Cup races free-to-air, but not live

"I'm pleased everyone gets a chance to watch it. Good on Sky TV, credit where credit's due." Duncan Garner TV presenter

A petition to get the America’s Cup on free-to-air TV has worked. Sort of. With Emirates Team New Zealand set to face off against cupdefender Team Oracle, Sky TV has announced the coverage will be aired on Prime from 6.30am each match day — 1.5 hours after its broadcast live on Sky Sport.

The compromise comes after rumblings of discontent over the broadcast deal that restricted viewing of the yacht races to paid subscribers.

Almost 6000 people signed a petition by AM Show host Duncan Garner, urging Sky TV to show the finals on free-to-air TV. Garner acknowledged it was ‘‘naked populism’’ but said sailing was so much a part of our way of life in New Zealand.

‘‘I’m pleased everyone gets a chance to watch it,’’ he said.

‘‘Good on Sky TV, credit where credit’s due. They don’t have to do this, but I’m pleased they’ve done it.’’

Plenty of Kiwis on social media were also crediting Garner for getting behind the issue.

‘‘If we gave it a nudge, I’m happy with that,’’ he said.

The Government, however, stayed out of the conversation. The decision was one for Sky TV along with its commercial partners, a spokeswoman for Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry said at the time.

‘‘It was Sky’s decision to place some Rugby World Cup games on its free-to-air channel, Prime. It was not a government decision.’’

Sky TV said: ‘‘As excitement builds across the country, we are pleased to let New Zealanders know this event will be available to watch not only live on Sky Sport from 5am but also on Prime free-toair from 6.30am each match day.’’

When asked how the decision came about, a spokeswoman said: ‘‘It was influenced by the team winning the qualifiers to compete in the America’s Cup, and the interest across New Zealand.’’