By Staff Reporter
In a move aimed at curbing illegal downloads, Foxtel has signed a major deal with US television network HBO that will see it fast-track international shows within hours of their original airdate.
The subscription television network, which currently serves approximately two million homes nationwide, will have access to popular HBO programs such as Girls, True Blood, Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire. The library deal also includes HBO comedy shows and documentaries.
The agreement comes just weeks after Network Ten announced it was fast-tracking 13 US shows in a bid to boost months of flailing ratings.
Screen Producers Association of Australia executive director Geoff Brown, said: “Shutting out a major high end producer of quality production will put added pressure on free-to-air networks to look elsewhere for their drama suppliers. Oz drama makes more sense than ever as an alternative because you can control date and time release, thus avoiding the piracy threat and lock in your local audience share at the same time."