Queensland. That's why round 0 exists. And The loss of FTA live games in those markets is what will kill the growth of the game. However, by all means create an argument that delayed games in northern states will somehow result in better ratings and participation in these markets, because we all know it won't.

1) It’s only Saturdays
2) It’s still shown on delay
3) It’s only the first 11 rounds, during which Brisbane play 5 Saturday games

5 delayed games out of 23 (and 10 out of 45 if you include Gold Coast) on delay is not going to destroy the participation rates in Queensland.

Point 2. I think i made my point quite clear here. Had the game been live in Queensland and NSW, more people would have watched it.

Last year, Sydney vs Brisbane, July 21, live Sunday afternoon FTA, 1st vs 4th.

Best home and away game of the year by a wide margin.

Sydney 46,000 viewers
Brisbane 48,000 viewers

I haven’t seen the 5 city ratings for the game on the weekend, but I’m willing to bet it’s no more than a 20% drop in the far less friendly timeslot.

Point 3. There is absolutely 0 evidence that suggest hiding games behind a paywall has had a positive growth for any code, let alone AFL. You put any sport or code on a FTA network, and you will always have significantly more viewers watching the product. There's a reason why Channel 7 ratings eclispe Fox/Kayo's ratings for AFL.

Everyone is well aware that more people watch FTA than STV. The entire point here is that there are the same amount of games on FTA this year - and in better rating timeslots.

The necessity for STV if you want to watch live AFL on Saturdays benefits Foxtel, the same way that 7 is more than happy to shaft Saturday in favour of Thursday. And on top of that, you’ll likely get better attendance at Saturday matches.

I’d put good money on the aggregate FTA viewing figures for this season being higher than last year when all is said and done.

Likewise, you're seeing more and more people turn away from Kayo given their consistent price increases.

Speaking of zero evidence - there is nothing whatsoever to suggest people are turning away from Kayo. Unless your argument is “it’s the vibe”.

 

[The_Wookie]

You're conveniently leaving out delayed games on the FTA though?

Delayed games have been a fact for years in WA and SA, and more recently in WA/SA. Delay is much much less of a crime than not showing them at all.

And at a glance, this seems to be on top of the national broadcast game in those states on a sunday at least giving them even MORE FTA.

 

[The_Wookie]

Point 1. I think you're completely missing my point. There is no growth in Victoria, Adel and Perth. And if there is, it's very miniscule. Look at the rise in participations and ratings in the past few years and see where it come from. It didn't come from traditional markets, it came from northern markets. Particularly Queensland. That's why round 0 exists. And The loss of FTA live games in those markets is what will kill the growth of the game. However, by all means create an argument that delayed games in northern states will somehow result in better ratings and participation in these markets, because we all know it won't.

Given the state of ratings in those areas, ID bet theres very limited impact.

Point 2. I think i made my point quite clear here. Had the game been live in Queensland and NSW, more people would have watched it.

Maybe, but hard to prove again, given the nature of ratings in those states.

Point 3. There is absolutely 0 evidence that suggest hiding games behind a paywall has had a positive growth for any code, let alone AFL. You put any sport or code on a FTA network, and you will always have significantly more viewers watching the product. There's a reason why Channel 7 ratings eclispe Fox/Kayo's ratings for AFL. Likewise, you're seeing more and more people turn away from Kayo given their consistent price increases.

actually there is evidence. And it comes from tne NRL. Nine consistently shows the same games in every market every week. Fox Group ratings - thats streaming AND STB - are beating Nine ratings for the NRL REGULARLY now. They were averaging 483,000 across Fox Group last season. Yesterday rated 419,000 on Nine. Go figure.

 

[Cleavy]

With new graphics and dedicated commentary for the first time, average audiences on Fox Footy for 2025 Opening Round lifted 29% on 2024’s Opening Round.

The Opening Round clash between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks was up 35% on the Sydney Swans v Melbourne Demons first game of the season in 2024 and is the most streamed AFL season opener of all time. It was also the second most watched AFL season opener of all time.

The Sydney v Hawthorn game also achieved the highest average audience ever for a sporting match on BINGE, bringing new audiences into the sport.

The Sunday afternoon game between GWS Giants and Collingwood Magpies rose 20% on the same match-up which was played on a Saturday night in 2024. Dwayne Russell was joined by Matt Hill as dedicated Fox Footy commentators for the game.

- Fox Media release -

so they started showing sport on Binge in November (?) and it's mostly been small-fry stuff like AFLW Final and WBBL final?

 

[The_Wookie]

so they started showing sport on Binge in November (?) and it's mostly been small-fry stuff like AFLW Final and WBBL final?

basically showing matches they simulcast with Seven