It’s all about the cricket

Both the ABC and Fairfax Radio are spreading the word about their cricket coverage.

ABC Radio has announced a new 5 year broadcast agreement with Cricket Australia. Under the new deal ABC Radio will broadcast all tests matches, international ODIs and T20s games for men’s and women’s cricket across a mix of analogue and digital radio.

Kate Dundas, Director ABC Radio, said:

“ABC Grandstand’s cricket commentary is the sound of summer. No other broadcaster can boast the history, tradition or the close ties to Australian cricket developed over 83 years. Switching on ABC Radio during summer is intrinsically linked to the psyche of cricket lovers in Australia.”

The ABC was unable to secure the online streaming rights, which were retained by Cricket Australia.

Meanwhile at Fairfax, they too have signed a 5 year broadcast agreement with Cricket Australia and are talking up their commentary team.

Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Dean Jones, Damien Fleming, and Greg Blewett will be their key lineup, anchored by Tim Lane and 3AW's Bruce Eva.

In Perth they will be joined by former coach Mickey Arthur and current coach Darren Lehmann. Representing England will be former captain Michael Vaughan, and the BBC's Henry Blofeld.

“For the first time, a commercial broadcaster will be calling the majority of the summer's cricket. We are thrilled with the depth of experience and talent of our commentary team, who will bring another dimension to our cricket coverage,” Fairfax Radio Network National Content Director Clark Forbes said.

“This is shaping up as the busiest summer ever on our network involving a large number of staff from around Australia both in front and behind the microphone delivering for the first time truly networked programming. It’s going to be a great summer of cricket.”

Fairfax are also about to launch a 24/7 digital channel for news and sport that will cover the entire summer of cricket. It will be called Fairfax Radio NTS (News Talk Sport).

“The new channel, which will be heard in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne, will also present a broad selection of the best broadcasting our network has to offer, as well as a comprehensive hourly news service. NTS will continue broadcasting after the cricket season has ended and will become the home of quality news and sports coverage on DAB+,” Forbes said.