After yet another Ferrari steamroller, some positive news emerged from the Italian GP in the form of new proposals on F1 TV coverage. Following confirmation that TV viewing figures have been steadily falling all season, particularly in F1's core markets, Bernie Ecclestone has finally bitten the bullet over digital/terrestrial debate. The F1 ringmaster has made tentative proposals to teams to give terrestrial channels access to previously exclusive digital TV feeds, offering them more cameras and highlights than before.
MOTORSPORTFORUM raised the topic of dwindling TV viewing figures a while back. The main issue then was the problem of continuing manufacturer unrest about the TV coverage of F1, set against the backdrop of their increasing control over the sport's top teams. The loss of one or two major manufacturers could damage the sport severely. However, with these new proposals its appears F1 has taken note of the trend in falling TV audiences and the potential damage that could be inflicted if the powerful manufacturers are not appeased.
There will be problems along the way before the ordinary, non-paying viewer gets a better service but the moves are vitally important for securing the long-term future of the sport. This is mostly because F1 seems unwilling to make the fundamental changes to regulations that would really spice up the 'show'. Without these changes the spectacle of F1 itself is unlikely to change, with one or two teams dominating. Therefore enhancing the 'product' (in this case TV coverage of F1) is a decent, albeit short term, attempt to resolve the issue of flagging interest. The main problem though is the likelihood that teams will have to trade off reduced TV revenue in the short term against enhanced long-term prospects.
Handing over the digital feed to terrestrial channels will reduce the attraction of the digital service in the first instance. Undoubtedly this will affect subscription rates that are already low and reduce the revenue from this service. Some observers believe that teams may balk at the prospect of lower TV revenues as a result of the 'watering down' of the digital service but this seems ridiculous.
Teams get the majority of their cash from sponsorship deals and attracting sponsors will not be easy if TV viewing figures continue to dwindle (quite apart from the fact attendances at actual races are down also). Consider this alongside the ever-increasing manufacturer interest in the sport and access for all TV viewers to good quality F1 coverage seems like something that F1 must achieve. The power held by manufacturers over F1 at present cannot be underestimated, even by someone as powerful as Bernie Ecclestone.
Ultimately, Ecclestone's digital dream was a step too far for F1. It may work in the future under different circumstances but at present the sport of F1 must ensure for its long-term survival that everyone who wants to watch the sport, can. These proposals are a step in the right direction and maybe after the next processional race Bernie might even go a step further and bite the bullet over changes to technical regulations as well...
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