Where are we going with the Commonwealth Games. Is it important anymore?
Brendon Burns has put out a statement today on the televising of the Commonwealth Games and the abandoning of the TV rights by TVNZ. Interesting issue and one which gets really complicated when one considers sports funding and the convergence of broadcast and broadband going forward. I’m not sure that I am as worried as Brendon. Does show the inability of TVNZ to compete with Sky which probably goes to the top heavy nature of the company. And yes I was the Minister for a year.
But it also raises another question and that is the lack of attractiveness of the Commonwealth Games for broadcasters and especially those who rely on advertising income. It seems that people aren’t that interested.
That fits with the picture from the last games where the Victorians were unhappy with the international and even interstate visitor numbers. Sure some events were full but the expected tourist rush just didn’t happen.
And why? Because the event is not what is once was. I’ve got a number of friends who have competed and medalled in the past. But these days many athletes don’t take it as seriously as, for example, that years world champs for their sport. Too often it an event that is just part of a training programme, rather than the one to peak for. Why – because it isn’t where the money is. Sponsors in many sports don’t rate it because such a large proportion of the worlds’ best don’t go.
Don’t get me wrong. It is a great spectacle. Good place to for athletes from a range of sports to meet and bond. Good for potential Olympic winners to get experience of village type living. Good place for the former colonies to mix with the home countries. The Queen and her grandsons visit if you are into that.
But as we head into a bid for 2018 we need to keep our feet on the ground as to tourism and economic development benefits. If we do it, we do it for sport, and not much else.
Aw I like the commonwealth games. They should televise it. I’m pleased to see that disabled sport is getting a higher profile.
Whether you agree with Sky TV getting the Games coverage or not, there is no doubt that they can do a far more comprehensive job of coverage than TVNZ could. 5 channels of Comm Games versus just one? With TVNZ the number of live events would be very limited, most coverage would be delayed/highlights. With Sky TV’s ‘wallpaper’ approach at least people will be able to pick and choose what they want to watch (well those that can afford Sky TV will be able to anyway).
Chris – Prime will have free-to-air coverage of the Comm Games, so it should be on a par with previous games coverage. However, won’t be as good as the TVNZ Beijing Olympics coverga with two channels (although one would break for the News and Close up) and two internet streaming channels.
And I also wanted to make a proposal for the C-Games. Re-invent it as a Commonwealth Sports Games, have events only in the sports that are strong in the Commonwealth nations, but aren’t widely played elsewhere (Rugby, Netball, Snooker, etc.) And then open it up to all countries to compete in them.
Yes, this would mean dropping Athletics and Swimming, but these are the events that are second rate as the worlds best don’t attend.
Yes, this would mean dropping Athletics and Swimming, but these are the events that are second rate as the worlds best don’t attend.
i am not sure what planet you live on, but last time i checked the top middle/long distance athletics nation is Kenya. The top track cycling country Britain, and arguably the equal top swimming country is Australia…And i am not sure what olympics you were watching in 2008 but tvnz’s coverage was shocking. Ever see Toni Street interview anyone, and does keith Quinn actually know anything about the sports he commentates in?
If you want to talk sport Trevor, why not talk about (better still, do something about) the sporting topic du jour?
Balance deleted blantant trolling Trevor
I agree Commonwealth Games are boring. I am pleased that McCully and Snedden are toning down the ‘RWC is world’s 3rd biggest event’ that was so popular with Trev and Dalziel. Had they never heard of Euro football, Champ league, tour de France, College Basketball, World Track & Field, World Series, F1, Ashes, IPL?? on viewers and money they are all higher than RWC. Just cos it is beamed to Asia doesn’t mean anyone is watching any boofhead games. Balanced deleted Don’t follow trolls Trevor
You too pdm
In the spirit of the Royal Games I will not comment Trevor.
How could I be trolling when I was resonding to Bobs post?
Oops – make that responding.
@Pdm I know the feeling.
We should be proud of our commonwealth games, the more opportunities open to atheletes the better.
Who cares?
Is it important anymore?
No.
I suspect that it’s been awhile since people grew up with sport as the central feature of their life in NZ or anywhere else in the world. They’ve got more important things on their mind like having somewhere to live and something to eat.
…and should Fiji be allowed to rejoin the Commonwealth community to take part? Interesting commentary about media censorship etc with Shailandra Singh making critical observations of the NZ and Australian positions http://commons.globalintegrity.org/2010/01/we-are-global-from-fiji-journalists.html
Okay – I agree with pdm and Spud, Trevor. I did not troll, and neither did they! You posted on a sporting comp – the Commonwealth Games – and I raised a topical sporting matter in NZ (because Red Aert doesn’t have a general debate post to raise matters on).
Frankly Bob I don’t care what you think of me and your unsubtle appeals won’t help at all. Just cause I mention sport doesn’t mean you can jump to middle eastern politics. If one of my colleagues wants to blog on the topic then fine otherwise tough. On my posts I decide who is trolling and you so are. Warning any more and you go to moderation and Clare might ban you. Trevor
this is a wind up the comonwealth games should be televised and show that people care about it this is silly
:):(:):(:)
Should be televised.
Probably won’t watch as I do not have a television.
I can remember the days when international rugby and cricket went live to air.
@Liam – love the faces
You need more spaces. 
@Trev – is m, illsy banned or just on a warning?
Three months ban. I think both our wishes are granted. Trevor