JAMES Packer's $245 million raid on the Ten Network may be blocked because it would reduce competition for AFL broadcast rights.

And because two key shareholders have thrown their weight behind the casino king's plans to shake up the TV network, his 17.88 per cent stake will be treated as a controlling interest in a review by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

I enjoy watching my football (AFL).

One of the most frustrating things, particularly in terms of broadcasting, is the fact I live in Western Australia, where, in most cases, AFL match broadcasts are shown delayed, or not shown at all.

If the lack of competition in the AFL broadcasting rights resulted in a better deal for the viewer, then, really, where is the problem? Surely broadcast rights are about providing viewers with the best possible outcome.

I am not so naive to understand this is business. There is a product, and it is being traded. I understand competition law. But. But we currently have a situation where there is no interest, no driver for anyone to truly take on a better broadcasting deal for the viewer.

Deals between the Foxtel group and commercial stations has not fixed it. The FTA services are not interested unless they meet critical mass in order to maintain advertising and viewer-ship. Come on ACCC open it up. It should be a free market for the likes of pay television to pick up where FTA is failing the viewer! Maybe its a good thing, maybe not. But the current model is not working for the consumer.

The issue here is not with Packer, Murdoch or the broadcasting services. The issue here is the AFL. It needs the money, sure, well let them pay for it! I do, I am willing and as a result of ACCC rules and the AFL I am left high and dry every season. That's my view, at least.

Sylvestor

Kraft admits VegeFAIL

By News Online's Cassie White

Posted 1 hour 25 minutes ago
Updated 1 hour 2 minutes ago

iSnack 2.0... it's toast. (AAP: file photo)

• Related Story: iSuck 2.0: Unhappy little Vegemites

The makers of Vegemite have bowed to intense pressure from the public and canned their new iSnack 2.0 product branding.

The new name has been ridiculed Australia-wide since it was revealed last Saturday during the AFL grand final.

Kraft chose the name iSnack 2.0 from over 48,000 entries in Australia and New Zealand in a competition that was launched in July this year.

But today, Kraft has admitted that while Aussies are buying the new product, they just aren't buying the new name.

Head of Corporate Affairs Simon Talbot said in a statement they are going to give the public another shot at coming up with a better name.

So now we see the quick rush by Kraft, manufacturers of the iSnack 2.0 product, to drop the new identify of the cream "cheesy-mite" spread.

It didn't take long after the barrage of criticism. They almost had us believing, oh its just a temporary name - part of a promotion...yeh sure! Give it up Kraft!

I am yet to taste this abuse of my favourite spread (Vegemite that is) and maybe one day I will have a hangover worthy of indulging.

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor

THE Tasmanian football player who flashed his penis on live television has been suspended indefinitely.

The Mercury reports Clarence player Tim Orchard, 22, offered no excuse or defence over the incident, which saw footage of his penis go out live on ABC TV on Saturday afternoon.

His club told him he must also undertake community service if he wants to play again and handed down a four-part ruling stating that:

He will not play in any home and away games or finals games for the 2009 Tasmanian State League football season;

He undertake a community service program of tasks determined in consultation with AFL Tasmania;

He undertake a program of professional counselling to modify his behaviour and attitude as demonstrated by this incident;

It is a sad sad day when young blokes who do, what would once be considered a typical "blokey thing" in the changerooms after a footy match end up having to undertake counselling and community service.

Australia - you have become a prude-nation! This prudishness will continue to erode our humour, our spirit and our natural charms.

It may have been inappropriate, but seriously folks, get over it! Fifty-percent of the complainants have probably got one and the other fifty-percent have probably come face to face with one! Its just a willy for Gods sake! And if this sort of antic is enough to "embarrass a football club and everyone associated with the club" then I think the continued sanitisation of AFL is a sad state of affairs.

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor