Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35664678)

Sorry to sound thick Andy but could you explain ?

Upon reading posts back would I be right in assuming your referring to the failed BSKYB takeover by News Corp due to the hacking scandal ?

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35664765)

No, I was referring to the point made at the bottom of the article posted by Old Boy immediately above my post. It was a throwaway if anything.

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35664770)

Thanks for that Andy.

I still believe something will happen with BSKYB , its certainly needed in my view if they are to compete with the deep pocketed BT for future sporting rights , just my opinion of course but I wouldn't at all be shocked to see 21st Century Fox snap Sky up.

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35664770)

Thanks for that Andy.

I still believe something will happen with BSKYB , its certainly needed in my view if they are to compete with the deep pocketed BT for future sporting rights , just my opinion of course but I wouldn't at all be shocked to see 21st Century Fox snap Sky up.

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35664770)

Thanks for that Andy.

I still believe something will happen with BSKYB , its certainly needed in my view if they are to compete with the deep pocketed BT for future sporting rights , just my opinion of course but I wouldn't at all be shocked to see 21st Century Fox snap Sky up.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35664799)

Shocked? I'd be astounded!:shocked:

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35664881)

Really !!!

With your success on predictions that must make it a near certainty to happen :D

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35664881)

Really !!!

With your success on predictions that must make it a near certainty to happen :D

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35664924)

Ha, ha! I would remind you I was right on BT Sport and the channel that shall not be named has only been delayed for a bit.:erm:;)

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35664924)

the channel that shall not be named

Originally Posted by smallclone (Post 35664938)

I think I'll have a rest from premium sports channels from May to September this year.

I have alternate means of watching live channels (at the pub or round a mate's etc etc) but I'll only really lose the ability to record. Besides, it's world cup year and I'll only really miss the cricket and golf.

Should save me over £100 and I plan to do it every Summer if it works.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35664942)

Now l hope we ain't going to see handbags being thrown at each other again today.;)

---------- Post added at 13:16 ---------- Previous post was at 13:14 ----------



Indeed that's a excellent idea as the only thing we will follow on Sky is the cricket in the summer and there is always TMS as a replacement for that.

Originally Posted by smallclone (Post 35664938)

I think I'll have a rest from premium sports channels from May to September this year.

I have alternate means of watching live channels (at the pub or round a mate's etc etc) but I'll only really lose the ability to record. Besides, it's world cup year and I'll only really miss the cricket and golf.

Should save me over £100 and I plan to do it every Summer if it works.

Originally Posted by smallclone (Post 35664938)

I think I'll have a rest from premium sports channels from May to September this year.

I have alternate means of watching live channels (at the pub or round a mate's etc etc) but I'll only really lose the ability to record. Besides, it's world cup year and I'll only really miss the cricket and golf.

Should save me over £100 and I plan to do it every Summer if it works.

Originally Posted by TonyM19 (Post 35665078)

I cancelled Sky Sports at the end of the Rugby League season. I've been threatening to do so for the last few years but took the plunge this year. I haven't missed it one iota. I'm considering just going with Premier Sports (for the NRL) and not bothering with Sky Sports at all

Originally Posted by smallclone (Post 35665347)

Are you in to any other sports though? I might end up turning it back on for the Rugby Championship in August, as I'll miss that.

Originally Posted by Gunslinger (Post 35665685)

Looks like another major player is emerging for the next round of sports rights. Interesting times...

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...ague-tv-rights

Originally Posted by Gunslinger (Post 35665685)

Looks like another major player is emerging for the next round of sports rights. Interesting times...

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...ague-tv-rights

Originally Posted by thenry (Post 35665781)

fantastic! he's a million times better than Owen and thats saying something!

Originally Posted by thenry (Post 35665781)

fantastic! he's a million times better than Owen and thats saying something!

Originally Posted by Mad Max (Post 35665801)

He's brilliant, the biggest mistake S£Y have ever done!

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35665864)

Looks like someone has the crystal ball out again :D

Originally Posted by Gunslinger (Post 35665685)

Looks like another major player is emerging for the next round of sports rights. Interesting times...

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...ague-tv-rights

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35666138)

Do Virgin offer just SKY Sports 1 & 2, rather than the full SKY Sports pack, if you call up and ask for it? If so, how much is it with Essential Family / Premium.

Originally Posted by spiderplant (Post 35666164)

Yes, that combination is available, but I can't help with the pricing. Best to ring up about that.

Originally Posted by GordonJ (Post 35666563)

Is ESPN HD down for anyone else? :(

Originally Posted by GordonJ (Post 35666563)

Is ESPN HD down for anyone else? :(

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35666610)

Try rebooting and see if that restores the channel for you.

Originally Posted by Doug P (Post 35667362)

Superleague tied up with Sky until 2021 is great news for the game imo....

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35667376)

What about the majority of people who cannot afford subscriptions to Sky Sports who are big Super League fans.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35667376)

What about the majority of people who cannot afford subscriptions to Sky Sports who are big Super League fans.

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35667400)

Go to the games?

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35667690)

BT revenues up on demand for broadband and sports TV.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25975695

http://www.theguardian.com/business/...venues-profits


Andy Gray's BT prospects threatened by release of new Sky video.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/...port-sky-video

Originally Posted by Doug P (Post 35667733)

Andy Gray is not my cup of tea. BT may regret employing him despite his knowledge of the game.

Originally Posted by Mad Max (Post 35667749)

Maybe not yours, but I thought he was the best commentator out there, by a mile! I think it's a great addition and strengthens BT's position.

Originally Posted by solitaire (Post 35667759)

I think Andy Gray is an excellent presenter, far better than Owen. It looks like someone has got it in for Gray releasing that video.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35667763)

One suspects Sky aimed this squarely with the intention of doing damage to BT Sports in their ongoing battle.

Yes we all know Andy Gray is not perfect but there again nor are any of us.

Originally Posted by paultrademark (Post 35667765)

Can't believe so many of you are defending the sleazy womanising piece of crap that he has been shown to be, and that's probably only the stuff that's been discovered!

Originally Posted by paultrademark (Post 35667765)

Can't believe so many of you are defending the sleazy womanising piece of crap that he has been shown to be, and that's probably only the stuff that's been discovered!

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35667777)

l am not defending anything but really society that try's to preach the puritanical view generally can't preach it to themselves and are the biggest hypocrites of the lot.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35667664)

BT Sport set to go head to head with Sky over TV rights for cricket and golf

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cri...#ixzz2rxUZfJ4u

Originally Posted by harry_hitch (Post 35667886)

I know you are not defending him Den, but I am pleased to say I have never joined in with this behaviour, sober or otherwise. I went on holiday to South Tenerife many times when I was younger, and both myself and my friends found this type of behaviour rather boorish and childish and we tried hard to stay away from the groups of lads who would indulge in this type of behaviour. If I am out with work mates, and they try this behaviour I am always the stick in the mud who will not join in and will apologize to the females for my work mates behaviour - if they appear offended.

I try very hard to stick by the behaviours instilled in me by my parents and try to be a gentleman at all times.

Andy Gray (I imagine) would have been paid a considerable sum of money, and should have taken more responsibility. I wonder how long I would last at work if I asked some of the girls at work to "get their tits out for the lads" when they are not on the shop floor?

Terrible, terrible behaviour in my eyes.

I would be happy for Andy Gray (or anyone) to personally criticize any of my behaviours he/they may find offensive.

---------- Post added at 22:37 ---------- Previous post was at 22:30 ----------



Would be happy even if they only won one of those rights:)

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35667911)

The man is a tit

Originally Posted by Mad Max (Post 35667913)

Or just a tit man.......:D:D

Originally Posted by Mad Max (Post 35667749)

Maybe not yours, but I thought he was the best commentator out there, by a mile! I think it's a great addition and strengthens BT's position.

Originally Posted by Mad Max (Post 35667843)

A bit harsh i'd say, you've never heard anything like this before?

Originally Posted by harry_hitch (Post 35667886)

[/COLOR]

Would be happy even if they only won one of those rights:)

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35668083)

I don't condone Andy Gray's behaviour, but I can't begrudge him having a job, and I happen to think he's very good at it. If his behaviour in the workplace is unacceptable then his employers should act, as Sky did. But they should act in such a way that the matter is concluded to the satisfaction of all concerned, not leave room for a future smear campaign when he has the front to seek alternative employer with somebody who just happens to be your main competitor. That's pretty poor behaviour too, in my book.

Originally Posted by colin25 (Post 35668006)

I would be unconcerned for both, neither excites me

Originally Posted by Doug P (Post 35667946)

I pointed out he is a good commentator. He can also be in idiot. Hence I feel BT will regret his employment as he will be an idiot again.

Originally Posted by Mad Max (Post 35668306)

You don't know that!

Originally Posted by Doug P (Post 35668745)

Know no. Somehow I feel it will happen.

Originally Posted by Mad Max (Post 35668793)

I disagree, he was stitched up, and i'm pretty sure he'll have learned from that!

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35669027)

This is interesting, particularly:

'If Liberty Global and Discovery were to secure the Formula One voting rights, they will effectively be able to determine which television company gets the broadcasting rights when they next come up for offer. Liberty could use them to boost Virgin Media, but it may prefer to take BT’s cash, and use BT’s burgeoning television platform as the most efficient way to put a dent in the BSkyB empire.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...-F1-stake.html

This should enable Liberty/Virgin Media to exercise some leverage over Sky, if it comes off that is.

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35669030)

I think they are trying to secure it to broadcast on Eurosport, following Discovery Communications taking control. Own the F1, broadcast it yourself accross the whole of Europe on any already established Europe wide channel. Imagine the advertising revenue they could generate.

Originally Posted by Anypermitedroute (Post 35669037)

F1 has survived for many years on FTA TV not just here but in other countries in europe and still has a deal (joint albeit due to investing in the voice ahem sorry cutbacks) with BBC so I wouldnt rule out a joint Eutosport and FTA TV as they currently have many deal s in place with for example with Snooker, Darts and cycling to name three.

Eurosport model also does rely on SKY however as platform to broadcasts.

Also, would technically define Eurosport as free?

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35669600)

It's free to view, but not free to air.

I'd obviously welcome this, and it's nice to see Sky Sports fighting on two fronts, but realistically I see Sky breaking the bank to maintain its position and the viewer picking up the tab.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35669609)

This.

Originally Posted by alwaysabear (Post 35669709)

I believe that Sky have the rights for a good few years yet, so any change would have to wait until then.
More interesting for me is the fact that both CEO of Sky and BT were at the Super Bowl , so maybe we could see some changes of rights for the NFL in 2015.

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35669600)

It's free to view, but not free to air.

I'd obviously welcome this, and it's nice to see Sky Sports fighting on two fronts, but realistically I see Sky breaking the bank to maintain its position and the viewer picking up the tab.

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35669600)

It's free to view, but not free to air.

I'd obviously welcome this, and it's nice to see Sky Sports fighting on two fronts, but realistically I see Sky breaking the bank to maintain its position and the viewer picking up the tab.

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35669713)

I actually don't like the sound of that :(

I have no issues with BT trying to outbid Sky however I do hope the NFL doesn't go down the same route as the EPL and put all NFL games broadcast in the UK behind a paywall.

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35670164)

Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash pours scorn on Super League TV deal

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/201...alford-rfl-sky

Wigan Warriors: Ian Lenagan blasts Super League TV deal

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/26023136

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35670886)

The Times are reporting Sky will announce a new deal today for USPGA golf taking the rights to 2022.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35671001)

Sky Sports agrees new seven-year deal to show live PGA Tour events until 2022.

http://www1.skysports.com/news/12232...nts-until-2022

Lets hope this went out to proper tendering because if it has not then its just another example of Sky being too close to sports bodies and thus having too much pervasive and close influence with them.

Originally Posted by colin25 (Post 35671007)

Den.

I hope that is based on some sort of fact, and not just another example of a scurrilous rumour you are starting.

See how i did that. Making an accusation without any substance. You taught me well Den master :D

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35671017)

l am just putting both sides to a story and if it has gone out to a proper tendering that all is fair in love and in war but if not then l think questions need to be asked as have been with regards to the rugby league deal by certain chairman.

It does seem strange that ever since BT announced the Champions league deal then Sky in the space of the month have announced 7 new sports rights deals and l do hope that the course of rights going out to proper tendering is being done in the right and correct manner and hope that some cosy deals are not being done hear without the proper due processes taking place.

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35671026)

I think you'll find Den if you read the article again that the Super League put the deal to the club owners to vote , obviously the majority accepted.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35671017)

It does seem strange that ever since BT announced the Champions league deal then Sky in the space of the month have announced 7 new sports rights deals and l do hope that the course of rights going out to proper tendering is being done in the right and correct manner and hope that some cosy deals are not being done hear without the proper due processes taking place.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35671030)

Yes l read the article right through but just because the majority agreed does not mean the right tendering processes were followed MM because as we have already seen in many sports is that we have people in the higher echeleons who are too close to the head honcho's in Sky's top brass and you know that as well as l do.

l am not having a go at Sky but l am questioning whether the right processes are being followed as there is nothing wrong in asking the question.