By johnhunt92 -
December 2nd 2009 @ 4:58am
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Loading ...By charging for Olympics, Foxtel shows its true colours
Double standards are really killing me at the moment. Channel Seven was wildly criticised for its Olympic coverage last year, yet I have not heard one iota of anger at Foxtel’s decision to make viewers pay extra to watch the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Paying extra for the Olympics is a cardinal sin.
It is worse than Seven’s coverage, which at times last year was a shambles.
To make me (a loyal Olympic viewer) or others pay $60 a month, plus $50 extra, is nothing short of a criminal offence. The Olympic coverage Foxtel provides should not become pay-per-view after signing up for Pay-TV.
Foxtel doesn’t really have big money issues.
It is not sending its own commentary team: it will share with Channel Nine. So apart from hosts, the coverage will be exactly the same as Nine, yet is expects people to pay $50 extra for some extended coverage.
All I can say is that it looks like it will fail as why would you pay for something you get for free.
Pay doesn’t equal better sports promotion.
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Gatto Nero said | December 2nd 2009 @ 5:24am | Report comment
Foxtel has to pay for the rights to the Olympics, so what does is matter that they pass that cost on to their viewers? If you’re that keen to watch the Olympics, stop being such a tight arse. It amazes me that Aussies think the Olympics to be some special event that is sacred, when they are no more special than any other sporting tournament.
Freud of Football said | December 2nd 2009 @ 6:53am | Report comment
What drivel is this? Firstly, you’d be paying for the Winter Olympics, not the “Olympics” as you referred to it numerous times, from memory Australia’s proud history at the Winter games consists of 6 medals? Yes, 6 medals in how many games? And just how many people in Australia give a rats about the skeleton or the bobsleigh?
Seriously stop whinging, if you want to watch niche sports – and my word the winter olympics couldn’t be any more niche in Australia – then you’re gonna have to pay for it, Fox isn’t a charity, it’s a business that provides you with a service.
If you’re really so concerned, write them a letter but don’t go crying about it here.
Pippinu said | December 2nd 2009 @ 8:43am | Report comment
Is there such a thing as the Winter Olympics?
Tom said | December 2nd 2009 @ 9:24am | Report comment
Hang on, if channel 9 are covering the games on free to air, what’s the problem? Why wouldn’t any reasonable sports fans expect to have to pay extra for extended coverage?
Without knowing, I would guess the extended coverage would be a feed off an international network, rather than a copy of channel 9’s free to air content.
Chop said | December 3rd 2009 @ 3:17pm | Report comment
FOX are using the Channel 9 commentators and international feed, BUT they are showing all 4 venues on different channels….Simple solution is don’t pay for it if you don’t think it’s value for money.
I have FOX and love it, I pay for the sport and when the Rugby codes start again I will pay for the HD channels.
It’s called a market economy, if you think you will get a sufficient return on your payment, then buy it, otherwise watch Channel 9’s coverage for free.
Mushi said | December 2nd 2009 @ 12:28pm | Report comment
What you need to pay money for things – outrage!!!
when will the fat cats learn – free is the new profit
Campbell Watts said | December 3rd 2009 @ 2:32pm | Report comment
Guy’s – I’m with JohnHunt here!!!
FOXTEL are a bunch of pricks don’t doubt it!
When I subscribed there were no adds – thats what they sold it on. Now it’s full of adds and we have to pay for the privilege of watching them?
I paid the $$ for the Green fight last night – after spending quite some time wading around their website trying to find out how much it was ($49.95 it said) the bastards have charged me $59 on my credit card.
Turns out they didn’t have the price on their site – it sent you to the Mainevent site – in the USA thus US$ quoted.
Most missleading I think and I shall be complaining!
Art Sapphire said | December 3rd 2009 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
$59 for One Round of boxing. Ouch!!
At least the Winter Olympics last a bit longer
Pity that SBS is not the complimentary broadcaster for the Winter Olympics, like they were for the last Summer Olympics.
It would have been good for the general public to have the oppotunity to watch some high class ice-hockey matches, considering its Canada’s national sport and this is the equivalent of their World Cup.
albatross said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:19am | Report comment
Mayhem on Ice has a world cup: the World Cup of Hockey (formerly the Canada Cup).
It’s been in a bit of a hiatus but it’ll be back in 2011.
They also have a World Ice Hockey Championships
It’s quite confusing. A bit like the game really.
Bruce said | January 14th 2010 @ 3:22pm | Report comment
FTA coverage of the olympics is hopeless and full of adds
Channel 9 will cover about 300 hours of the winter olympics… where as FOXTEL will cover 1100 hours of 24-7 uninterrupted action on 4 different channels, which are completely interactive including live stats and tally’s on screen, as well as having it in high definition! It gives people a choice, for big sports fans!
Dont want it… then dont whinge!