Nine to stream NRL and 3 TV Channels Live Online

The Nine Network will this week announce details of a new streaming service that will see viewers given the ability to watch the networks three broadcast channels live via the Internet.

While full details are yet to be confirmed, its understood Nine will provide state-based live streams for its Nine, Go & Gem channels via the Jump-In website and mobile apps.

A highlight of the new streaming service will be the NRL coverage with viewers able to access key games live and free on their computers or mobile devices. As part of recent NRL broadcast negotiations, Nine has gained digital rights for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night games, as well one Sunday Afternoon match, State of Origin and the Finals Series. The new NRL rights deal commences in 2018.

The Nine service will match a similar product being released by the Seven Network. 7Live was announced earlier this year, with The AFR today reporting Seven will launch the streaming portal on Melbourne Cup day.

Seven will use 7Live to provide and online home for its 3 broadcast channels as well as sports coverage including Swimming, Horse racing, and Cycling. However live digital rights for the AFL are held by Fox Sports under the new deal, meaning AFL coverage will be blocked on the 7Live service.

The push into live streaming by the Metro broadcast networks has angered regional broadcasters who feel their business model is slowly being eroded by the new technologies. Andrew Lancaster, chief executive of Nine’s regional affiliate, WIN Corporation, telling AFR,

“It makes no sense that regional broadcasters are constrained by the reach rule whilst metro broadcasters are free to stream their channels across regional Australia. The legislation needs to enter the same century as the technology.”