The AFL ‘will BAN Channel Seven and Foxtel from only using white men’ to cover the footy from next season
The AFL has reportedly included a “social inclusion clause” in its deal with broadcasters Channel Seven and Foxtel, which will see them only be allowed to field “white males behind desks” from next season.
Channel Nine reporter Tom Morris made the claim on Melbourne radio station SEN during a breakfast broadcast on Thursday with retired AFL legend Garry Lyon.
The alleged move has since divided football fans on social media.
According to Morris, the clause would come into effect in 2025 to diversify the voice and presentation of football on Seven and Fox in their broadcasts.
“There is a requirement or commitment from the AFL that has been ticked and signed as part of this agreement to have diverse voices, to have representation from minorities and different areas than has been the case in the past,” he explained on SEN.
‘This is set out in a broadcasting rights agreement. This means that you cannot simply have white men sitting behind a desk for every broadcast you do.’
‘You have to diversify, and you have to do that within Seven and Fox.’
Lyon was skeptical of the radical proposal as the two discussed the move.
Part of Channel Seven’s AFL commentary team, who from next year are contractually obliged not to have ‘only white males’ covering the match
“That won’t make much difference, will it?” asked the former Melbourne Demons star.
“There are women and is that what you’re getting at? Women play a big role in both broadcasts.”
Lyon believed that there was already enough indigenous representation in football reporting.
“Well, anyway, it’s written in there that it’s a commitment for Fox and Seven that hasn’t been made before,” Morris replied.
The clip provoked a bitter, divided reaction when it was shared with X.
“This sucks,” was one blunt comment.
Another football fan added: ‘The person who is most suited to the role should get it regardless of background, gender, religion etc etc. NOT someone who just fits the ‘quotas’.’
The AFL’s alleged move was met with harsh criticism on social media
However, some X users welcomed the AFL’s move to ensure greater social inclusion from the match’s broadcasters
Other X users felt that the umbrella of inclusion should be broadened to include other marginalized groups
Another wrote: ‘Good to see the AFL tackling the big issues.’
A fourth critic noted, “This is not about diversity and inclusivity, it’s about virtue signaling,” another critic wrote.
But some AFL fans were pleased with the move.
“If it means an end to the boys club commentary during the broadcasts – Bring It On,” wrote one X user.
‘I’m sick of the venomous/self-righteous comments from Brayshaw, Taylor and mates.’
Sports reporter Tom Morris said the AFL had included a “social inclusion clause” which will come into effect from 2025.
Another fan believed there were already enough AFLW stars and Indigenous players who could provide commentary and take on the role of presenter.
“Eddie Betts and Shaun Burgoyne are still in development and there are actors like Erin Phillips and Abbey Holmes who are underused in my opinion,” they wrote.
But it was felt that the measure did not go far enough.
“What about people with disabilities involved in the broadcasting of AFL, AFLW, VBFL, VWFL and FIDA competitions, such as Ellie Cole, Dylan Alcott, Chloe Hayden, Michael Theo, Kurt Fearnley and Carly Findlay, so that people with disabilities and autism can follow football?” they wrote.