It says that from 2000 to 2005 the percentage of sports protected by the anti-siphoning list shown live or on delay has never risen above 24 per cent. In 2005, there were 6,503 hours of sport on the anti-siphoning list and only 1,092 hours were broadcast live. When delayed broadcasts are added, the figure rises to 1,560 hours - less than a quarter of available hours.
The Australian anti-siphoning rules are being examined as part of a wider-ranging media reform package. ASTRA proposes the introduction of a workable "use it or lose it" system aimed at forcing free-to-air broadcasters to use the sports programs they hold rights for, or lose the protection of the anti-siphoning list.
