22 May, 2015. 12:00
CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | [email protected]
Despite the imminent Netflix takeover, Australian television has had a blockbuster year so far – and they have worked hard for these numbers.
Commercialising the deaths of thousands of young adults in 1914 is one example – But the promotional aspect of rugby league football is definitely the breadwinner.
Since the 2015 ratings began, millions have tuned in to consume quality entertainment that you “just can’t get with international providers of on-demand internet streaming”.
The reason for this: Free-to-air television is able to tap in to the hearts and minds of Australian audiences in a way that HBO and AMC have never been able to.
Be it through the emotional connection with thousands of young Australians killed on the shores of Gallipoli or through an intensely commercialised rugby league rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland. The ratings speak for themselves.
But one questions remains. What is the most important battle? Origin or Gallipoli?
Ernie Goldberg, a spokesperson for FreeTv Australia says it is definitely the former.
“Obviously ANZAC is a narrative that can be spread across all channels. No one owns that story,”
“..But I think you’ll find that this Wednesday night draws the biggest ratings of the year. And it will only grow over the next two clashes”
It is almost guaranteed that Channel Nine will once again own the winter ratings. Due to the fact that so many Australians, from both New South Wales and Queensland, are heavily invested in the outcomes of these football matches.
“The centenary of ANZAC was huge. But that was something that had to be shared,”
“Several channels fought tooth and nail to have the exclusive rights to ANZAC Day, but some Government organisations got in the way,”
“Origin is different. Channel Nine have ensured that this is purely a Channel Nine thing… and more people are going to watch this anyway – it’s more important – from a business perspective”
