Fight Club - Football TV Ratings (AFL vs NRL)

[Raiderdave]

Miserable failure only according to the delusional throwball fan. You fear us in NSW and QLD. That much is obvious. We continue to go from strength to strength in our expansion. Just admit it. Oh and see Sunday's TV ratings? Another absoulte smashing of the NRL by the AFL nationwide. You can't compete. :P

Friday night football once again how embarrasing

pasted to the mast on Friday night twas the fumbleball
714K to 529K

1.173 Million vewiers all up for our live telecast
no feebleball game including yesterdays so called " blockbuster "
got near that

I've asked their fans on this site many times

do you have a white flag ?
& they never answer

so how bout this question
have you got a towel ?
well throw it in the ring .. cos the fights over

[Truthsayer]

That can be denied, and is. The ARL on Pay TV in all department are well shy of the NRL who provide around 75 of Foxtels 100 maches to the AFL 8. On FTA The AFL currently have far more matches . That is why there overall ratings appear to be higher, but even then, If regional Tv figures were included there ratings would be below ours.

I would be very interested to hear what the holes are in regional ratings in partitcular the ones that the Metro system (particularly the overlap myth) don't have. It certainly seems convenient given NSW have 5 M+ regional viewers.


All the key statistics for the NRL go up ever year, so how is it not sustainable.

Mr Pussycat, I can take it from your reply that you did not do very well at mathematics in your school years. The total ratings on this site are the combined ratings of Free To Air in the metropolitan areas of the five main cities, plus the complete Australia wide viewing figures of Fox Sports. The AFL is consistently bringing in more than 3 million viewers a weekend. The NRL is not as it is usually stuck in the 2 million range. The fact that the AFL have more games on Free to Air than the NRL is because networks outside of New South Wales and Queensland are not interested. They realise through the past experience of televising the Storm in Melbourne that the ratings results will be worse than they are for the Swans in Sydney. So they don't bother. The NRL also don't do anything about this, whereas the AFL are putting a lot more pressure on the Sydney and Brisbane stations to show their game. It's a very simple situation that speaks poorly of the NRL's commitment to the game on a nationwide scale.

It is well known that South Australia and Western Australia's regional areas are not counted. There is a question mark over Tasmania and the Northern Territory. This region represents a large number of people with all except perhaps the Northern Territory having very poor support of the NRL. So I disagree that the figures when counted in full would favour the NRL. To not count these people is a heinous act and should be reversed. I have noted in previous conversation about the overlaps and double counting. I note your argument that this is impossible, but it's not unless OzTam and RegionalTam are working together. My understanding is that they are not as they are doing two different jobs. When there are boxes in the overlap areas, double counts are not just possible they are inevitable. This is why I made the suggestion that the two counting companies should merge. To eliminate this occurence.

The key statistics are not going up to the extent that the AFL did until recently. I agree that there are rises, but the areas of expansion that the NRL need to continue that trend are not present. The AFL have been far more active in expansion and whilst there has been a small drop this season thus far, this can be put down to the admission of the Gold Coast Suns. I expect a similar trend to occur when the GWS Giants join them in 2012. However the average shall still remain high and certainly the future of the Suns on the field is looking very good.

[pussycat]

That can be denied, and is. The ARL on Pay TV in all department are well shy of the NRL who provide around 75 of Foxtels 100 maches to the AFL 8. On FTA The AFL currently have far more matches . That is why there overall ratings appear to be higher, but even then, If regional Tv figures were included there ratings would be below ours.

I would be very interested to hear what the holes are in regional ratings in partitcular the ones that the Metro system (particularly the overlap myth) don't have. It certainly seems convenient given NSW have 5 M+ regional viewers.


All the key statistics for the NRL go up ever year, so how is it not sustainable.

Mr Pussycat, I can take it from your reply that you did not do very well at mathematics in your school years. The total ratings on this site are the combined ratings of Free To Air in the metropolitan areas of the five main cities, plus the complete Australia wide viewing figures of Fox Sports. The AFL is consistently bringing in more than 3 million viewers a weekend. The NRL is not as it is usually stuck in the 2 million range. The fact that the AFL have more games on Free to Air than the NRL is because networks outside of New South Wales and Queensland are not interested. They realise through the past experience of televising the Storm in Melbourne that the ratings results will be worse than they are for the Swans in Sydney. So they don't bother. The NRL also don't do anything about this, whereas the AFL are putting a lot more pressure on the Sydney and Brisbane stations to show their game. It's a very simple situation that speaks poorly of the NRL's commitment to the game on a nationwide scale.

Are you aware or are you choseing to ignore that pay Tv only goes to about 30% of the audience? Meaning you are comparing apples with oranges. The NRL dominace of Pay TV is well documented. And this site does not post regional figures, so your atempts at humour are pathetic.

I read your views on the FTA stations and wonder if you'll be prepared to stand behind them in 12 months when the NRL will be on at least 2 FTA channels and AFL on just 1

Talking about national, are you aware that rugby league currenly has the best 3 rating shows nationally

It is well known that South Australia and Western Australia's regional areas are not counted. There is a question mark over Tasmania and the Northern Territory. This region represents a large number of people with all except perhaps the Northern Territory having very poor support of the NRL. So I disagree that the figures when counted in full would favour the NRL. To not count these people is a heinous act and should be reversed. I have noted in previous conversation about the overlaps and double counting. I note your argument that this is impossible, but it's not unless OzTam and RegionalTam are working together. My understanding is that they are not as they are doing two different jobs. When there are boxes in the overlap areas, double counts are not just possible they are inevitable. This is why I made the suggestion that the two counting companies should merge. To eliminate this occurence.

Thats incorrect, so hopefully it's not that well known. Regional Western Australia & Tasmnia are counted. Meaning that only Reginal SA is not counted. There must be a reason for this. Given that Regional SA is only a small area , I would assume that the signal overlap from regional WA. Regional Victoria and metropolitan Adelaide have this area covered.

http://www.thinktv.com.au/content_commo ... mation.seo

When a person consents to take the survey, he is located in(ie) in NNSW or SNSW not both. And your counted only in that Region.

Ovelaps exist, no doubt. Signals just don't cut out at the border. But there is no double counting due to an overlap. And if, in the unlikely event, it did happen to exist it certainly wouldn't be exclusive to regional areas only.

The key statistics are not going up to the extent that the AFL did until recently. I agree that there are rises, but the areas of expansion that the NRL need to continue that trend are not present. The AFL have been far more active in expansion and whilst there has been a small drop this season thus far, this can be put down to the admission of the Gold Coast Suns. I expect a similar trend to occur when the GWS Giants join them in 2012. However the average shall still remain high and certainly the future of the Suns on the field is looking very good.

The AFL crowds and ratings are going backward, so your wrong - no matter how you sugar coat it.

I dont particularly care what fairytales you mushrooms want to belief. The real story is the Suns are only staying afloat because of the $20 odd million sunk into them each year. When that dry's up they will.

[Truthsayer]

That can be denied, and is. The ARL on Pay TV in all department are well shy of the NRL who provide around 75 of Foxtels 100 maches to the AFL 8. On FTA The AFL currently have far more matches . That is why there overall ratings appear to be higher, but even then, If regional Tv figures were included there ratings would be below ours.

I would be very interested to hear what the holes are in regional ratings in partitcular the ones that the Metro system (particularly the overlap myth) don't have. It certainly seems convenient given NSW have 5 M+ regional viewers.

All the key statistics for the NRL go up ever year, so how is it not sustainable.

Mr Pussycat, I can take it from your reply that you did not do very well at mathematics in your school years. The total ratings on this site are the combined ratings of Free To Air in the metropolitan areas of the five main cities, plus the complete Australia wide viewing figures of Fox Sports. The AFL is consistently bringing in more than 3 million viewers a weekend. The NRL is not as it is usually stuck in the 2 million range. The fact that the AFL have more games on Free to Air than the NRL is because networks outside of New South Wales and Queensland are not interested. They realise through the past experience of televising the Storm in Melbourne that the ratings results will be worse than they are for the Swans in Sydney. So they don't bother. The NRL also don't do anything about this, whereas the AFL are putting a lot more pressure on the Sydney and Brisbane stations to show their game. It's a very simple situation that speaks poorly of the NRL's commitment to the game on a nationwide scale.

Are you aware or are you choseing to ignore that pay Tv only goes to about 30% of the audience? Meaning you are comparing apples with oranges. The NRL dominace of Pay TV is well documented. And this site does not post regional figures, so your atempts at humour are pathetic.

I read your views on the FTA stations and wonder if you'll be prepared to stand behind them in 12 months when the NRL will be on at least 2 FTA channels and AFL on just 1

Talking about national, are you aware that rugby league currenly has the best 3 rating shows nationally

You are of course referring to the State of Origin, and only the State of Origin. Whilst that might be all well and good, if your argument is that this is an indication that the game is in good shape you are sadly mistaken. Representative competition does not take place every week. If it did then I would take a different view. I would also point out that as of 2012, the AFL will have it's own channel on Pay TV. If the NRL are so dominant, why does Foxtel not bestow such an honour on them? Especially as they are (or were I should say now) run basically by the co-owners of Foxtel, News Limited.

It is also presumptive to assume that Channel Ten will take up NRL coverage at the conclusion of their AFL commitment. I will believe that when I see it and not before.

It is well known that South Australia and Western Australia's regional areas are not counted. There is a question mark over Tasmania and the Northern Territory. This region represents a large number of people with all except perhaps the Northern Territory having very poor support of the NRL. So I disagree that the figures when counted in full would favour the NRL. To not count these people is a heinous act and should be reversed. I have noted in previous conversation about the overlaps and double counting. I note your argument that this is impossible, but it's not unless OzTam and RegionalTam are working together. My understanding is that they are not as they are doing two different jobs. When there are boxes in the overlap areas, double counts are not just possible they are inevitable. This is why I made the suggestion that the two counting companies should merge. To eliminate this occurence.

Thats incorrect, so hopefully it's not that well known. Regional Western Australia & Tasmnia are counted. Meaning that only Reginal SA is not counted. There must be a reason for this. Given that Regional SA is only a small area , I would assume that the signal overlap from regional WA. Regional Victoria and metropolitan Adelaide have this area covered.

http://www.thinktv.com.au/content_commo ... mation.seo

When a person consents to take the survey, he is located in(ie) in NNSW or SNSW not both. And your counted only in that Region.

Ovelaps exist, no doubt. Signals just don't cut out at the border. But there is no double counting due to an overlap. And if, in the unlikely event, it did happen to exist it certainly wouldn't be exclusive to regional areas only.

I looked at your link and went to the AGNeilson link therein for the maps. Of interest, only the coast of Queensland is counted (the inland mining towns are not, including Mount Isa, Winton, Longreach, Charleville and Roma). In New South Wales, Broken Hill is missed as are the surounding areas. In Victoria, Mildura is missed. These locations along with the whole of regional SA and the Northern Territory is a serious gap.

You are wrong about there being no double counting. Additionally you are right about it not being exclusive to regional areas and figures. It would affect metropolitan figures also. All the more reason as I have already stated that OzTam and RegionalTam should merge.

The key statistics are not going up to the extent that the AFL did until recently. I agree that there are rises, but the areas of expansion that the NRL need to continue that trend are not present. The AFL have been far more active in expansion and whilst there has been a small drop this season thus far, this can be put down to the admission of the Gold Coast Suns. I expect a similar trend to occur when the GWS Giants join them in 2012. However the average shall still remain high and certainly the future of the Suns on the field is looking very good.

The AFL crowds and ratings are going backward, so your wrong - no matter how you sugar coat it.

I dont particularly care what fairytales you mushrooms want to belief. The real story is the Suns are only staying afloat because of the $20 odd million sunk into them each year. When that dry's up they will.

I rather think that Collingwood and St Kilda (at least) would disagree with you. Their base is quite sound and their future is robust. This will attract bigger crowds and assure the Suns of a good future at Metricon Stadium, possibly even at the expense of the NRL's Titans.

It is amusing that you would suggest that attendances are going backwards. That is so far from the truth I can't find the words to truly indicate my true opinion of that without being rude. The AFL is expanding and in the long term that can only lead to bigger crowds in all locations. Facilities are also being improved with the Sydney Showgrounds, Adelaide Oval and the new stadium in Perth already on the drawing board. With North Melbourne playing some home games in Hobart next year I expect the same thing to happen with Bellerive given what had already happened with Aurora Stadium.

Where is the NRL's expansion efforts with regards to stadium capacities? Where are the plans to increase the size of venues in Penrith, Parramatta, Manly, Newcastle or Canberra?

[Raiderdave]

Mr Pussycat, I can take it from your reply that you did not do very well at mathematics in your school years. The total ratings on this site are the combined ratings of Free To Air in the metropolitan areas of the five main cities, plus the complete Australia wide viewing figures of Fox Sports. The AFL is consistently bringing in more than 3 million viewers a weekend. The NRL is not as it is usually stuck in the 2 million range. The fact that the AFL have more games on Free to Air than the NRL is because networks outside of New South Wales and Queensland are not interested. They realise through the past experience of televising the Storm in Melbourne that the ratings results will be worse than they are for the Swans in Sydney. So they don't bother. The NRL also don't do anything about this, whereas the AFL are putting a lot more pressure on the Sydney and Brisbane stations to show their game. It's a very simple situation that speaks poorly of the NRL's commitment to the game on a nationwide scale.

Are you aware or are you choseing to ignore that pay Tv only goes to about 30% of the audience? Meaning you are comparing apples with oranges. The NRL dominace of Pay TV is well documented. And this site does not post regional figures, so your atempts at humour are pathetic.

I read your views on the FTA stations and wonder if you'll be prepared to stand behind them in 12 months when the NRL will be on at least 2 FTA channels and AFL on just 1

Talking about national, are you aware that rugby league currenly has the best 3 rating shows nationally

You are of course referring to the State of Origin, and only the State of Origin. Whilst that might be all well and good, if your argument is that this is an indication that the game is in good shape you are sadly mistaken. Representative competition does not take place every week. If it did then I would take a different view. I would also point out that as of 2012, the AFL will have it's own channel on Pay TV. If the NRL are so dominant, why does Foxtel not bestow such an honour on them? Especially as they are (or were I should say now) run basically by the co-owners of Foxtel, News Limited.

It is also presumptive to assume that Channel Ten will take up NRL coverage at the conclusion of their AFL commitment. I will believe that when I see it and not before.

It is well known that South Australia and Western Australia's regional areas are not counted. There is a question mark over Tasmania and the Northern Territory. This region represents a large number of people with all except perhaps the Northern Territory having very poor support of the NRL. So I disagree that the figures when counted in full would favour the NRL. To not count these people is a heinous act and should be reversed. I have noted in previous conversation about the overlaps and double counting. I note your argument that this is impossible, but it's not unless OzTam and RegionalTam are working together. My understanding is that they are not as they are doing two different jobs. When there are boxes in the overlap areas, double counts are not just possible they are inevitable. This is why I made the suggestion that the two counting companies should merge. To eliminate this occurence.

Thats incorrect, so hopefully it's not that well known. Regional Western Australia & Tasmnia are counted. Meaning that only Reginal SA is not counted. There must be a reason for this. Given that Regional SA is only a small area , I would assume that the signal overlap from regional WA. Regional Victoria and metropolitan Adelaide have this area covered.

http://www.thinktv.com.au/content_commo ... mation.seo

When a person consents to take the survey, he is located in(ie) in NNSW or SNSW not both. And your counted only in that Region.

Ovelaps exist, no doubt. Signals just don't cut out at the border. But there is no double counting due to an overlap. And if, in the unlikely event, it did happen to exist it certainly wouldn't be exclusive to regional areas only.

I looked at your link and went to the AGNeilson link therein for the maps. Of interest, only the coast of Queensland is counted (the inland mining towns are not, including Mount Isa, Winton, Longreach, Charleville and Roma). In New South Wales, Broken Hill is missed as are the surounding areas. In Victoria, Mildura is missed. These locations along with the whole of regional SA and the Northern Territory is a serious gap.

You are wrong about there being no double counting. Additionally you are right about it not being exclusive to regional areas and figures. It would affect metropolitan figures also. All the more reason as I have already stated that OzTam and RegionalTam should merge.

The key statistics are not going up to the extent that the AFL did until recently. I agree that there are rises, but the areas of expansion that the NRL need to continue that trend are not present. The AFL have been far more active in expansion and whilst there has been a small drop this season thus far, this can be put down to the admission of the Gold Coast Suns. I expect a similar trend to occur when the GWS Giants join them in 2012. However the average shall still remain high and certainly the future of the Suns on the field is looking very good.

The AFL crowds and ratings are going backward, so your wrong - no matter how you sugar coat it.

I dont particularly care what fairytales you mushrooms want to belief. The real story is the Suns are only staying afloat because of the $20 odd million sunk into them each year. When that dry's up they will.[/quote]

I rather think that Collingwood and St Kilda (at least) would disagree with you. Their base is quite sound and their future is robust. This will attract bigger crowds and assure the Suns of a good future at Metricon Stadium, possibly even at the expense of the NRL's Titans.

It is amusing that you would suggest that attendances are going backwards. That is so far from the truth I can't find the words to truly indicate my true opinion of that without being rude. The AFL is expanding and in the long term that can only lead to bigger crowds in all locations. Facilities are also being improved with the Sydney Showgrounds, Adelaide Oval and the new stadium in Perth already on the drawing board. With North Melbourne playing some home games in Hobart next year I expect the same thing to happen with Bellerive given what had already happened with Aurora Stadium.

Where is the NRL's expansion efforts with regards to stadium capacities? Where are the plans to increase the size of venues in Penrith, Parramatta, Manly, Newcastle or Canberra?[/quote]

some observations
regional TAS is counted .. but not included in official ratings .. the ratings are pityful in the main ... & add nothing to the debate
most of regional SA & WA are counted in the metro figures for Perth & Adelaide
leaving really only NT that isn't included at all...

attendances are going backward .. the AFL's average is down over 1000 a game on last year ... & this maybe near 1500 by seasons end .. a total of over 250K less fans overall
& this can't be completely contributed to the Suns .. as they won't attract this many to their home games .. & it gets worse
Crowds in Melbourne are up .... meaning everywhere else in the land they are way down .. & in some cases they are plummeting

Stadium upgrades are in the planning for almost every venue in the NRL
Newcastle's is complete ... it is now the largest regional venue for any code in Australia with a capacity of 33K ... watch it filled regularly when wayne bennet starts coaching there next year

Canberra Stadium is going to have a clear roof put on it ... with new grand stands to be bulit at either end to " square " the venue up & increase capacity
Wollongong will be complete at the end of this year .. increased capacity

plans for an extra tier at either end of Parramatta stadium .. increased capacity there

so is there anything else we can help you with ?

[Onions]

Hey fuck wit! You didn't even read what Truthsayer said! Parts of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria AREN'T FUCKING COUNTED!! Shit, Mildura's one of the bigger fucking regional cities in Victoria! Broken Hill's not small either!!

And didn't someone already fucking call you out on metro Perth and Adelaide and that fucked claim of yours? Oh yeah! I DID!! And I'm still waiting for you to fucking prove that!!

[Raiderdave]

Hey **** wit! You didn't even read what Truthsayer said! Parts of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria AREN'T ******* COUNTED!! ****, Mildura's one of the bigger ******* regional cities in Victoria! Broken Hill's not small either!!

And didn't someone already ******* call you out on metro Perth and Adelaide and that ****** claim of yours? Oh yeah! I DID!! And I'm still waiting for you to ******* prove that!!

talking to yourself again ?

& anyway

tell yourself
they're all counted

[pussycat]

You are of course referring to the State of Origin, and only the State of Origin. Whilst that might be all well and good, if your argument is that this is an indication that the game is in good shape you are sadly mistaken. Representative competition does not take place every week. If it did then I would take a different view. I would also point out that as of 2012, the AFL will have it's own channel on Pay TV. If the NRL are so dominant, why does Foxtel not bestow such an honour on them? Especially as they are (or were I should say now) run basically by the co-owners of Foxtel, News Limited.

Yes Origin, rep football, just another shortfall in your game. It's elite NRL players! it has interest World wide. Of course it's a good thing. It just something else for you lot to be jealous of.

I've read quite a few TV Rating Magazine surveys, for a National audience. The ones where Australia's entire population is taken into account (not just th ones that suit you lot). And not once have seen a regular season AFL match in the Top 40, whereas I quiet often see regular season NRL matches included in that list.

News Limited are the problem and have been since they took overcompetition to spearhead there Pay TV 15 years ago. But with the imminent exit of news Ltd and the formation of the new Rugby League commission things are about to change!

Theres a reason the AFL will be given there own channel, it's due to the large number of matches they will have. You do realise they had there own once before, it had to be abandoned due to lack of interest

[pussycat]

It is also presumptive to assume that Channel Ten will take up NRL coverage at the conclusion of their AFL commitment. I will believe that when I see it and not before.

Presumptuos or not, it will happen!

Ch. 10 have no interest in the AFL. They've made it Crystal clear
there only interested lye's with the NRL. Expect C.7 to join C10 & 9 aswell.

[Raiderdave]

You are of course referring to the State of Origin, and only the State of Origin. Whilst that might be all well and good, if your argument is that this is an indication that the game is in good shape you are sadly mistaken. Representative competition does not take place every week. If it did then I would take a different view. I would also point out that as of 2012, the AFL will have it's own channel on Pay TV. If the NRL are so dominant, why does Foxtel not bestow such an honour on them? Especially as they are (or were I should say now) run basically by the co-owners of Foxtel, News Limited.

Yes Origin, rep football, just another shortfall in your game. It's elite NRL players! it has interest World wide. Of course it's a good thing. It just something else for you lot to be jealous of.

I've read quite a few TV Rating Magazine surveys, for a National audience. The ones where Australia's entire population is taken into account (not just th ones that suit you lot). And not once have seen a regular season AFL match in the Top 40, whereas I quiet often see regular season NRL matches included in that list.

News Limited are the problem and have been since they took overcompetition to spearhead there Pay TV 15 years ago. But with the imminent exit of news Ltd and the formation of the new Rugby League commission things are about to change!

Theres a reason the AFL will be given there own channel, it's due to the large number of matches they will have. You do realise they had there own once before, it had to be abandoned due to lack of interest

the biggest rating AFL game of the year to date was the Friday night Rnd 8 clash between Coll & Geelong 909K in the metro ratings
total for that game 1,096 Mill excluding Tasmania
( made the top 40 list & is the only AFL H&A game to do so in 2011)
http://www.thinktv.com.au/SiteMedia/w3s ... 202011.pdf


& including Tasmania (regionaltam)
http://www.agbnielsen.net/Uploads/Austr ... umCons.pdf 76K
was 1,172Mill overall .. that codes biggest result in 2011

last weeks .. run of the mill ... just your average NRL Friday night game
attracted a total audience of 1.173Mill
& if you thinks its because we maximise our ratings by splitting the games between NSW & QLD
a game that was televised live in NSW & QLD at the same time a few weeks back drew a national audience of
1.355 Mill

& we have hit 1.3 million 4 times in 2011 alone

theres no contest here .... please stop pretending there is

[Truthsayer]

You are of course referring to the State of Origin, and only the State of Origin. Whilst that might be all well and good, if your argument is that this is an indication that the game is in good shape you are sadly mistaken. Representative competition does not take place every week. If it did then I would take a different view. I would also point out that as of 2012, the AFL will have it's own channel on Pay TV. If the NRL are so dominant, why does Foxtel not bestow such an honour on them? Especially as they are (or were I should say now) run basically by the co-owners of Foxtel, News Limited.

Yes Origin, rep football, just another shortfall in your game. It's elite NRL players! it has interest World wide. Of course it's a good thing. It just something else for you lot to be jealous of.

I've read quite a few TV Rating Magazine surveys, for a National audience. The ones where Australia's entire population is taken into account (not just th ones that suit you lot). And not once have seen a regular season AFL match in the Top 40, whereas I quiet often see regular season NRL matches included in that list.

News Limited are the problem and have been since they took overcompetition to spearhead there Pay TV 15 years ago. But with the imminent exit of news Ltd and the formation of the new Rugby League commission things are about to change!

Theres a reason the AFL will be given there own channel, it's due to the large number of matches they will have. You do realise they had there own once before, it had to be abandoned due to lack of interest

That last statement is completely incorrect. The channel was dropped because Foxtel lost the original broadcast rights they had in the deal that stood at the time. The only reason they have AFL on Fox Sports presently is because they had to buy them from Channels Seven and Ten in order to make sure all games were broadcast. It most certainly was not out of a lack of interest. If that was true they would not be re-establishing the channel under the new deal and they would proceed under the present arrangement.

I would like to know the source of the assertion regarding surveys of Australia's entire audience. The links you provided showed that the whole of Australia is not counted and I referred you to the maps and nominated the regional centres that are not counted. Do you dispute this? If so I would appreciate a source to explain your assertion and establish it's accuracy.

There is no jealousy of Rugby League State of Origin. The AFL Grand Final is just as much of a world event if not more so. The AFL dropped State of Origin for practical reasons. We just did not have room for the balanced representation needed. Rugby League is lucky that it has two distinct teams in New South Wales and Queensland. AFL does not. We have three (Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia). It is far harder to reach a balance in representative football under such circumstances, and then there's the issue of the remainder as even Tasmania felt left out of the picture (and still do to an extent). The AFL has developed club football very well and it reflects in attendance figures that are the envy of the NRL. The NRL should do some work on club development if it wishes to compete, and not place so much emphasis on State of Origin no matter how successful it may be. It's success is at the expense of the clubs and their development. I suggest that it would explain Queensland's dominance of the series is recent times.

One more thing. Channel Ten's ratings have been adversely affected by a number of factors that put them behind Channel Seven's coverage. Little things like Ten's five minute warning in the last quarter. Seven count right down to zero as do Fox Sports. This is not popular. Commentator Robert Walls has been constantly mentioned as a turn off. This is not about lack of interest. This is about having the wrong people on board and they paid for it. I understand that when Tim Lane is commentating without Walls the ratings are better no matter who is playing. Ten have no real idea of how to cover sport because they lack experience. Should they try NRL they will fail in similar terms for similar reasons.

I will look at Mr Raider's links, but I doubt what he has there is accurate.

[Truthsayer]

attendances are going backward .. the AFL's average is down over 1000 a game on last year ... & this maybe near 1500 by seasons end .. a total of over 250K less fans overall
& this can't be completely contributed to the Suns .. as they won't attract this many to their home games .. & it gets worse
Crowds in Melbourne are up .... meaning everywhere else in the land they are way down .. & in some cases they are plummeting

Stadium upgrades are in the planning for almost every venue in the NRL
Newcastle's is complete ... it is now the largest regional venue for any code in Australia with a capacity of 33K ... watch it filled regularly when wayne bennet starts coaching there next year

Canberra Stadium is going to have a clear roof put on it ... with new grand stands to be bulit at either end to " square " the venue up & increase capacity
Wollongong will be complete at the end of this year .. increased capacity

plans for an extra tier at either end of Parramatta stadium .. increased capacity there

so is there anything else we can help you with ?

Yes, I would appreciate some links to show the accuracy of these claims.

[Truthsayer]

I have now looked at the links that Mr Raider provided, and the second does not work. The first speaks of inidividual games, which is a rather large furphy because relying on single matches simply attempts to divert attention from a wider issue. It is far better to look at the total ratings for all games in both codes. This raises the figures of both codes but pushes the AFL past the NRL because the general interest in AFL is higher. The distance between the top rating game of the NRL and the lowest rating game would be far wider than the distance between the top rating AFL game and the lowest rating.

So I would suggest your selective choices in sources needs a wholesale review.

[Raiderdave]

I have now looked at the links that Mr Raider provided, and the second does not work. The first speaks of inidividual games, which is a rather large furphy because relying on single matches simply attempts to divert attention from a wider issue. It is far better to look at the total ratings for all games in both codes. This raises the figures of both codes but pushes the AFL past the NRL because the general interest in AFL is higher. The distance between the top rating game of the NRL and the lowest rating game would be far wider than the distance between the top rating AFL game and the lowest rating.

So I would suggest your selective choices in sources needs a wholesale review.

works fine for me
get a better computer

[pussycat]

I looked at your link and went to the AGNeilson link therein for the maps. Of interest, only the coast of Queensland is counted (the inland mining towns are not, including Mount Isa, Winton, Longreach, Charleville and Roma). In New South Wales, Broken Hill is missed as are the surounding areas. In Victoria, Mildura is missed. These locations along with the whole of regional SA and the Northern Territory is a serious gap.[/qo

You are wrong about there being no double counting. Additionally you are right about it not being exclusive to regional areas and figures. It would affect metropolitan figures also. All the more reason as I have already stated that OzTam and RegionalTam should merge.

Assuming you are correct and those areas are uncounted, what code does it most affect? The AFL or, the NRL with 3x as many regional viewers?

Once again no proof, not one piece of evidence, Your repeating - regurgitating the same 'double counting' myth. Your counted only in the region that you take the survey not in any other region!

Maybe there is a better way, but at the moment it's the best system weve got. And the TV networks seem happy enough to abide by it.