F1 goes to Sky sports

[Moneyseeker]

Originally Posted by jab

Let's just get this straight (with everyone) - Sky's model is completely different to the BBC. Where the BBC chase viewing figures, Sky chase subscriptions. That's how they make their money. If Sky can increase subscriptions, it doesn't matter so much if they get far less viewers than the BBC

I reckon Sky will produce very good coverage because they will want more subscribers. If they can produce coverage that is good enough to win over the hardcore that does watch it, it may tempt many of those who initially refuse to subscribe

Plus it's all about creating a monopoly in sports

The irony is that the BBC doesn't even need to chase viewing figures, they get paid even if someone buys a TV and never turns it on.

[jab]

Originally Posted by beau1

I can pretty much gurantee it won't happen. If Sky had a full deal people may approach it better but with half the races being shown on BBC most fans will just put up with that and not wish to fork out £600 for the other 10 races.

If the coverage is better than the BBC's, as was the case with Eurosport in the 90s, people will subscribe and watch all the races on Sky

Autosport subscribers - great article here

[Paulaweybridge]

Wow. 11 pages and counting

[beau1]

Originally Posted by jab

If the coverage is better than the BBC's, as was the case with Eurosport in the 90s, people will subscribe and watch all the races on Sky

Who cares? Those figures are going to be no-where near BBC's 'old coverage'.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by jab

Let's just get this straight (with everyone) - Sky's model is completely different to the BBC. Where the BBC chase viewing figures, Sky chase subscriptions. That's how they make their money. If Sky can increase subscriptions, it doesn't matter so much if they get far less viewers than the BBC

I reckon Sky will produce very good coverage because they will want more subscribers. If they can produce coverage that is good enough to win over the hardcore that does watch it, it may tempt many of those who initially refuse to subscribe

Plus it's all about creating a monopoly in sports

It is different, though the BBC doesn't need the viewing figures to get revenue, the TV Licence does that for them and all those people who have subscribed to Sky Sports or who are thinking about it will be paying for their TV Licence as well. So yes Sky are going to have to make their F1 coverage pretty damn good if they are going to get new subscribers.

[Knowlesy]

Originally Posted by jab

If the coverage is better than the BBC's, as was the case with Eurosport in the 90s, people will subscribe and watch all the races on Sky

Autosport subscribers - great article here

BBC coverage has moved on a lot since the 90's. I fail to see how Sky can significantly better it, although they will do a good job I am certain.

[jab]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

BBC coverage has moved on a lot since the 90's. I fail to see how Sky can significantly better it, although they will do a good job I am certain.

1) I think the BBC will cut back further and their coverage will go backwards

2) Sky aren't going to rest on their laurels. They will innovate. Take cricket, for instance. Channel 4 took it forward after snatching the rights from the BBC, but Sky have taken it further again

My only concern is that Sky Go, Sky's live streaming service which will be my only way of accessing Sky when I'm in uni, is only free up until February 2012 with no word on whether it'll continue to be free after (i.e. they're probably going to charge). In which case, I have no legal access when I'm in uni, and I can't be bothered streaming it illegally as that's just too much of a hassle

[dyewat808]

Originally Posted by jab

If the coverage is better than the BBC's, as was the case with Eurosport in the 90s, people will subscribe and watch all the races on Sky

Autosport subscribers - great article here

Great coverage doesn't always equal more subscribers though. Even if the coverage is brilliant (and I'm sure Sky will do a good job) I know I won't bother subscribing. Just not that interested enough to pay such a ridiculous sum, and I'm guessing (I know it's such a long shot ) from the comments here that I'm not the only one in that situation

[neiltb]

the beeb could cut down to the speed (fox) standard, send a pit reporter, will buxton?, and have the other 3 idiots in the studio in north carolina gleaning the international feed for info.

[Moneyseeker]

Originally Posted by jab

1) I think the BBC will cut back further and their coverage will go backwards

2) Sky aren't going to rest on their laurels. They will innovate. Take cricket, for instance. Channel 4 took it forward after snatching the rights from the BBC, but Sky have taken it further again

My only concern is that Sky Go, Sky's live streaming service which will be my only way of accessing Sky when I'm in uni, is only free up until February 2012 with no word on whether it'll continue to be free after (i.e. they're probably going to charge). In which case, I have no legal access, and I can't be bothered streaming it illegally as that's just too much of a hassle

Only problems is that F1 is in the dark ages as regards TV and media- FOM didn't recognize the power/potential of the internet, thought HD was an unneccesary expense and believes restricting broadcasters rights to use of footage (to protect F1 revenue) is the way to go rather than letting broadcasters innovate.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by neiltb

the beeb could cut down to the speed (fox) standard, send a pit reporter, will buxton?, and have the other 3 idiots in the studio in north carolina gleaning the international feed for info.

That's rather similar to Sky's coverage of Indy Car.

[jab]

Originally Posted by dyewat808

Great coverage doesn't always equal more subscribers though.

People have short memories. When people see how good the coverage is, they'll forget ever having said they'll never subscribe

The only people that lose out here when it all pans out will be those who genuinely can't afford it

[old man]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Could I ask you all kindly to vote in this poll in armchair, if you have time?

http://www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129486

Nowhere for a person who alreadt has Sky to vote, sadly

[Lotusonpole]

Originally Posted by jab

People have short memories. When people see how good the coverage is, they'll forget ever having said they'll never subscribe

The only people that lose out here when it all pans out will be those who genuinely can't afford it

And that, in these uncertain times, may be more than an insignificant few.

[Paulaweybridge]

4766 so far !!!

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

There's already a petition.

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/keepf1onthebbc

If they get 100,000 it's possibly debated in Parliament