yep but nothing to do with it being on the BBC in the big scheme of things. That Dave Brailsford had a big impact with his performance program.
The Open on Sky - It's official
- Thread starter Wildrover
- Start date
yep but nothing to do with it being on the BBC in the big scheme of things. That Dave Brailsford had a big impact with his performance program.
Jimaroid
Journeyman Pro
The successes we had were the result of over ten years of investment, coaching and the determination of a few key people. TV only shows results, it doesn't show the real work involved in getting people to that performance level.
Kids get into cycling because it's fun and a family activity. Cycling has become more accessible to more people because it's gotten cheaper. TV has done nothing to make cycling more accessible to more people, Chinese manufacturers have had more influence on cycling than any TV broadcaster ever has.
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
Sorry but watching the likes of Broadman , Hoy and Wiggins has inspired people to take up the sport - people have watched those people be successful
Whilst it hard to find a link to success from the sport being on the telly it shouldn't be dismissed the impact the sport has on people when they watch them on telly
The likes of Trott, Kenny and even Pendalton were inspired by watching British Cyclists be successful
Cycling started a big boost after people watched Chris Boardman win Olympic gold and then people followed on after that
The power of watching someone win should never be under estimated
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Yep, British cycling has enjoyed success because of investment which got the sport in this country onto a level playing field, in terms of professionalism etc, with the traditional European powers.
As for tv, no-one has said that tv has made cycling more accessible. Rather, the point that was originally made was that Sky have set up a number of initiatives, such as the Sky Ride, with the theory that they could do something similar with golf, since they got involved with sponsoring a cycling team and that British success has led to the sport becoming popular and witnessed increased participation. The exposure gained from the sport being on terrestrial tv (Olympics, TDF) has probably helped the sport become popular. Popular is different to accessible.
Jimaroid
Journeyman Pro
Obviously I'm not saying that TV doesn't have an affect, it's just not the be all and end all that a lot of people think it is. Where do audiences for sports develop? They start in fields and clubs and run down stadiums and the freezing cold and in the back of magazines and newsletters because a few dedicated people believe in their sport. Behind all growing sports you'll find a few key people who have a plan and work hard to achieve success for their belief in it. TV is just one part of a big problem and all it really cares about is the audience a sport can bring to satisfy viewing figures. Those audiences and dedicated people aren't created because of TV, they exist despite TV. That's what happened with cycling.
I'm happy and really don't see the issue. You either pay to watch it on one of the various platforms or you don't but there's still the option to watch it any number of pubs, golf clubs etc that will undoubtedly be showing it
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Good. But many are obviously not.
As for watching it elsewhere, I refer you to post #179.
Well we watched some of the RC at Cuddington and it was a cracking atmosphere and last year my club put a comp on in the morning and pushed food etc to get people to stay and watch the final round. Cracking atmosphere and I don't see a problem watching it with like minded fellow golfers
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Not everyone can roll up to their local club to watch the golf. Imagine if you werent a golfer and a member of the local club. Do you think you would rock up just to watch the Open? As i said earlier in the thread, some people seem to struggle differentiating between what is good for them and what is good for the game.
Think its god for the game too dependant of course on how the R&A deem to invest the extra revenue. However, even if you aren't a member of a club it'll be on at muni's or ranges. It's about how much you want to watch it. It's on Sky whether you like it or not and the extra revenue has given the R&A a once in a generation opportunity to do something fantastic to leave a lasting legacy at grass root level. It's down to you if you want to watch it and how much you're prepared to put yourself out to do so. Think we're at polar opposites on this so I'll leave it here and agree to disagree
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
I'm not convinced the R&A will use this once in a generation opportunity though. One could argue that they are in part to blame for the portrayed image of the game in this country and how this image effects the falling participation. (I shall add the caveat that this is obviously not the only reason why people aren't playing the game. Prices may go down as well as up etc. T's and C's apply)
Jungle
Head Pro
Will never happen.
The whole structure of a four day golfing event just doesn't fit well with a PPV.
Sky would much prefer you picked up Sports in April and kept it right through to the US PGA, if not beyond.
NWJocko
Tour Winner
Once in a generation!?
My biggest problem with it is that, if the R&A were entertaining Sky they should have got a lot more for the rights than ey have.
The increase really isn't enough to make a massive difference IMO.
I don't like it being only on Sky but, as I say, if it was going to be they should have negotiated a far better price......
SAPCOR1
Journeyman Pro
Is that not exactly the same being able to watch the Open on BBC? Differentiating what is good for them and good for the game?
SAPCOR1
Journeyman Pro
If you put something out to tender you don't turn down the highest bid!
NWJocko
Tour Winner
Surely we're not naive enough to think that when something is out for tender you aren't talking to the likely winners?
R&A could easily have approached Sky to "agree" a price at which they would win that would suit Sky (having all rights) but compensated R&A for the downsides/fallout they have to deal with?
Formula One motor racing is seen regularly on the BBC. Golf is mostly on Sky Sports! QED!
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Well, possibly. But at least on the beeb there is/was the potential (a crucial word) for reaching a wider audience. My point was that people with Sky are saying they cant see the problem. Well, of course they cant. There isnt a problem for them.
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
And driving a car at high speed is predictably seen as more glamorous than driving a golf ball!
Smiffy
Grand Slam Winner
Only 10 of the 20 races this season will be shown on BBC. The other 10 will be highlights.
Even the opening race (Melbourne) isn't being shown, which is a joke!
Fine for the "average" race watcher, but for "true" fans who want to watch each race unfold "as it happens" the only option is Sky.
If you asked most lads what they would rather be, an F1 racer or a golfer, what would the answer be from about 95% of them?
Catering for the masses.
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