'Unbelievable greed': Aussies at centre of ugly new swimming 'disgrace'
Throughout the first few days of the swimming world championships, fans have been captivated by the drama and controversy.
However hordes of fans have been left asking the exact same question: Why can’t we watch it on TV?
For just the second time in the last 33 years, a swimming world championships is not being shown on Australian free-to-air television, and it’s also not available on British TV.
Swimming fans in Australia and the UK have been forced to watch the action in South Korea on the iSwim app, or pay $40 to live stream it on FINA TV.
While Channel Seven have broadcast the major Australian and national swimming meets over the last few years, FINA were unable to find an Aussie TV broadcast partner for the current world championships.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, that’s because FINA were unwilling to negotiate on demands for a reported $500,000 broadcast agreement.
As journalist Phil Lutton said in the article: “With travel and commentary and broadcasting costs included, the final figure could be as much as $800,000.
“Swimming's governing body would rather starve one of its key federations of live coverage of (the) world championships in Korea than budge on a rights deal.”
The report saw Aussie swimmer Maddie Groves slam FINA’s ‘unbelievable greed’ on social media:
Disappointing but not surprising from FINA. Our Aussies have worked relentlessly and will be a highlight of @Gwangju2019_ . Why don’t @fina1908 want to showcase that? $$$. Unbelievable greed https://t.co/XNZBcnOUoG
— Maddie Groves (@MaddieGroves_) July 14, 2019
“The traditional sports television model is no longer viable,” media analyst Peter Cox told the ABC.
"In the old days you could have sports as your loss-leader, because they drew people to your networks and you made your profitability out of your programs around them."
Swimming fans ‘cheated’ in TV ‘disgrace’
It means Aussie fans have been robbed of seeing teenager Ariarne Titmus shock Olympic champion Katie Ledecky for gold in the 400m freestyle - handing the American her first loss at a major meet since 2012.
We also couldn’t watch Cate Campbell pull off an extraordinary comeback to secure gold in 4x100m mixed medley relay on Wednesday night.
Trailing by a body length, Campbell produced a stunning anchor leg to help Australia upstage an all-star United States team.
‘INSULT’: Sun Yang's Aussie coach takes aim at 'hypocritical' compatriots
‘STAR IS BORN’: Teenager breaks Michael Phelps record in 'unbelievable' moment
It was Australia's third gold medal at the halfway mark of the eight-day titles at Gwangju, South Korea.
Campbell had it all to do in the final leg, diving into the pool a body length behind Simone Manuel, but she remarkably reeled in the American to touch in front of the Olympic 100m champion by 0.02 of a second.
Campbell's heroics helped Australia - also comprising of Mitch Larkin, Matthew Wilson and Emma McKeon - win in three minutes, 39.08 seconds.
It was Campbell's second gold at the meet after shining in Australia's 4x100m freestyle relay win on Sunday's opening night.
Australia were tipped to win gold medal No.3 earlier on night four but Titmus was upstaged by Italian veteran Federica Pellegrini in the 200m freestyle final.
Titmus was the hot favourite after the withdrawals of main threats Katie Ledecky of the United States, Australia's Emma McKeon and Canada's Commonwealth Games champion Taylor Ruck.
The 18-year-old appeared to be the one to beat after a shock 400m freestyle win over American great Ledecky on Sunday night.
She was aiming to become the first Australian woman to claim the 200m-400m freestyle double at a world titles.
Outstanding finish from @catecamp It's a disgrace that this is not on TV in Australia, where swimming is a regular and important part of life. Shame. https://t.co/gRG59aGsGk
— John Pye (@byJohnPye) July 25, 2019
Pretty embarrassing that Swimming World Champs is the main sports story in Australia at the moment, but you can’t actually watch it given no network picked up the rights to the event. #Gwangju19
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) July 24, 2019
Australia swimming stars cheated by FINA ‘greed’ at world championships - https://t.co/qhfRdVeHka
— Autsralia Live Feed (@AusLiveFeed) July 25, 2019
Gwangju Swimming world champs is looking incredible, especially with Milak smashing Phelps' record! Such a shame it's not shown on TV! #bbc #showswimming #swimming
— Wil Carter (@WilCarter_) July 24, 2019
It’s bad enough not being able to watch it live on terrestrial tv but now swimming is getting knocked off the radio when they have already advertised that it will be on 🤷🏼♂️ The BBC is a joke 😡
— chris laybourn (@CLAYBOURN12) July 24, 2019
I wish the swimming champs were on TV!! It's a word champs! 😔 I know it's not BBC's fault!
— Jodie (@Jodieee21) July 23, 2019
Swimming world championships are on, and there are not on Australian TV. #FINAWorlds
— B L E S S I N G (@_Blessing) July 22, 2019
2 Golds, a silver (technically a gold), and a bronze on night one of the #FINAGwangju2019 Swimming World Champs. Shame it's not on Aus TV. I guess reality TV comps are more popular than real sport 😔
— Tommaso D'Orsogna (@tommasodor) July 22, 2019
Can’t fathom that world champs are not on TV, heads should roll at Fina. British Swimming need taking to task, where do all our fees go? Paying for flights for Jack to tweet live and rub our noses in it.
— SwimDad72 (@Dad72Swim) July 22, 2019
Totally. Disgrace that swimming isn’t shown on tv! My eldest wasn’t impressed with me as I won’t pay for the fina TV!
— caroline (@CarolineMeldrum) July 21, 2019
with AAP