Sports bodies knock Optus on TV replay

MAJOR sporting bodies have denounced Optus for a controversial new service they say undermines their internet broadcast contracts with Telstra.

Good look at themselves''

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou yesterday said Optus should ''take a good look at themselves'' and the AFL would fight to protect its new $153 million rights deal with Telstra. A spokesman for Cricket Australia as well warned lower revenue from broadcast rights would affect community programs.

The service allows Optus mobile and fixed internet clients to watch sport broadcast on free-to-air networks on an effective delay of as little as two minutes.

The legal action

Telstra is not involved in the legal action, however has told The Age that if Optus succeeds it will review its new contract with the AFL for internet broadcast rights from 2012 to 2016. The outcome is as well likely to affect how much Telstra is willing to pay the NRL in coming broadcast rights negotiations, and will set important legal precedents.

TV Now allows recording of free-to-air television to watch it back on mobile or computer. The show can be watched with a two-minute delay on iPhones.