The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has stated that it is not realistic to expect that all games should be free-to-air, according to the GAA director general, Tom Ryan. The organization’s representatives recently appeared before the Oireachtas Media Committee to address concerns about matches being exclusively shown on the pay-per-view app, GAAGo, rather than on national broadcaster RTÉ.
Ryan emphasized that the decision of which matches are broadcast on free-to-air television is not solely based on revenue. While he acknowledged the demand for football and hurling matches, he stressed that the expectation for every single game to be televised is unrealistic and not in the GAA’s interest or plans.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when fans were unable to attend games, the demand for televised matches grew. As a result, the GAA adapted its broadcasting model and launched the GAAGo subscription channel. This joint venture between the GAA and RTÉ allowed games to be broadcast domestically and internationally. Ryan explained that the move demonstrated both the market demand for such a service and the flexibility it offered.
Ryan further stated that GAAGo generates an annual income of approximately four million euros, with a belief that domestic viewership exceeds this figure. He emphasized the GAA’s responsibility to earn a reasonable income through various means, including broadcasting games and ticket sales.
Several members of the committee voiced concerns regarding the limited availability of prominent GAA games due to them being behind a paywall. Ryan clarified that game selection for GAAGo and RTÉ is not determined based on revenue, but rather through contractual agreements made at the start of the year. He reassured the committee that regardless of the game shown, or whether a game is televised at all, the revenue would remain the same.
Additionally, Mary O’Connor, the chief executive of the Federation of Irish Sport, addressed the committee, noting the significant role that TG4, an Irish language broadcaster, has played in the coverage of Ladies Gaelic Football. O’Connor highlighted how the broadcast of women’s sports, particularly through innovative coverage, can transform perception, increase participation, and generate commercial opportunities for sports organizations.
Representatives from the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) also attended the hearing. Kevin Posts, head of the IRFU, emphasized the importance of broadcasting rights, which account for 20-25% of the organization’s income. He emphasized the need for agility and adaptation to meet the changing viewing habits of the younger generation.
In conclusion, the GAA director general’s appearance before the Oireachtas Media Committee shed light on the complexities of broadcasting GAA matches, dispelling the notion that revenue alone drives game selection. While acknowledging the frustration expressed by the public regarding pay-per-view games, the GAA remains dedicated to striking a balance between generating income and ensuring access to Gaelic games. The committee hearing also highlighted the transformative power of broadcasting women’s sports and the significance of broadcasting rights for the IRFU.
