F1 goes to Sky sports

[pauln]

I'm having some problems with the consistent message of "look how Sky have improved coverage of other sports". The only thing they can improve here is the pre- and post- race show. For the race itself they'll be taking the FOM stream same as everybody else has to, including the BBC.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by pauln

I'm having some problems with the consistent message of "look how Sky have improved coverage of other sports". The only thing they can improve here is the pre- and post- race show. For the race itself they'll be taking the FOM stream same as everybody else has to, including the BBC.

Well, the BBC "coverage" is a million times better than what ITV managed, stuff like the Free Practice sessions on the red button, F1 forum aswell, NO ADVERTS!!!! yet the actual product (the racing) stays the same.

[bravo]

Originally Posted by pauln

I'm having some problems with the consistent message of "look how Sky have improved coverage of other sports". The only thing they can improve here is the pre- and post- race show. For the race itself they'll be taking the FOM stream same as everybody else has to, including the BBC.

Exactly, or improvement to the commentary. But I feel the commentary now is excellent. It's inclusive enough for casual viewers without being too dumbed down, and very few mistakes. I'm quite impressed with how many spots DC has made, overtaking under yellows, running off the track etc. In the last few years they wouldn't be noticed until the drivethough or laptime came in and the commentators would say "oh, so I wonder what happened there".

The format of bringing the whole race from a studio-less team works really well for me. It's like almost being there. It wouldn't work for sports like snooker but seems really good for F1.

[Retired]

Originally Posted by Tourer

Adam Parr consistently shows himself to be a prize cock doesn't he? How out of touch with your consumers (fans) is it possible for any business to be?

Williams, possibly the most British of teams in many ways has it's CEO basically telling the British fans to suck it up and to be happy about paying more to watch F1 so that it costs the teams less.

Wonder how long it'll take for him to come out with a statement "clarifying" his comments?

Gotta say, from over this side of the world, he doesn't seem worthy of running a team of racers like Williams.

[bella]

Originally Posted by Mr V

Well, the BBC "coverage" is a million times better than what ITV managed, stuff like the Free Practice sessions on the red button, F1 forum aswell, NO ADVERTS!!!! yet the actual product (the racing) stays the same.

is it just me who's thinking there will be adverts, but within the existing coverage a la nascar with random stat attacks being brought to you by andrex or the post race press conference brought to you by red bull or so forth? the "i'm told" corner brought to you by ruperts home spy kit?

[Cynic]

Sky will obviously be hoping that this deal will add to their Sky Sports / Sports HD subscription base, but I can see it backfiring in much the same way that the Setanta / NASN deal did. NASN subscribers weren't given the option of only having NASN, it was the full package or nothing, so quite a few cancelled.
If you don't haver Sky Sports currently it's presumably either a) becuase you can't afford it, or b) don't give a toss about Football / Rugby / Cricket etc. If it's the latter case are you really going to pay 30 quid a month for 8-10 hours of viewing time? I know I won't be.

[Lancsbreaker]

Originally Posted by JABWOA

The sponsorship question is a good one - funny that they have been silent (or just waiting for the next boardroom meeting after the new year.)

The idea seems to be that the fans can start paying for directly for the F1 show. I thought that was the idea of sponsorship - I like what they do in F1 so I'll by thier products.

According to Motorsport News, Pirelli have said that they will be watching the viewing figures closely......now there's a surprise

[exflagman]

Originally Posted by Lancsbreaker

According to Motorsport News, Pirelli have said that they will be watching the viewing figures closely......now there's a surprise

Well thats at least one viewer for Sky then

[bella]

Originally Posted by Cynic

Sky will obviously be hoping that this deal will add to their Sky Sports / Sports HD subscription base, but I can see it backfiring in much the same way that the Setanta / NASN deal did. NASN subscribers weren't given the option of only having NASN, it was the full package or nothing, so quite a few cancelled.

i think considering those points you raise, a good way for sky to run the f1 coverage would be to have a dedicated f1 channel running repeats of practice and races, previews or just some "experts" sat in a studio waffling on repeat so they can show the races on a single (or multiple, including the onboards - i'd like to see a pitlane action channel too now) channel that's easy to offer a single subscription to. then it doesn't interfere with the rest of their scheduling. so basically a similar setup to the scheme f1 did a bit ago. perhaps then you could either get it for a quid or two extra on top of a normal sky sports package or as an isolated subscription if you're not interested in sports.

presumably they'd have done that already with other sports if they felt like it but the huge poostorm that's kicked off as a result of this would probably justify the trialling of a seperate f1 package. if, according to quite a few pundits, pay tv is indeed, the "future" of sports broadcasting.

[exflagman]

Originally Posted by bella

so basically a similar setup to the scheme f1 did a bit ago.

The one that bombed?

[bella]

i think more that the market wasn't ready for it. now we've had an intermediate product, ie f1 on the red button with onboard feed and alternative audio plus now with hd i think the pickup would be better than it was back then.

[Fox89]

Everyone, I know we're all gutted that the BBC could no longer afford exclusive F1 rights. But we must all accept that it is a brutal business in a tough economy, and quality programming is not cheap.

But fear not, the BBC have not been simply piddling away the money saved from losing the F1!

BBC pays £22 millions for X-factor-alike.

PS. I know this is a month or two old and is probably completely irrelevant to the F1. Still doesn't feel right

[Adam43]

More people watch that than F1! However popularity isn't the only objective of the beeb.

Originally Posted by Lancsbreaker

According to Motorsport News, Pirelli have said that they will be watching the viewing figures closely......now there's a surprise

will they compare that to the market share and countries the sell tyre into?
Do Pirelli only sell tyres in the UK, if they do this will be a massive problem for them.

On the other hand less people will see their tyre wear out quickly live.

[boyndie]

Posted by Cynic "If you don't have Sky Sports currently it's presumably either a) because you can't afford it, or b) don't give a toss about Football / Rugby / Cricket etc. If it's the latter case are you really going to pay 30 quid a month for 8-10 hours of viewing time? I know I won't be."

A bit late to this thread (well very late it appears)

My opinion : will watch BBC and delayed BBC, will not pay for or watch "pay to view" sky (nor should anyone)

The whole idea is pants and designed to draw more money from us (you, me and all other fans) in a time of financial hardship.

I think that Bernie is just greedy.

I am a fan but crucially NOT fanatical.

[Adam43]

I must admit to feeling quite bad now. I work for a company that charges people for goods and services. We have continued to do that during the recent recession.

[Fox89]

Originally Posted by Adam43

I must admit to feeling quite bad now. I work for a company that charges people for goods and services. We have continued to do that during the recent recession.

Not only that, but you charge the company itself for your services!! Be ashamed.

[Adam43]

Which I then use to buy sky.

There should be a name for all this. What could it be? Er, it is the electronic age, it is all deceitful, it is a big circle and to do with an individuals work. What about e-con-o-my?

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Cynic

If it's the latter case are you really going to pay 30 quid a month for 8-10 hours of viewing time? I know I won't be.

This is relevant to the would you pay thread in armchair.

As it is free to watch on beeb, but some delayed, maybe it isn't worth it. Although there aren't many things you get 10 hours entertainment for £30. Not many top line sporting events are less than that, or concerts, or even an evening in the pub. I can use £30 of fuel going somewhere easily too.

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by Adam43

I must admit to feeling quite bad now. I work for a company that charges people for goods and services. We have continued to do that during the recent recession.

Originally Posted by Fox89

Not only that, but you charge the company itself for your services!! Be ashamed.

your views fascinate me! consider me signed up for whatever newsletter or manifesto that came from.

one question though about the person who owns my company and essentially pays me...they shouldn't be allowed to make any money of that because you know that would be wrong right?

[wolfhound]

Originally Posted by Adam43

This is relevant to the would you pay thread in armchair.

As it is free to watch on beeb, but some delayed, maybe it isn't worth it. Although there aren't many things you get 10 hours entertainment for £30. Not many top line sporting events are less than that, or concerts, or even an evening in the pub. I can use £30 of fuel going somewhere easily too.

Its actually worse if you are not a sky subscriber like yours truly.
To see 10 GPs live it will cost about £600 thats £60 per GP.

Weekend passes for some non European Gps are £25.
Or I can to Le Mans for less than £300 all in and get a full seasons distance of GPs in one race.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by wolfhound

Weekend passes for some non European Gps are £25.

Wow, which ones? I'd probably have to fly there.

Or I can to Le Mans for less than £300 all in and get a full seasons distance of GPs in one race.

I recommend you go to Le Mans, it is great. You need sky HD to watch it at home.

[wolfhound]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Wow, which ones? I'd probably have to fly there.
I recommend you go to Le Mans, it is great. You need sky HD to watch it at home.

Try China and possibly Malaysia, I think basic entry to Brazil is quite low but cannot find any prices on the net.

On Le Mans been there bought the T shirt

[Adam43]

Never been to China. I bought sky instead, it was cheaper, especially for the whole family. Morally, is it worse to buy something from Murdoch or go to China?

My Silk Cut T-Shirt has faded. not that it is big enough for me nowadays.

[wolfhound]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Never been to China. I bought sky instead, it was cheaper, especially for the whole family. Morally, is it worse to buy something from Murdoch or go to China?

That is a difficult question.

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by wolfhound

That is a difficult question.

Not at all, read Adam's post again...