McKnight Tonight & Media McKnight
Jul 19, 2026 · 21 min · 6 segments
It's our 50th edition of Media McKnight — and we're tackling the question that's split the industry: does the $5.3 billion NRL broadcast deal actually breach Australia's anti-siphoning laws? Last week…
Rob McKnightHost
Michael WellsGuest
The anti-siphoning list was last updated by then Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland in November 2024.
The NRL is the seventh listed sport and says, "1: Each match in the National Rugby League Premiership, including the final series.
2: Each match in the National Rugby League State of Origin series." So that says to me that every game of NRL should be available to fans on television for free.
There's no allocation of a number of matches that don't have to be made available for free.
So how can Foxtel have exclusive matches that people have to pay to see? Now, people made the point the legislation only guarantees free-to-air broadcasters the right to purchase the games first.
The anti-siphoning list was last updated by then Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland in November 2024.
The NRL is the seventh listed sport and says, "1: Each match in the National Rugby League Premiership, including the final series.
2: Each match in the National Rugby League State of Origin series." So that says to me that every game of NRL should be available to fans on television for free.
There's no allocation of a number of matches that don't have to be made available for free.
So how can Foxtel have exclusive matches that people have to pay to see? Now, people made the point the legislation only guarantees free-to-air broadcasters the right to purchase the games first.
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3 of 5
Revenue vs. Free Access Showdown
Let's unpack revenue versus public access trade-off
Is Rob Actually Wrong?
So, how does the law really read
Offer, Not Obligation
Wait—offered rights, not guaranteed free coverage nationwide
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