We don't have anything except hearsay as we don't have the official info from Sky.
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We don't have anything except hearsay as we don't have the official info from Sky.
I doubt that even the decision makers at Sky have definitive plans for 2014 yet, so I'd take that hearsay with a pinch of salt. I reckon it hinges on what the BBC do and the terms of the new Concorde agreement. If a FTA clause remains once the BBC's contract expires (or they get bored) then Sky may either keep the F1 channel free or subcontract some races out to other broadcasters for a healthy fee.
However if - as increasingly likely - Concorde no longer contains such a clause then I suspect Sky will fully incorporate their F1 coverage into their premium sports lineup. If the teams are getting an increased share of the TV money then the certain drop in UK viewing figures won't be an issue for them, especially if they're seeing an uplift in viewers in emerging markets. As consumers we'll either suck it and pay the money, or find (ahem) other ways of watching.
I find it hard to believe there won't be at least some F1 on FTA even just highlights.
If it were all on Sky Sports it would be difficult for me as I don't want to pay yet can I run an F1 forum without ever watching F1?!
If F1 disappears off FTA television I won't have any need for an F1 forum either. I won't be going to silly efforts to watch illegally and I certainly won't be paying silly amounts to Sky. They are about to build a race track within a few miles of my house so I'll find an alternative form of motorsport to watch. I think the sad truth is places like this will be dead if the F1 goes off TV completely.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
Silly efforts? Last year the visiting in-laws wanted to watch a Premiership match that wasn't even on Sky and it took, ooh, nearly 10 seconds to have it on the TV in reasonable picture quality and with English commentary, albeit with a heavy middle-eastern accent ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by henners88
Is there no option in the UK of watching it on RTL? Their race coverage is pretty good, albeit littered with ads. Gives one the opportunity to do a bit of language learning as well. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by henners88
Well if it really is that easy then I may ask your advice then Dave :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave B
Having said that I've had access to Sky for the past year on my laptop and only used it maybe 3 times. I like to watch delayed rather than live if given the choice.
I know a couple of people who bought dishes from B&Q for around a 100 quid and receive RTL whilst listening to 5Live coverage. The other hurdle I have is my wife who doesn't like the thought of a satellite dish on the outside of our house. I'd rather use the internet if possible. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by EuroTroll
No one (in their right mind) would consider you making the right choice - based on financials - for you and your family. That we have such a forum is a benefit, and no-one will think any less of the administrator if he does not pay through the nose just for the benefit of watching F1 live.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
He may not be interested in hosting a forum if it gets to that though that's the danger. I doubt I would want to monitor a forum and pay out money to host the site just so others can continue to talk about a sport I used to watch. Lets hope Sky are forced to drop the coverage through lack of interest in a few years and it can get back on TV properly. We all know Sky do a decent job, but its not a healthy option for keeping the sport popular for future generations. Fingers crossed they see sense and soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by SGWilko
you missed out on the Virgin media package available here in the UK.I must add im on Virgin and it stinks at £22 to be able to watch F1 per month, over twice what it would cost on sky. I wont be subscribing as I have other sports to do on sundays so when i get home I will watch the hightlights on BBC.