The Foxtel Footy Channel

[daisycutter 28,713]

Looking at what is charged for other events ie: Boxing lets assume a PPV match is charged at $20. So watching one match per round would cost you $80 per month. Rather than access to 36 matches per month plus footy ows plus plus a whole bunch of other channels you could choose to watch (or not) for under $70 per month.

do you just make this stuff up or do you work for Foxtel?

[Lil_red_fire_engine 10,422]

do you just make this stuff up or do you work for Foxtel?

Not made up. Look up their pricing. Its pretty common sense to me. Granted packages could be more tailored but a pay per channel model just wouldn't create the savings people expect.

[hardtack 10,186]

do you just make this stuff up or do you work for Foxtel?

DC, he's not making it up...I assume that he is referring to the cost of pay per view on the Main Event channel where you might watch a WBF Title bout but it will cost you about $20 for the pleasure. His is simply a conclusion drawn from that.

I re-read your post I last replied to and owe you an apology for misreading...you wanted a 6mnth Sport channel subscription without taking the base package, which I (mis)read as wanting it on top of the base package.

And yes, it is Oracle I am referring to...and you might be surprised at the mess they could make of it; particularly if some of their internal systems are anything to go by :-)

[45HG 1,539]

Alright guys, I think this avenue of conversation has well and truly been exhausted.

We are fortunate enough that Rhett has taken the time to ask for input, so it would be appreciated if the conversation could remain on that topic. If you so desire to continue to discuss the pros/cons of the Fox network, feel free to start a thread in General Discussion.

Thanks team.

[daisycutter 28,713]

DC, he's not making it up...I assume that he is referring to the cost of pay per view on the Main Event channel where you might watch a WBF Title bout but it will cost you about $20 for the pleasure. His is simply a conclusion drawn from that.

hardtack, I understand where he is deriving his figures, but it is a fallacious analogy. WBF pay per view is a very discrete separate issue. And I was not asking for pay per view anyway.

I re-read your post I last replied to and owe you an apology for misreading...you wanted a 6mnth Sport channel subscription without taking the base package, which I (mis)read as wanting it on top of the base package.

Correct. And I am not asking for it for $16. I would expect to pay some premium. Say $25 per month standalone for a 6mth contract would sway me.

(I fully understand too that for other people with different reasons/benefits they are happy to pay $50/mth. Good luck to them)

And yes, it is Oracle I am referring to...and you might be surprised at the mess they could make of it; particularly if some of their internal systems are anything to go by :-)

HaHa, yes. Sometimes the bigger they are the bigger the snafus and I talk from experience, but I still maintain my POV that it is not complex to offer more choices.

In closing, I fully understand Foxtel's business model, but that does not mean there isn't room for improvement, however I think they milketh their monopoly too much.

Nuff said for now and I think Rhett has a thick enough skin anyway LOL

[Jaded No More 59,602]

Depending on your type of work, you might be able to claim Foxtel as a tax deductible expense, so check with your accountant if you're worried about the cost.

[Whispering_Jack 28,102]

Depending on your type of work, you might be able to claim Foxtel as a tax deductible expense, so check with your accountant if you're worried about the cost.

I'm a lawyer.

Does that mean I have to watch Judge Judy to get a tax deduction?

[Whispering_Jack 28,102]

Hi Rhett,

Thanks for coming on and answering our queries.

I was a big fan of White Line Fever and Grumpy Old Men back in the day of Fox Footy Channel Mark 1 and I realise we can't bring back the great Clinton Grybas or the legendary Bobby Davis but are these the types of shows being looked at in your programming?

Also second tier state competitions, the National Under 18 Carnival and even TAC Cup games would be of interest along with indigenous football (and the summer NTFL competition). Understand these all cost $s to produce on top of the already substantial tv rights but will they come under consideration?

Cheers

[biggestred 4,418]

i did fork out for foxtel this year and i must admit all i wanted was the sport, and i jsut have the basic package + sport + HD.

but i do spend a lot of time watching discovery and nat geo channels..and not much watching free to air.

would i get rid of the basic package and keep the sport? yep... but id miss it.

[Jack7 463]

Geez,it's 2 bucks a day you TightA$$es!!!

[daisycutter 28,713]

Geez,it's 2 bucks a day you TightA$$es!!!

If I was a Melbourne supporter living in the Gold Coast like I noticed you are I wouldn't hesitate

I'll goto 16 matches this year, of the remaining 6 possibly 2 will be on FTA as will the finals

That leaves 4 MFC games I'll miss unless I buy the Foxtel $600pa deal or join WYL down at the Bentleigh club

Additionally I'll get to see a FTA game on Fri. Sat and Sun

I doubt my better half would tolerate any more

Yes, yes I know there are other benefits (which I don't place a high value on)

Each to their own

[Damo 3,032]

I too live in Melbourne and my costs include MCC MFC and home internet of which i can claim a component for tax purposes.

I wouldnt really use Foxtel for anything other than footy channel. I get to most Victorian matches.

I would like to know more about PPV.

[Dinosaur Rover 197]

Diesel - Noted. However the Fox Footy Channel will simply slot into the existing Sports tier that subscribers have. It isn't offered as a stand alone.

Dnic- in the coming weeks, the programming on the channel will be revealed - so you can see what , if any, grade games will be broadcast. Keep me in mind we are broadcasting the FOXTEL Cup this year again.

Benno - and they will go crazy when people realise that only one channel is showing EVERY GAME LIVE. Us!

Big_Red_Fire_Engine- Correct mate. Eddie will be broadcasting one game per Round (non Collingwood). So there are 8 other games you can enjoy not hearing him (if you so wish)

Cheers

Rhett Bartlett

Opinions are mine

FOXTEL Employee

@rhettrospective

Weren't you formerly with Gone with the Wind? Repeat after me "Frankly Eddie I dont give a damn!"

[hardtack 10,186]

Weren't you formerly with Gone with the Wind? Repeat after me "Frankly Eddie I dont give a damn!"

Yeah... in a past life he was a butler and now he is employed by Foxtel. Actually, I don't think he has stated what he does at Foxtel... for all we know, he could be there on work experience :-)

Rhett... I know you are the son of KB, but out of interest, what is your position there? Obviously you have a vested interest in AFL, but am I correct in assuming (from your various Twitter handles) you are more involved in the general marketing/PR of Foxtel?

Also, Jack7 makes a very good point about the cost which I hadn't considered... I no longer buy a newspaper in the mornings (read online) so all I am doing is redirecting my $2 to the Foxtel bill - and if you have kids, Foxtel is not a bad investment as there is plenty on there for them... not that I'm condoning long hours of TV viewing, but as far as material that is relevant to their education, there is a lot on there. So yes, it is $2 well invested.

Edited January 9, 2012 by hardtack

[stranga 328]

Every game live , ad free siren to siren, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN HD (lift your game chennel 7) makes fox footy a definite for me.

Im surprised how many people are saying they dont need it because they go to all of our home matches anyway. I for one love watching footy even if we arent participating so i think its worth the money for footy tragics like myself. On top of that you can avoid the other garbage on commercial tv and sit down and watch some docos and other sport from time to time.

[diesel 420]

Looking at what is charged for other events ie: Boxing lets assume a PPV match is charged at $20. So watching one match per round would cost you $80 per month. Rather than access to 36 matches per month plus footy shows plus plus a whole bunch of other channels you could choose to watch (or not) for under $70 per month.

A PPV model for AFL over the net should not cost much at all. You can get access to MLB for $25 and I have bought one off games for about $5 IIRC. Even if they wanted to charge $20 a game to access via a set top box and my TV, $20 a game would still be cheaper for the 5 to 6 MFC games a year I can't get to. I suppose all I'm saying is I don't need the other games or paraphernalia.

[Bossdog 2,002]

Every game live , ad free siren to siren, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN HD (lift your game chennel 7) makes fox footy a definite for me.

Im surprised how many people are saying they dont need it because they go to all of our home matches anyway. I for one love watching footy even if we arent participating so i think its worth the money for footy tragics like myself. On top of that you can avoid the other garbage on commercial tv and sit down and watch some docos and other sport from time to time.

Agree fully. I rarely watch free to air TV as the adds kills me. Movie channels (no ads) sport(no ads during play) docos, history channel Would not be without Foxtel

[diesel 420]

Every game live , ad free siren to siren, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN HD (lift your game chennel 7) makes fox footy a definite for me.

Im surprised how many people are saying they dont need it because they go to all of our home matches anyway. I for one love watching footy even if we arent participating so i think its worth the money for footy tragics like myself. On top of that you can avoid the other garbage on commercial tv and sit down and watch some docos and other sport from time to time.

Good points and contrast to my situation. I have to force myself to watch a game commentated by Bruce McAvaney and 7's coverage is overall carp, so this is the price I will pay as opposed to paying for Fox Footy!

[rbartlett 3]

G'Day.

I understand each person's point of view on the topic of a standalone channel.

And whilst, the Fox Footy Channel will only be a part of the Sports package this year - hopefully some day down the track we see 'daisycutter' and 'sue' as FOXTEL subscribers.

Regarding your earlier post 'daisycutter' - the Fox Footy Channel will be ad free siren to siren for all games.

For those who have also provided their suggestions about content on the channel , thank you for that. I am collating that information and have forwarded that information on ( Dr Gonzo - re: alternate commentary / classic games , 45HG16 - classic games)

Whispering_Jack - In the coming weeks content/programs will be unveiled - so I hope you don't mind waiting just a little bit longer to see what shows are returning, what new shows are appearing.

HardTack - You are correct regarding your earlier post. Get Started + Sports package is an option for customers on a standard box. ($45 + $16)

My role here is Community Manager - so I am involved in the social media aspects of the Fox Footy Channel. Been a FOXTEL employee for 10 years

Dinosaur Rover - I get the 'Butler' references all the time. Some people even call me that. I still answer

- Rhett Bartlett

Opinions are mine

FOXTEL Employee

[Vagg 2,422]

Hi Rhett. Really appreciate you coming on board and giving us the scoop on what's happening. I've been a Foxtel subsciber for many years. Living in the GC Hinterland, our free to air reception was worse than crap. Hence, the day they strung Foxtel cables past our door was a day of rejoicing in my household! It meant being able to actually see the ball! (Something I could rarely do in the midst of the very snowy picture!)

In recent years, I have looked in anticipation for the Melb games that were televised on Fox, as it meant we'd get a pre-game show AND no ads after every goal is kicked. Great stuff!

So, Rhett, I'd just appreciate clarification re your "siren to siren" comment. Presumably, you mean the sirens that start and end each quarter, meaning there will still be ads during the breaks between the quarters? (I don't suppose you could prevail on the powers at be to make it completely ad-free and uninterupted from the start of the game to the very end, could you? LOL)

Anyway, I for one, am thrilled to see the return of Fox Footy! We get ALL of Melbourne's games!! Just a pity Glinton Grybas won't be a part of it!

Bring on the 2012 Season! And, Go Dees!

[rbartlett 3]

Vagg - We all miss Clinton Grybas.

As for the broadcast, you are correct - each quarter is uninterrupted. Only advertising at quarter time/ half time/ three quarter etc.

So that means once a goal is kicked we stick with the play/players and keep our broadcast going as the next bounce takes place.

Rhett Bartlett.

FOXTEL Employee

Opinions are mine.

[Dnic 5]

Hey Rhett,

Will FoxFooty bring back the "commentary off: crowd noise / umps mike" audio options?

Seemed to have dropped off this season.

[Steamin Demon 370]

Every game live , ad free siren to siren, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN HD (lift your game chennel 7) makes fox footy a definite for me.

Im surprised how many people are saying they dont need it because they go to all of our home matches anyway. I for one love watching footy even if we arent participating so i think its worth the money for footy tragics like myself. On top of that you can avoid the other garbage on commercial tv and sit down and watch some docos and other sport from time to time.

Not to mention going to the game then coming straight home and watching the replay (record on IQ). If we win of course.

[Sir Why You Little 35,288]

What's with all the deleted post's???

Am i not allowed to air my own views on Foxtel??

[hardtack 10,186]

What's with all the deleted post's???

Am i not allowed to air my own views on Foxtel??

Careful, or you shall have to be sent to room 101 where someone will give you a stern talking to.