RobMcCaffery Posted June 23, 2017 Report Share Posted June 23, 2017 (edited) THERE is no money Key elements of the deal like this are gradually filtering out. Perhaps it's time for cards to be placed on tables and this year's set-up explained in full? I've made my best attempts to work out what's going on from the sidelines and apologise if I have got key points wrong. Equally some of the comments from fans and BSF members regarding the number of meetings, start date and exclusion of SGBC fixtures would better be answered by a proper explanation rather than someone like me using past experience and present knowledge of the TV industry to attempt a hopefully educated guess? Was this a case of a desperate last-minute free deal to save promotions and riders losing their sponsors? If successful, is there any realistic prospect of BT taking up a full, paid contract? How long will Sky be paying-off their contract, for the full term? If lower-cost technology becomes available to Sky, are they leaving the door open to resume? Beyond the £9.99 admission price deal were there any other requirements made by BT and do the BSPA have any specific plans to make this new relationship work long-term? One side issue is whether Sky dumping the sport allowed this year's league restructuring or was the abandonment of the Elite League a significant part of their choice, apart from the obvious over-spend on football? I know that some of the territory covered is commercially-sensitive and I don't expect answers to much of what I have requested but these questions are those which most other sports would be asked in a situation such as this. Personally, I hope Monday night's first league match is a huge success and that BT make a long-term commitment. Already there are subtle signs that they like us. Apart from specific, well-made trailers for the SGP and now SGBP league matches we are being bundled in with major sports in their general montages. It's only a subtle aspect but I do love seeing a sequence of sporting logos covering football, cricket, tennis and rugby being joined by SGP and SGBP logos, rather than our usual associations with sports few have ever heard of. They seem to be taking us seriously. It's pretty vital that their initial faith is repaid! Edited June 23, 2017 by Rob McCaffery 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted June 23, 2017 Report Share Posted June 23, 2017 Key elements of the deal like this are gradually filtering out. Perhaps it's time for cards to be placed on tables and this year's set-up explained in full? I've made my best attempts to work out what's going on from the sidelines and apologise if I have got key points wrong. Equally some of the comments from fans and BSF members regarding the number of meetings, start date and exclusion of SGBC fixtures would better be answered by a proper explanation rather than someone like me using past experience and present knowledge of the TV industry to attempt a hopefully educated guess? Was this a case of a desperate last-minute free deal to save promotions and riders losing their sponsors? If successful, is there any realistic prospect of BT taking up a full, paid contract? How long will Sky be paying-off their contract, for the full term? If lower-cost technology becomes available to Sky, are they leaving the door open to resume? Beyond the £9.99 admission price deal were there any other requirements made by BT and do the BSPA have any specific plans to make this new relationship work long-term? One side issue is whether Sky dumping the sport allowed this year's league restructuring or was the abandonment of the Elite League a significant part of their choice, apart from the obvious over-spend on football? I know that some of the territory covered is commercially-sensitive and I don't expect answers to much of what I have requested but these questions are those which most other sports would be asked in a situation such as this. Personally, I hope Monday night's first league match is a huge success and that BT make a long-term commitment. Already there are subtle signs that they like us. Apart from specific, well-made trailers for the SGP and now SGBP league matches we are being bundled in with major sports in their general montages. It's only a subtle aspect but I do love seeing a sequence of sporting logos covering football, cricket, tennis and rugby being joined by SGP and SGBP logos, rather than our usual associations with sports few have ever heard of. They seem to be taking us seriously. It's pretty vital that their initial faith is repaid! Well let's all hope that Speedway is taking them (BT) seriously too. This has all of the hallmarks of 'Last Chance Saloon'. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waytogo28 Posted June 24, 2017 Report Share Posted June 24, 2017 RM said " Beyond the £9.99 admission price deal were there any other requirements made by BT and do the BSPA have any specific plans to make this new relationship work long-term?" Is there already a £9.99 admission deal in price for the BT covered league matches? and RM said " I know that some of the territory covered is commercially-sensitive and I don't expect answers to much of what I have requested but these questions are those which most other sports would be asked in a situation such as this. " Are these things really commercially sensitive? I can't see any broadcaster believing that there is money to be made from advertisers following speedway. I hope I am wrong. I hope that there is a future deal from BT as I greatly enjoy Live matches on TV as opposed to "suffering" at the stadium live! I know there are those who feel the opposite but there is no "atmosphere" to soak in, at the track where I go. I do pay for watching on TV and am willing to pay a bit more - Pay Per View if necessary and reasonably priced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OveFundinFan Posted June 24, 2017 Report Share Posted June 24, 2017 Clearly what BT (and Sky before) needs are crowds to attend, and that aint going to happen unless a few things are in place, including ......... a track capable of producing good racing riders that are up for good racing teams that fans can relate to meetings that run efficiently, that finish within a reasonable time, no unnecessary hold ups (no pit gate open for false starts), track grading kept to minimum stadiums that can provide good facilities for the paying public - thats doesnt have to be fancy grandstands, but sufficient clean toilets, a choice of snack foods of decent quality a pricing structure to attract fans, especially the younger generation. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Dodds Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Clearly what BT (and Sky before) needs are crowds to attend, and that aint going to happen unless a few things are in place, including ......... Why do crowd levels matter? Surely what BT need is for speedway fans to take out subscriptions or for the sport to attract new advertisers. That is what makes them money and that is what they are interested in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flagrag Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Not sure why but yet again after last week BT sports and their OB partner CloudBass have put a camera right at the back of the main stand. This means that you keep getting shots of the stand beams and stand roof which is poor on one of your main cameras this needs to be corrected for future weeks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Enjoyed the Meeting tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bald Bloke Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Enjoyed the Meeting tonight. I did too.Speedway is full of moaners.That probably wished they didn't bother when its no more!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete cc Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Have to agree with flagrag, we don't need to see the under side of the event main stand or the backs of the crowds heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin_t Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Not sure why but yet again after last week BT sports and their OB partner CloudBass have put a camera right at the back of the main stand. This means that you keep getting shots of the stand beams and stand roof which is poor on one of your main cameras this needs to be corrected for future weeks. Have to agree with flagrag, we don't need to see the under side of the event main stand or the backs of the crowds heads.But that means it's just like being there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 Must admit don't like the camera angles, something you could not complain about with Sky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waytogo28 Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 I thought it was very reasonable coverage considering it was available after Sky pulled out and BT ARE continuing to offer Live match coverage, while they weigh up next season and beyond ( and it's value to them). It's a cut your coat according to your cloth coverage and speedway's "coat" is pretty threadbare. Great to see a full-ish stadium as casual viewers will not think doubtfully "is it worth going to my local track" and might encourage them to give it a try. If BT insisted on the £9.99p ticket it was an excellent move. Racing - well it illustrated the modern weakness of speedway racing - that in at leat 75% of heats - it is all over after the exit from the second bend ( first time around ), except in the cases of hard charging young guns or the very best of never give up veterans ( 25% of riders ). And even for them passing is a very, very difficult. Track conditions are crucial to them having a better chance of success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 I thought it was very reasonable coverage considering it was available after Sky pulled out and BT ARE continuing to offer Live match coverage, while they weigh up next season and beyond ( and it's value to them). It's a cut your coat according to your cloth coverage and speedway's "coat" is pretty threadbare. Great to see a full-ish stadium as casual viewers will not think doubtfully "is it worth going to my local track" and might encourage them to give it a try. If BT insisted on the £9.99p ticket it was an excellent move. Racing - well it illustrated the modern weakness of speedway racing - that in at leat 75% of heats - it is all over after the exit from the second bend ( first time around ), except in the cases of hard charging young guns or the very best of never give up veterans ( 25% of riders ). And even for them passing is a very, very difficult. Track conditions are crucial to them having a better chance of success. Unfortunately last night the 'first out wins' mantra was exacerbated by how strung out the racing was... Cook was winning by the length of the straight from the rider bringing up the rear........ Simply due to the terrible track I am sure as most riders were probably more focused on staying on rather than setting up overtaking manoeuvres, but not great as an advert for the Sport... Let's hope for better going forward... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurntFaceMan Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Unfortunately last night the 'first out wins' mantra was exacerbated by how strung out the racing was... Cook was winning by the length of the straight from the rider bringing up the rear........ Simply due to the terrible track I am sure as most riders were probably more focused on staying on rather than setting up overtaking manoeuvres, but not great as an advert for the Sport... Let's hope for better going forward... It had nothing to do with the track... it was due to the fact that we mix riders who've got years of racing experience, with children who've only been riding speedway bikes for a year or two and that the best riders in the world don't even bother with Britain anymore. There will be absolutely no better going forward. It will consistently go down hill. It blows my mind how many fans online are genuinely stumped as to what is wrong with the league! Let me spell it out for you... dinosaur promoters making no effort to understand the modern climate, charging over the odds prices for a lackluster product. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 It had nothing to do with the track... it was due to the fact that we mix riders who've got years of racing experience, with children who've only been riding speedway bikes for a year or two and that the best riders in the world don't even bother with Britain anymore. There will be absolutely no better going forward. It will consistently go down hill. It blows my mind how many fans online are genuinely stumped as to what is wrong with the league! Let me spell it out for you... dinosaur promoters making no effort to understand the modern climate, charging over the odds prices for a lackluster product. Agree with most of that however... When I started watching Speedway 2 point men every week raced against 11 point men so the disparate ability level was far wider than it is today.. Put those same riders last night at the NSS and that track would lend itself to much closer racing regardless of age... Same riders, MUCH closer racing.. The different level of ability in races does impact the racing quality no doubt but sub standard tracks like last night just lowers the standard even more... 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPEEDY69 Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Must admit don't like the camera angles, something you could not complain about with Sky I see what you're saying as they are different - lower down I think and it gave a different view of the Poole track. I got to like it at the end as it was almost like the view from the terraces. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ytsejam Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 (edited) BT must be thinking what have they let themselves in for after that complete load of rubbish last night!!! Have to say that I don't think the camera work and certainly the camera angles, were up to SKY's standard although the fact that we only had to hear Pearson and not actually see him, was a bonus!! (would be even better still if we didn't have to hear him too though!). Liked the lack of inane interviews between EVERY race and Natalie's presentation was good too. After that drivel last night, things can only get better for BT and their coverage, although I don't hold out much hope for their next league meeting as that will be a big disappointment too (for different reasons though i.e. the score line!) Edited June 27, 2017 by ytsejam 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Lady Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Big bonus has to be BT Sport posting lots about the meeting on twitter, something Sky didn't bother with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobMcCaffery Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Not sure why but yet again after last week BT sports and their OB partner CloudBass have put a camera right at the back of the main stand. This means that you keep getting shots of the stand beams and stand roof which is poor on one of your main cameras this needs to be corrected for future weeks. I think you'll agree though that the home straight stand doesn't lend itself to good camera placement. With the roof being pretty inaccessible it really needs a permanent platform built underneath it but clear of the crowd, as at many football grounds. Many meany years ago we tried to tackle the problem by putting up a scaffolding tower to cover an England v USA test match but rather than accept the slight inconvenience and moving for one week to a different seat the home supporters kicked up a fuss. We were allowed by Reg Fearman to continue only if I agreed to do the commentary lying-down, this after previously agreeing to the tower. It was of tubular scaffolding structure so hardly a solid block! Anyway I tried to deliver a decent job lying down, then the ITV crew arrived. It was just one camera plus minimal ITV support, which for them was about a dozen support staff. A couple of them mounted the tower to share with us. The crowd started baying for blood. Reg Fearman climbed the tower, asked "whose tower?" My producer confirmed it was ours so he threw ITV out. As the cameraman climbed down to be 'greeted' by the hostile locals he was shoutingf back "Well, it won't be on World of Sport now!". England were hammered 39-69 in a dull match. When we reported back to our client, the series sponsor, they were far from impressed and after some disgusting behaviour by the then Belle Vue promotion to them in another test for some odd reason pulled the plug on speedway sponsorship for good. In more recent times a low level view has had to be used. I can see why BT tried this back of stand option but as flagrag says the roof and stanchions being in shot made it the same bad choice that made us a hire a tower 35 years ago.... They're hopefully learning from their errors. Once again though the quality of interview and pit analysis was worlds away from "so, what changes are you going to make" x14. Steve Brandon's interview drawing out just how affected Hans Andersen was superb as was Natalie and Kelvin's conversation with Lemon and Cook post match. I've noticed Kelvin's analysis and composure away from the commentary box has matured superbly in recent seasons and he seems to be fully 'flowering' under the new regime. As for in the box, old Sky habits need to be forgotten by both him and his partner. This is a very different approach. Shame about the track. I hadn't realised standards ant Poole had slumped to such depths. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flagrag Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Having been down to Poole a couple of times I know the problems that can occur with the stands and views. Sky's coverage used to be done by platform from the grandstand roof without problems. The same camera angle was used at Belle Vue last week too so does seem more of a choice issue I do wonder if BT have done any site visits to check out camera angles and facilities available. The actual on screen production is ok but last night with the bright sunlight it showed up the older kit that is being used this year. From what I know CloudBass who are BTs OB partner for Speedway British league is using the same truck and equipment that used to be used for Sky's coverage back in 2009 so obviously technology has advanced a lot in this time. You will notice a big difference on Saturday where BT are the host broadcaster for BSI with a full UHD production so will be more than what has been expected 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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