There is lots of after the fact rationalisation going on for Sharples decision (approved by Key but not Cabinet) to subsidise the Maori TV bid for the rights to RWC. I’ve blogged previously on the issue and the spin but Sharples and Flavell are now getting to the stage of just looking foolish.
What they are now trying to say is that it is just an arrangement to show ads and short programmes that feature Maori businesses so they get international exposure during the RWC. And that it will happen over the two years leading up to the cup as well. Lets just leave to one side for now the fact the MTV has bid for the domestic free to air rights – so no international exposure and no exposure to the 70% of us who prefer really live broadcasts not interupted by ads that cause the game to finish later than for everyone else.
But lets look at the question of what is being bought. It can be one of two things. The production of $3m worth of short programmes – which would mean nothing left for RWC bid or RWC production therefore no relationship whatsoever with RWC bid. Or $3m to pay for advertising slots for short programmes and promotions that MTV would in any other circumstance put on the air for free if given them.
Whatever approach it doesn’t add up. That is one of the problems when rapidly cobbled together after the fact rationalisation gets a bit of analysis.
It is going to be great to see the “contract” between TPK and MTV agreed to before this bid was lodged. Very interesting to look at the timing.
And why oh why did Key say yes to Pita?
Trevor after having some reflection on this matter I have to say I think Pita is actually on the money.
I don’t know what the charter for MTV says, but I’m thinking that having the rights to the RWC is commercially a very very good thing for them. It will raise their profile enormously, draw huge audiences, and attract advertisers.
LabRat – there is much evidence to suggest that audiences for these sorts of events will watch the channel to view the matches they wish to see then immediately go back to their old viewing patterns.
I can see why the Maori Party has pushed MTS to pursue this course. My real concern is the pressure on MTS to improve its coverage within the next two years. MTS is still a relatively young broadcaster. There are many other issues they should be focussing on at present and covering an arbitrary 15% extra of the country isn’t one of them.
LabRat and Tigger – I don’t have any issue with MTV bidding – I think it is great that they are in there keeping the big boys honest. It is the matter of the process involved, politicians making thec commercial decisions and the additional taxpayers funds that i object to.
You do have to admire MTV for the way they have manipulated Sharples and TPK.
Trevor, keep up the good work. The government is in cover-up mode, and the MSM is asleep at the wheel, as usual. There is so much wrong with this TPK MTS deal that it’s difficult to know where to start. At some stage, I guess, there will need to be a formal inquiry into this gold-plated rort, but in the meantime, you’re it.
Trev – agreed. And the more ’stories’ we get from the Maori Party about what the money is for the more shonky the whole thing looks. Which is disappointing because I can see what MTS is trying to do for itself and I know most of us would support that wholeheartedly.
I cant help wondering if FreeView boxes for those areas which cannot receive Maori TV will be added to the home insulation deal Pita has come up with the government. I also shudder at the thought of Keith Quinn being dredged up also – surely MTS can come up with someone already connected to MTS.
Isnt there a whole gravy train when you win broadcast rights, whether local of international. The ’sponsors’ want private boxes, truck loads of tickets to give away or sell at face value ( and to the big games).
I be it wont be the individual maori whos sucess would highlighted that would be in line for this . It would be MTS , TPK and the Maori party who would be partying hard
Trev:
To clarify
” …….politicians making thec commercial decisions and the additional taxpayers funds that i object to”
Are you saying that it was a politician that broke the idea of pitching for the rights? Thats what you are implying. How do you know this?
Cheers mate.
It was Sharples who made the decision to commit TPK funds, without a proper process. Wasn’t and shouldn’t be his call to make.
Trev, can you clarify your comment TPK’s support for the bid was “approved by Key but not Cabinet” in light of Sharples’ statement below.
“Dr Sharples, who is also the Maori Party co-leader, told Radio Waatea yesterday that he regretted not having talked to Mr Key and Mr English – the other minister responsible for Maori Television.
He said he had previously written to Mr English about the fact that Maori Television was going to bid for the rights and that Te Puni Kokiri “might be supporting it”.
“But a detailed conversation with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister I did not have and I regret that,” he said.”
It seems either you have overstated things a bit in your post, or Sharples is being deceitful. I doubt the latter.
Not consistent with either the advice I have received or Key on TV monday morning.
Trev, I have had a look at Key on Breakfast and he doesn’t say anything of the sort.
“I didn’t discuss it, they didn’t bring it to me” at 5:00 and
“First I heard was when bid had been put it.” at 7:03.
Given Sharple’s position seems identical, I have to say it looks like your sources have wrong, unless all are lying together. It seems so far Key knew nothing. Hope you haven’t overplayed this hand.
http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/breakfast-monday-october-5-3047043/video?vid=3047070