Call for ABC to continue televising sport

7/8/01
Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter has called on the ABC to continue televising sport such as the WAFL, netball and basketball.
The broadcaster is reported to be reviewing its televised coverage of a number of sports including basketball, netball, lawn bowls and State league football.
While recognising that the ABC is an independent body, Mr Carpenter said the proposal could have a very negative effect on participation in these sports and on local communities - particularly those in the country.
"Taxpayers provide most of the ABC 's funding and the national broadcaster should fulfil its community obligations in this area," he said.
"Stopping these telecasts would have a very negative impact on the sports involved.
"The nine teams in the WAFL are already struggling to attract crowds and cutting the television coverage, will only worsen the situation.
"Also, teams such as the Orioles and the Wildcats would have their exposure significantly reduced."
Mr Carpenter said it was more than a sporting issue.
"Participation in sport brings significant benefits to communities around the State," he said.
"Recent research showed that in Western Australia, 42 per cent of men and 47 per cent of women don't do enough activity for their good health.
"The televising of sport generates interest in the sports and encourages participation.
"For example, the basketball craze among young people around the State a few years ago was started by the telecast of games on commercial television.
"Some of the sports that would be effected by the ban have high participation rates - about 35,000 play netball and 30,000 basketball. This participation would be threatened by the ABC's proposal."
Mr Carpenter said the effect could be even more severe in the country, where sport helps bring communities together.
He said he would bring the issue up at a national meeting of Sports Ministers in Adelaide this week as the ABC's proposal effects sport in every State.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9213 6806