The Oscar winning Rabbit asks: where’s the Bugs Money?

 

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By spud murphy, 10 Jul 2008 spud murphy is a Roar Rookie

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 David Gallop, Russell Crowe, South Sydney

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Russell’s crowing again, but this time I think Rusty has nailed it. Just for the record, I should mention that I have absolutely no knowledge about any of the negotiations between the NRL and News Ltd and am talking out of my proverbial. But I am a good guesser.

It seems that the NRL delivers a large audience to News Ltd, but accepted a deal worth $280 million less than the AFL had successfully negotiated.

Why?

Media monopolies can be a dangerous thing, not the least of which is the exclusive manipulation of public opinion they can effect.

Any type of monopoly can “call the shots” as they wish without fear nor favour.

A lack of competition in any industry can manifest itself in the form of unfair terms and practices of trade, inflated pricing, sub-standard service, and so on.

The biggest problem with monopolies is that they can afford an attitude of “take it or leave it”. Nothing is negotiable and equity takes a back seat to self-interest and self indulgence.

Now, I’m only throwing this out there, but could it be that News Ltd hold all the cards? Could it be that they alone will ultimately determine who wins the war for “bums on seats”?

Its not exactly conspiratorial to think they might use this exclusive “power of the press” to hold all the codes at ransom until they decide which of the codes has the brightest future. Then, of course, they’ll buy it.

Or do they create a future for the most congenial code as a reward for good behaviour and then buy it?

I hope News Ltd doesn’t buy the sport of synchronised swimming any time soon or my IQ – or at least what i have left of it – will be returned to Fox immediately.

All of this can be done covertly, in baby steps, so as not to alert the public and outrage the fans in case of a pre-emptive revolt.

We are not talking about a negligible difference either. $280 million is a substantial amount considering the total sum. And the fact that television rights are a primary revenue stream makes it even more impactful.

That sort of dough can make a difference at every level of the game.

Its not as if those savvy business heads at News Ltd are not aware of this fact.

To deny your best and brightest its justified dues in a time where every dollar is crucial to survival is either reprehensible or meaningful.

Either I’m right about News Ltd having their own agenda, or Mr Gallop is hardly a boardroom Gladiator. Perhaps both are true and News Ltd have just taken full advantage.

I reckon Russell Crowe should escort David Gallop to all NRL negotiations from now on.

And on Crowe’s command, Gallop should CHAAAAAAARRRGGGE News Ltd what he thinks it’s truly worth.

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