ABC lands broadcast rights to Mardi Gras parade in three-year deal

The ABC has brokered a deal to broadcast the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on television and radio for the next three years, including its return to Oxford Street in 2023.

On March 5, 2022, the colourful celebration of diversity will be aired on the ABC’s main channel, ABC iview and the ABC Australia international television service.

The 43rd Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade at the Sydney Cricket Ground in March. Credit:Stephen Saphore

The 2022 theme is United We Shine, described by organisers as “a rallying call to stand up against hate and inequality, reminding us that when we rise as a collective, our message of love and inclusion is heard louder”.

The floats will again circle the Sydney Cricket Ground, live on the ABC from 7.30pm, moving off the traditional Oxford Street route following continued organiser concerns over COVID-19 restrictions.

The SCG will be back at 100 per cent capacity for 2022 as float participants increase from 5000 to 6500, while a hardship ballot will be run offering 3000 free tickets for communities who have had it tough. Signature Mardi Gras festival events will also make their return.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras chief executive Albert Kruger said while 2021 had been a “nose-dive” on the schedule from previous years, the stadium allowed every float to have a “Taylor Square moment” in front of the cameras and on the big screens.

He said the parade would “definitely” return to Oxford Street in 2023 when Sydney hosts WorldPride in February and March.

“We’re already actually working on two festivals at the same time, 2022 and 2023,” he said. “It’s a mammoth task that we’re taking on to bring the whole world back to Sydney in 2023.”

The ABC has also been given broadcast rights to the WorldPride international LGBTIQ+ festival, which will include a Bondi Beach party, opening and closing ceremonies and a pride march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Organisers will take their key learnings from the two years off Oxford Street into the 2023 event, which will include an enlarged footprint for seating and viewing, greater accessibility, family-friendly areas, additional screens, more information about the floats coming and going, streaming opportunities and an increase on the 12,500 people marching.

Mr Kruger said they are thinking about how to move with the times and integrate technology to create an “experiential interface ... rather than just standing on the street side”.

He said the ABC had been a “longtime champion” of the communities the event represents and the partnership would help them delve deeper into Mardi Gras events, while host radio station triple j provided the rural and regional reach to those unable to attend.

(L-R) Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger, ABC managing director David Anderson, ABC chair Ita Buttrose and WorldPride CEO Kate Wickett. Credit:Steven Siewart

“We look forward to working alongside their talented and committed team to amplify the diverse voices of our LGBTQI+ communities, as well as share our stories with the rest of the country,” he said.

The national broadcaster, which has the television and radio rights for Mardi Gras until 2024, takes the baton from SBS, ending an eight-year run.

ABC managing director David Anderson described the deal as a “homecoming for Mardi Gras”.

“The ABC was the first broadcaster to televise Sydney Mardi Gras in 1994,” he said. “We’ve waited 28 years for it to return and from 2022 onwards, we will provide coverage of Mardi Gras that only the ABC can, without commercial interests.”

Mr Anderson said it was important to reflect Australia’s LGBTQI+ community to themselves and the country.

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