GAA cut number of televised games to boost attendances

GAA chiefs have moved to address drops in attendances at provincial championship games by opting to cut the number of live televised matches by an annual figure of 20% for the next four years.

Under the GAA media rights package for 2011-2014, announced yesterday, RTÉ’s number of televised games will fall annually from 40 to 31, TV3’s quota is slightly reduced from 10 to nine, while the other major talking point sees commercial radio station Newstalk breaking RTÉ Radio’s stranglehold by securing the live broadcast rights for second choice championship games.

The GAA decision is not a surprise with Director General Páraic Duffy voicing concerns about the effect blanket coverage was having on crowds at championship ties.