Rugby: Turf war possible over TV3 denial

Photo / Sarah Ivey

Sky Television launched the opening salvo in what could shape as a World Cup turf war when they denied TV3 access to the Crusaders' changing rooms on Saturday night.

TV3 head of news and current affairs Mark Jennings contacted Sky bosses before the Super Rugby final in Brisbane on Saturday night, asking for access for a camera and reporter to the rooms, in anticipation of a Crusader win.

In the end, the Crusaders lost 18-13 to the Reds, denying them an eighth title. The Queensland side secured their first Super Rugby title.

TV3 argued that the match transcended a rights-holding situation and, because of the continuing story surrounding the February 22 earthquake and the loss of their home ground, it was a historic news event.

Just hours before the match Jennings was informed the request had been denied.

"We asked for access and they refused it," Jennings said. "[They] said we were welcome to use their footage under the news access agreement, but that was not what we were after."

That agreement allows the other networks a small amount of footage from each game to reproduce on their news bulletins.

"I put the request to them on the basis that it was an historic news event, so we were disappointed."

Jennings said they had been granted access on other occasions.

Complicating matters is the news-sharing arrangement TV3 has with Sky News Australia, who in turn supply Prime News, which is owned by Sky TV. Jennings said the decision would not affect their relationship with Sky News Australia.

Sky TV head of sport Kevin Cameron could not be reached for comment.

With rights to the World Cup shared among four networks - Sky, Maori TV, TV3 and TVNZ - media insiders are picking a bunfight over access to the All Blacks both before and during the tournament.