The fight for NRL radio rights begins

With NRL's radio rights up for grabs at the end of the season, this morning The Daily Telegraph revealed that 2UE have informed the league they want to call games from next season.

Triple M have also shown keen interest and want to expand their coverage by broadcasting multiple matches each weekend.

The current rights holder 2GB want to retain the rights but are cautious about having too many commercial competitors.

Macquarie Radio Chairman, Russell Tate said…

"We have an intention to remain the rights holder, we would like to be and hope to be….I think it would be difficult with too many rights holders. This is different to AFL in Melbourne. That would be a decision for the (ARL) Commission. We hope to retain the (exclusive) status we have enjoyed for the past couple of years."

NRL interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said…

"We have now started requesting proposals from AM and FM stations. We're seeking details around the stations' metropolitan and regional coverage. We are expecting some formal arrangement with ABC and are talking to other commercial broadcasters about the services they can deliver to NSW and Queensland. Triple M have demonstrated, at this stage, they would like to extend their coverage."

"We certainly see FM radio as important in making the younger demographic more accessible to our game."

See more in The Daily Telegraph here