Australian pay-television horse racing channel TVN is planning to move from pay-television operator Foxtel to the country’s free-to-air digital platform in a bid to extend its reach, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The newspaper said TVN is keen to take a place on free-to-air television as part of the roll-out of Australia’s digital spectrum in 2015.
TVN currently only reaches 30 per cent of the national television audience through its partnership with Foxtel, which is due to expire after next year’s spring carnival meeting.
The company also has a free-to-air partnership with commercial broadcaster Seven, which is broadcasting about 20 meetings this year on its 7Two channel, along with the feature carnival days on its main channel.
The Herald said TVN officials have already contacted Seven about the possibility of a permanent place on its digital spectrum.
TVN chief executive Bruce Mann said: “There are plenty of options for the business and digital TV is only one. We are well placed to examine our options to find the best way to grow our product and feature Victorian and NSW (New South Wales) thoroughbred racing to the biggest audience, which will help develop wagering and returns to the industry.”
TVN is owned by the Australian Turf Club, Melbourne metropolitan clubs and Country Racing Victoria.