Just a theoretical thing - if Bruce were to spit the dummy and pull all Ten programming OR Ten/CBS has enough of Bruce’s pre-empting and general disrespect towards their viewers and decides to terminate the affiliation agreement, would it be possible for them to go to SCA or Prime and organise some dual affiliation so that two networks (perhaps a full suite of Seven/Nine channels + a single Ten channel) can be carried on one multiplex?
I’ve seen that this sort of thing happens a lot in smaller markets in the US.
There were stories that Nine was looking to sign a deal with SCA to carry the Nine channels in addition to SCA’s Ten channels when they couldn’t sign a deal with WIN, but that wasn’t needed when WIN eventually signed a six month deal … their last with Nine.
I don’t know how that could have worked. WIN would still own all their licenses so SCA wouldn’t have been able to use WIN’s multiplexes. They would have have had to squeeze the Nine and Ten channels onto one multiplex. Would have definitely only been a temporary measure if anything.
Luckily WIN and Nine agreed to a 6 month extension. There was also stories at the time that SBS did a deal with Nine and was ready to broadcast the Fifth Test at the SCG to regional areas only if WIN didn’t come to a new agreement with Nine.
Bruce Gordon has only just arrived back in Australia this week for his annual (?) visit, his return delayed by major dental work. Which means the soapies on WIN Eleven are starting with him back in the country. The aerial on top of the Toaster at Circular Quay would no doubt be pointed south so Bruce could pick WIN and not miss his daily fix of Days and Y&R.
He’s here to buy a stake in the St George-Illawarra Dragons. Hopefully this purchase will be a little more successful than his failed bid for TEN. No doubt he’ll check out his regional television network to make sure that on screen logo can still be seen from space.
The only considerations would be if there’s an exclusivity clause in the Prime/Seven or SCA/Nine agreements - it’s possible that their agreements say that they won’t provide other channels in those areas, SCA’s additional deal with SBN would suggest that may not be the case (or could be different as SBN would be classified as a datacasting channel).
Makes you wonder how Bruce managed to make his billions. He certainly has some odd business ideas. I’ve heard of the pub with no beer but a pub that shuts at 4pm? They can’t have too many RSA issues in that venue.
Scorpion is also Sundays at 6.30, not Saturdays. I’m not surprised they have no idea what’s on when though after visiting their website the other day. That’s a laugh if you’re feeling down.