ARTICLE: Government back fans television call

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:49 pm

Burnley FC Supporters Groups update on latest regarding televising of games

See link
https://www.uptheclarets.com/government ... ision-call

Bordeauxclaret · Post by **Bordeauxclaret** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:53 pm

That’s bad news, they’ll be against it by tomorrow.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:00 pm

Good news. We need as much pressure as possible putting on the PL.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:00 pm

Bordeauxclaret wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:53 pm
That’s bad news, they’ll be against it by tomorrow.

Really is a huge step forward today with the #LetUsWatch campaign which targeted two influential members of the Government. Fantastic work by a number of people, beginning with my friend Kat from Spurs who started all this and has worked like a trojan to get us all involved, and then Michael at the FSA who has put everything together. Feel really humbled and proud to have worked with them all over the past couple of weeks on this. This battle is not won but I believe the Government intervention will really help and I also believe that 1/20th of the meeting tomorrow will be supporting the fans on this.

elwaclaret · Post by **elwaclaret** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:07 pm

Football remains profitable because of one thing fans.... if supporters cannot watch their teams they will find something else to do. Speedway got greedy moved away from fans into Grand Prix events and it very nearly killed the golden goose.

ksrclaret · Post by **ksrclaret** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:08 pm

Jesus, we don't want those buffoons getting involved. Can't be doing with another "mutant algorithm" g football up as well.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:12 pm

elwaclaret wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:07 pm
Football remains profitable because of one thing fans.... if supporters cannot watch their teams they will find something else to do. Speedway got greedy moved away from fans into Grand Prix events and it very nearly killed the golden goose.

And yet some of these clubs don’t seem to think so. We can only hope that there are enough clubs who will support this tomorrow at the meeting.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:35 pm

The Times on-line report today (or possibly 17th September, according to the by-line):

Premier League clubs could pull plug on blanket TV coverage

Martin Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter
Thursday September 17 2020, (sic) 12.00am, The Times

(I've underlined a para where Burnley get a mention).

Premier League clubs may resist intense pressure to have all fixtures televised while matches remain behind closed doors after being spooked by fears of more cash cuts.

The clubs’ concerns have deepened after it emerged that the top flight’s TV deal with China, one of the league’s biggest overseas broadcast contracts, could have to be terminated because of overdue payments.

Although the FA has paved the way for all top-flight games to be televised by suspending the Saturday 3pm blackout, worries over broadcast deals mean that some clubs are resisting a campaign for fans to be given access. A decision for the new season, which begins on September 12, is likely to be taken tomorrow at a meeting of Premier League chairmen.

One source with knowledge of the talks told The Times: “Clubs are spooked by the financial consequences of the Covid pandemic and it is proving hard to achieve a consensus.”

One of the factors is a £160 million payment from the Chinese broadcaster PPTV, owned by the company Suning, which has been overdue since April. The Premier League is exploring its options, but unless the money is paid soon it may be forced to terminate the £550 million three-year deal after only a year and sell the rights to another Chinese broadcaster.

Although Sky and BT Sport are ready to screen all the games for British audiences, some clubs fear that televising every match could lead to more rebates having to be paid to international broadcasters if kick-off times are moved, and potentially to the BBC and talkSPORT for the impact it would have on their highlights and radio shows.

If the existing TV schedule is maintained, it means that fans of clubs such as Newcastle United and Burnley would have the whole of September without being able to watch matches, either in the stadium or live on television. It would not affect supporters of the big six clubs, however, as all their games are being televised live.

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and many official fans’ groups launched a campaign today to have the matches televised and called on the government to intervene, saying that there will be no legal way for many to watch games.

The Premier League’s strong stand against illegal broadcasts was illustrated by its reluctance to approve the takeover of Newcastle by a Saudi-backed consortium amid claims that the Saudi government had been facilitating pirate broadcasts.

Kevin Miles, the chief executive of the FSA, said: “With the clock ticking towards the start of the new season, thousands of fans are still facing the prospect of not being able to watch their team play and, for some, it will be the first they will have missed in decades.

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, and the Premier League, the clubs and the broadcasters need to act to help fans affected by health conditions or Covid-related capacity restrictions.

“The fear is that this will drive law-abiding fans towards illegal broadcast streams, and particularly on Tyneside the feeling is quite strong that the Premier League has put a high value on not encouraging pirate broadcasts.”

Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, claimed credit for the Premier League making a third of matches free to air during Project Restart but ministers have not put any pressure to ensure that games next season are available on television while matches remain behind closed doors.

The FSA’s campaign, which has the hashtag #LETUSWATCH, does not call for matches to be free to air this time around and says that fans accept they may have to pay a subscription fee to watch them.

The meeting of club chairman is also expected to lead to new rules being drafted on how to decide the outcome of the season if it is curtailed again. A points-per-game system is certain to be used to determine league positions but the debate will be how many matches need to have been played before that system can be used.

EDIT: This/similar report may have been posted on MMT thread, especially the non-payment of Chinese TV monies. I'm sure Chester Perry and Roy Boy are more "on top" of these topics than I am.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:45 pm

Thanks Paul.

Things have move forward a bit today but no one is counting any chickens yet. Ultimately it will be the 20 clubs who decide. I wonder how many of them will put fans first.

clarethomer · Post by **clarethomer** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:31 pm

Fingers crossed and thank you CT for keeping us informed of the progress/work you are making with the other supporter groups/networks.

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:16 pm

How does this affect highlights programs such as MOTD?

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:18 pm

Pstotto wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:16 pm
How does this affect highlights programs such as MOTD?

I wouldn’t. They still have a deal to show the highlights.

Burnleyareback2 · Post by **Burnleyareback2** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:23 pm

And generally speaking we can expect around 2mins on MOTD per game unless beaten by a top 6 club.

Let’s hope this pressure works. I know that fans want to get back in the grounds but there must be a decent % who don’t want to risk it just yet. If the option of a part capacity ground and televised games are available there will be strong enough demand to fulfill both.

Chester Perry · Post by **Chester Perry** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:24 pm

Pstotto wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:16 pm
How does this affect highlights programs such as MOTD?

not at all

government officials just doing what politicians tend to do

I still believe this will have negative repercussions for future domestic TV deals, if it happens and the clubs certainly believe it to be so, but will they be able to withstand the pressure.

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:35 pm

I go to youtube now to avoid Linacre again... Highlights without the hysteria.

I think only selected games should be live, like it was before Covid.

Otherwise, it's football porn... Life as a pseudo-demigod and flick of switch dismissal at will at a selection rather than taking an event seriously.

claretburns · Post by **claretburns** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 8:55 am

The big worry is people being diverted towards pirate streams online. If Burnley games cannot be seen legally live on TV, then I will be one person heading to these sites to watch our games.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:20 am

claretburns wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 03, 2020 8:55 am
The big worry is people being diverted towards pirate streams online. If Burnley games cannot be seen legally live on TV, then I will be one person heading to these sites to watch our games.

Amazing isn't it? The Premier League work so hard in trying to stop the illegal streams yet currently are pushing so many supporters towards them with the situation as it is currently.

Hopefully some good news today but we are reliant on the twenty clubs showing some consideration for their supporters.

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:48 am

I'd be surprised if the games don't eventually end up on TV. I ordered Sky/BT Sports a while ago with that expectation and I reckon it will still be the case.

I wouldn't be surprised if the current delay isn't in part trying to negotiate with the BBC/talksport on one side and Sky Sports, etc on the other so that any compensation doesn't have to come from the Premier League.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:57 am

aggi wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:48 am
I'd be surprised if the games don't eventually end up on TV. I ordered Sky/BT Sports a while ago with that expectation and I reckon it will still be the case.

I wouldn't be surprised if the current delay isn't in part trying to negotiate with the BBC/talksport on one side and Sky Sports, etc on the other so that any compensation doesn't have to come from the Premier League.

Sky & BT are more than willing to show the games from the information I've received over the past couple of weeks. It is very much the clubs and the fear of losing international deals as much as anything. It's not a delay, the clubs threw it out, simple as that. We can only hope that the lobbying and Government pressure has altered the opinions of enough clubs.

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:03 am

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:57 am
Sky & BT are more than willing to show the games from the information I've received over the past couple of weeks. It is very much the clubs and the fear of losing international deals as much as anything. It's not a delay, the clubs threw it out, simple as that. We can only hope that the lobbying and Government pressure has altered the opinions of enough clubs.

Yes, I suspect the Premier League may be trying to get more money from Sky & BT for the additional rights (in part to compensate BBC/Talksport for the devaluation of their rights) which could be a sticking point.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:07 am

aggi wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:03 am
Yes, I suspect the Premier League may be trying to get more money from Sky & BT for the additional rights (in part to compensate BBC/Talksport for the devaluation of their rights) which could be a sticking point.

Not according to the domestic broadcasters - the concern is the international broadcasters and the unpaid fees from the Chinese broadcasting company. I don't believe there is any issue with Sky/BT at all.

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:39 am

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:57 am
Sky & BT are more than willing to show the games from the information I've received over the past couple of weeks. It is very much the clubs and the fear of losing international deals as much as anything. It's not a delay, the clubs threw it out, simple as that. We can only hope that the lobbying and Government pressure has altered the opinions of enough clubs.

Is there any information on which of the 20 PL clubs threw it out or was it unanimous?

CrosspoolClarets · Post by **CrosspoolClarets** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:47 am

If this happens it will be a big pat on the back for those who have worked hard to make it happen.

It is simply terrible not to be able to watch your team for a month (or more), especially given that Radio and Clarets Player doesn’t work very well without the fan atmosphere, its hard to know what is happening.

It is easy to knock the government but the good thing about having one who tries to be populist is that they are incentivised to give the voters what they want rather than always pandering to businesses - you won’t find many voters preferring no TV football coverage.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:52 am

Leisure wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:39 am
Is there any information on which of the 20 PL clubs threw it out or was it unanimous?

I don't think so. I'm told, but not substantiated, that Palace & West Ham were the two who were pushing for it at the last meeting.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:55 am

CrosspoolClarets wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:47 am
If this happens it will be a big pat on the back for those who have worked hard to make it happen.

It is simply terrible not to be able to watch your team for a month (or more), especially given that Radio and Clarets Player doesn’t work very well without the fan atmosphere, its hard to know what is happening.

It is easy to knock the government but the good thing about having one who tries to be populist is that they are incentivised to give the voters what they want rather than always pandering to businesses - you won’t find many voters preferring no TV football coverage.

Oliver Dowden and Nigel Huddleston must have wondered what had hit them yesterday with the twitter alerts but it had a direct effect. They quickly came out in support and have urged the Premier League into a rethink. Now we can do nothing but wait, it is all in the hands of those 20 clubs.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:46 pm

First news coming out of the meeting.

The Premier League have terminated the £523m deal with Chinese streaming service PPTV which gave them rights to all 380 games. The deal was struck in 2016 to run from 2019 to 2022 but the first payment of £160m, due in March, has never arrived.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:29 pm

Coming out of the meeting is that clubs have looked favourably at screening the games but no decision until a meeting next week.

Grumps · Post by **Grumps** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:50 pm

Excellent news

claretandy · Post by **claretandy** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:51 pm

Just been announced all games in september will be shown on TV.

Wellsy1882 · Post by **Wellsy1882** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:52 pm

all games on tv

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:56 pm

Martyn Ziegler has said it so will be correct. No confirmation yet from league.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:57 pm

At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs agreed that all 28 matches scheduled to be played in September will be broadcast live in the UK, via the League’s existing broadcasting partners

Full statement: https://t.co/3JL9FpwU8s https://t.co/fqEiTKgo15

Grumps · Post by **Grumps** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:58 pm

We're 7pm on the Sunday away at LCFC

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:59 pm

A start but no more, pressure has to be put on for subsequent months until grounds are fully reopened.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:00 pm

I think the Leicester game was always going to have to move to Sunday because I can't see the Sheffield United game being played until the Thursday.

claretandy · Post by **claretandy** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:06 pm

Leicester on BBC.

BenWickes · Post by **BenWickes** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:06 pm

That is good news.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:08 pm

Good news. Only a start but well done to all concerned who have applied the pressure and achieved this first victory.

Granny WeatherWax · Post by **Granny WeatherWax** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:08 pm

Well what a surprise

Duffer_ · Post by **Duffer_** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:09 pm

Well said Rowls. Well done Tony.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:13 pm

Duffer_ wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:09 pm
Well said Rowls. Well done Tony.

It feels like all the work put in over the last couple of weeks is starting to pay some dividends. But it has to continue until they agree to give us options to see games when we are not at full capacity. I'll be speaking with the groups at other clubs as soon as possible.

randomclaret2 · Post by **randomclaret2** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:27 pm

Sheff Utd Thursday

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:28 pm

randomclaret2 wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:27 pm
Sheff Utd Thursday

I mentioned that on Sunday after the draw - they play Monday night against Wolves so it was never going to be Tuesday or Wednesday. That was always going to put the Leicester game back to Sunday.

DAVETHEVICAR · Post by **DAVETHEVICAR** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:39 pm

Leicester v Burnley on BBC 1

Zlatan · Post by **Zlatan** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:41 pm

DAVETHEVICAR wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:39 pm
Leicester v Burnley on BBC 1

Tarkowski’s debut for his new club... good catch by the BBC for that

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:57 pm

It would have been mischievous of me to leave the subject as "Leicester."

On BBC 20 Sept, KO 19:00.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54076539

All 28 Premier League fixtures in September will be televised live, with Leicester City's home match against Burnley to be broadcast on the BBC.

Sky Sports and BT Sport had already selected 17 games for the first three matches rounds of the new season, which starts on Saturday.

Of the remaining 11, Sky will show six, BT Sport three, and the BBC and Amazon Prime will broadcast one each.

Leicester and Burnley will meet on 20 September with kick-off at 19:00 BST.

In a statement, the Premier League said it was "in discussions with BBC Radio 5 Live and Talksport to agree a similar solution for radio".

It added that it was "considering appropriate arrangements" for matches in October.

Football has been played behind closed doors since it resumed in June following the coronavirus lockdown.

Four Premier League matches were broadcast on the BBC at the end of the 2019-20 season.

It was the first time since the Premier League's inception in 1992 that games were shown live by the BBC.

The Premier League said it was "monitoring the developments" regarding its "number one priority" of getting fans back into full stadiums.

In August, fans were allowed into a Premier League stadium for the first time in almost six months, as 2,500 watched a friendly between Brighton and Chelsea.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 6:00 pm

Hadn't seen this previously but part of Premier League statement reads: "In consultation with all relevant stakeholders, the Premier League is considering appropriate arrangements for matches which will take place after 1 October. The Premier League is working on a step-by-step approach, while monitoring the developments regarding the League’s number one priority of getting fans back into full stadiums as soon as possible, with safety always being our priority."

Hopefully that will mean they are seriously considering continuing with some form of broadcasting during the period when the grounds are not full.

Zlatan · Post by **Zlatan** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 6:00 pm

We know, it’s on the other thread... Tarkowski’s debut for Leicester

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 6:02 pm

Paul Waine wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:57 pm
It would have been mischievous of me to leave the subject as "Leicester."

Or put, "Confirmed: Leicester bound".

huw.Y.WattfromWare · Post by **huw.Y.WattfromWare** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 6:06 pm

Lineker will be unbearable.