Industry body FreeTV Australia has hit out at a report in the Fairfax press today claiming Communications Minister Stephen Conroy brokered a deal with the TV networks to continue spruiking live odds during sporting broadcasts.
In the story, 'Conroy backs TV bookies', Fairfax says the proposed amendments to the TV code of practice, which would prevent commentators from promoting odds but would still allow gambling representatives to do so, were written "to the specifications of Mr Conroy".
But FreeTV has issued a statement saying the claim is incorrect. "The draft code was developed by FreeTV, and reflects the position of its members, not the government," it said.
"The quote attributed to FreeTV CEO Julie Flynn was made in the context of a detailed discussion of the process involved in developing the Code.
"The Code grew out of a decision by the COAG Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform to 'reduce and control' the promotion of live odds.
"The Minister for Communications and his department developed the principles which the broadcasting codes would need to apply to implement the COAG decision."
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