http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9550930.stm http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12433_7066182,00.html - and BSKYB profits fall http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14338032
Hmm. I confess to having very mixed feelings about this. Although competition between broadcasting companies should be a good thing for the viewing public, at least in theory; I cannot see it providing for a real increase in total audience, even with combined figures and fear that F1's team sponsors will see diminishing returns on their investment. Not a good day to see the UK's F1 fans actually presented with this news, even if it may have been predicted in the long-run.
Hahaha… let's hope so! - That way they will infuriate their viewers and in the long-term force F1 back to its rightful, 'terrestrial' home. Unfortunately though, I can't see them being quite that stupid…
I wonder how much sky paid? I bet it's not the usual full price given there's going to be competition from the BBC, which means effectively the license fee payer has subsidised sky who will be able to charge much more fir the service. a big let down by bernie and the BBC, let's hope they ditch Wimbledon next!
Always nice to have a slap in the face from a corporation that we have to pay a mandatory license fee to. Thanks for nothing BBC. Can anyone tell me whether Sky Sports is on any other provider (BT vision, Virgin etc) other than Sky?
Its a shame the way this has worked out, F1 should always have been kept on Free to Air. In future i think we could see Sky control all races full stop no other broadcasters. Its back to online streaming again.
Makes no odds. You'd still be paying around £15 a month into Murdoch's evil empire. The best option is not to subscribe in any way. Watch live streams on the internet, download the races afterwards from bit torrent sites, or just watch BBC highlights. This deal contravenes the Concorde Agreement for 2012, which doesn't say only some of F1 has to be shown on free-to-air. Of course, F1 rules don't actually apply to F1. The BBC coverage will inevitably fall apart if it only covers half the races - no continuity. And what's the betting Sky will have the championship-deciding races exclusively? It's a dark day for FOM who have sold the fans out IMO.
So, will the commentry team move over from the BBC? Most likely not as they will keep them for their races. Just shocking.
BBC have "important" races, like Monaco, Silverstone and the final race, i think its Brazil in 2012. but if this contravenes the concorde agreement, surely someone will go to a court and have this revoked? viewing attendances for the races not on the bbc will dramatically fall, as ppl won't pay for sky. the teams and sponsors and even bernie won't like this and then go to a court and change it. anyway, as i live near to switzerland with an aerial, i get sf2 and can watch the races, albeit with advertisements... grrrr
BT Vision supplies SKY SPORTS 1&2 (+ESPN) - I have them !!! BBC must have 'sold' exclusive rights to share coverage in 2012/2013 - while extending cover to 2018. I can see it now - ' and Hamilton pulls out alongside Alonso heading into the last corner' - and we cut for a note from our Sponsor.
I have to say this is the best thing to meet my eyes today! I don't mean the words - which I believe show a fair amount of insight - so much as the person who penned them! Hello to Genji !! P.S. I understand the moderation team can accommodate a quick name change, should you so wish.