AFL inclusion and social policy boss Tanya Hosch has spoken publicly for the first time on the new 'social inclusion clause' for broadcasters introduced this season.
The new clause is for television broadcasters Seven and Fox, enforcing that the two networks meet diversity requirements on their broadcast, such as including female and multicultural personalities in the broadcast team.
The AFL's broadcasters have introduced a multitude of diverse voices into the game in recent years, with Abbey Holmes, Daisy Pearce and Erin Phillips a few AFLW stars that have gone on to commentate or provide special comments for Seven, while ex-AFL Indigenous athletes Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts have worked at Seven and Fox Footy respectively.
Hosch said ensuring diverse voices were on screen was important to inspire young Australians from all walks of life.
"What we know is that there's some amazing talent who are really passionate about the game that really are looking for some of those opportunities," Hosch told Nine's Tom Morris.
"I think the game broadcast-wise, has been improved with more women's voices, and also, the work that we see of people like Eddie Betts and Chris Johnson in the seat and on the boundary line as well.
"Having a more inclusive way to ensure that all Australians can see themselves reflected in the game in all different roles, is really important."
The two broadcast networks are open to the introduction of the new clause, as a landmark broadcast rights deal begins in 2025.
"Absolutely (broadcasters are open to it)," Hosch said.
"I have ample opportunity to speak to broadcast partners and the talent that they work with to advise them on social policy issues, brief them in the lead up to things like the Pride Round in AFLW and Indigenous Round, particularly in the AFL game, because we cover so much over that two weeks, and they're incredibly open and interested.
"They want to be well informed.
"...It's not a quota, and it's certainly not pushing anyone out of a job.
"It's just being really mindful about ensuring that we give opportunities to everyone who participates in the game, who traditionally haven't had those opportunities, and we've got so much talent coming through the system, who can contribute to the game, on and off the field."
The requirement is only mandatory for television broadcasters for 2025.
2025 is the beginning of a new broadcast deal worth $4.5 billion. Foxtel will be able to broadcast marquee and finals games with their own commentary for the first time, while Seven will be able to stream their allotted games on broadcast video-on-demand service 7plus.
Seven's broadcast team currently features the female voices of Rebecca Maddern and Abbey Holmes in the broadcast team and former Indigenous footballer Chad Wingard, while Fox landed the talents of Burgoyne and Betts as Indigenous experts.
Sarah Jones, Kath Loughnan and Kelli Underwood will host broadcasts on Fox's gameday broadcasts too.
