# More player access: Broadcasters

1 August, 2018

### Cricket’s new television broadcasters have unveiled their vision for the summer of cricket at the recent ACA Delegates Conference in July.

Fox Cricket’s Brad McNamara and Channel 7’s Dave Barham spoke to the players and delegates, drawing out their desire to place the players at the forefront of their coverage.

“When you talk about true innovation in sports coverages, it generally comes from player access,” said McNamara, who also played First-Class cricket for NSW throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“We can talk about all the gadgets and player technology you like but the true innovation, and you only have to look at the NBA and NFL in America, comes from player access.”

Cricket Australia announced in April that it had agreed to a record deal with Seven West Media and Fox Sports worth $1.182b over six years.

“I think it’s a game changer,” said Cricket Australia’s Anthony Everard who also presented at the conference.

“Channel 9 and more recently Channel Ten have done such a great job, but the energy and enthusiasm that Channel 7 and Fox are bringing, and we’ve seen in recent times the announcement of their commentary teams, cricket is going to look very, very different on TV this summer.”

General Manager Cricket Operations Brendan Drew said ‘the players must be commended for the way they have engaged with the television broadcasters to help grow the game.”

“And they are excited to work with the two new broadcasters.

“The next step is for CA and the new broadcasters to work with the ACA, to ensure that the players are well supported in producing the best product for fans."

The season commences on September 29 with the Australian Women's team hosting the first of three T20s against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval.

The Australian Men's team begins its summer of cricket on November 4 at Perth Stadium, with a four-game limited over series against South Africa.

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