Foxtel Ceases Streaming Services in Remote Areas of Australia
Foxtel has recently announced the discontinuation of access to its online streaming services in remote regions of Australia. This decision affects users residing in areas classified as “very remote” by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, who have received notifications informing them that services like Kayo Sports and Binge will no longer be accessible after March 3.
The Impact on Remote Communities
Users in remote areas, such as those in North Queensland, have already started receiving messages from Foxtel regarding the changes. One message, as seen by Crikey, stated that Foxtel will hold exclusive distribution rights for all Foxtel Group content in very remote regions of Australia. This means that services like Kayo Sports, Binge, Flash, and LifeStyle will no longer be available in these areas.
Understanding Remote Regions
The Australian Bureau of Statistics categorizes remote regions based on their distance from essential services. For instance, the closest “very remote” town to Sydney is Mossgiel in the Carrathool Shire, with a population of just 26 people, located nine hours away by car.
Unrelated to Recent Ownership Changes
It is essential to note that these changes are not connected to News Corp’s recent sale of Foxtel to British sports streamer DAZN. The sale, valued at $3.4 billion, marked the end of News Corp’s three-decade-long dominance in cable television. DAZN, backed by billionaire Len Blavatnik, will refinance Foxtel’s debt and pay off loans from Telstra, a former stakeholder in Foxtel.
Concerns Over Future Operations
Despite the inclusion of Fox Sports News in the sale to DAZN, there have been concerns raised about the future of the organization. Sources have expressed apprehension over the impact of the ownership change on Foxtel’s operations and services.
Loss of Broadcast Rights
Foxtel recently lost broadcast rights negotiations for the Australian men’s cricket tour to Sri Lanka, with Seven West Media securing the rights instead. This decision marks a shift in Australian cricket broadcasting, as overseas bilateral Test cricket will now be available on free-to-air television for the first time since 1997.
In conclusion, the decision by Foxtel to discontinue streaming services in remote areas of Australia has raised concerns among users in these regions. The ownership change to DAZN and the loss of broadcast rights for key sporting events signal a significant shift in the Australian media landscape. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact Foxtel’s future operations and services.
FAQ:
Q: Why is Foxtel discontinuing streaming services in remote areas?
A: Foxtel has decided to hold exclusive distribution rights for its content in very remote regions of Australia, leading to the discontinuation of services like Kayo Sports and Binge in these areas.
Q: Will the recent ownership change affect Foxtel’s operations?
A: There are concerns about the future of Foxtel following its sale to DAZN, with uncertainties about how the ownership change will impact the organization’s services and offerings.