TVN has expressed deep disappointment in Sky Racing’s (Tabcorp) decision to restrict punters from receiving racing coverage in non-Foxtel Pubs and Clubs. Sky’s rejection leaves commercial venues with only SKY, with no premium NSW and Victorian Racing, reports Racing Network.

Since 18 December when SKY refused to extend TVN’s media rights, Foxtel has been distributing TVN through its vast network of Pubs and Clubs. However many country Pubs and Clubs do not have Foxtel, only Sky, and are not receiving NSW and Victorian Racing due to Sky’s decision to not extend.

TVN has proposed that Sky distribute TVN to this important market on a revenue sharing basis, ensuring that Pubs and Clubs would pay no more than they currently pay Sky. Sky rejected this proposal, instead seeking distribution on un-commercial terms.

“For a company supposedly so committed to the Racing Industry, Sky continues to make decisions which are detrimental to the punter. Firstly Sky refused to renew our media rights, for less than they were currently paying, causing the interruption of service in the first place, TVN CEO Bruce Mann said.

“Now they have rejected a very fair revenue sharing offer whereby Pubs and Clubs would pay no more than they pay today. Tabcorp’s CEO David Attenborough needs to publicly explain why they’re chosen the path they’re on, instead of putting out comments via a Tabcorp “spokesperson.”

TVN has created a “wall to wall” channel to show all NSW and Victorian TAB meetings in a format specifically designed for pubs and clubs. In anticipating Sky’s concerns, TVN agreed not to include any advertising from other wagering operators that compete with TAB.