Post by QPR Report on Apr 18, 2010 8:23:43 GMT
I don't think ESPN should be involved at all in rule discussions. They should be told: These are how the games are played. Broadcast them or don't.
Telegraph/Paul Kelso
ESPN to discuss FA Cup changes for next season
Broadcaster ESPN will consider supporting radical innovations to the FA Cup including moving the latter rounds to midweek and scrapping replays.
The American broadcaster, which is approaching the end of its first full year as a major rights holder in UK sport, is to meet the Football Association next week to discuss the potential changes.
ESPN held discussions with the Premier League last week about enhancing match broadcasts, including gaining better access to managers and players.
The broadcaster has signed a four-year deal to show FA Cup matches starting next season, and is hopeful that the acquisition will offset a reduction in its Premier League rights from 46 matches this year to just 23 next season.
The FA is considering a number of changes to the FA Cup as part of a process started by former chief executive Ian Watmore.
ITV, the free-to-air rights holder, is understood to be keen on midweek matches as they deliver larger audiences and on Thursday ESPN vice-president of television Jeroen Oerlemans said ESPN was open-minded about changes to the format.
Lynn Franks, ESPN's managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said she was hopeful that the FA Cup games, and the addition of Premier Rugby, would help offset any decline in subscribers because of the reduction in Premier League games.
Oerlemans also said ESPN would consider bidding for cricket in future as it seeks to establish a portfolio of rights that make it an attractive stand-alone rival to Sky.
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/facup/7595509/ESPN-to-discuss-FA-Cup-changes-for-next-season.html
Telegraph/Paul Kelso
ESPN to discuss FA Cup changes for next season
Broadcaster ESPN will consider supporting radical innovations to the FA Cup including moving the latter rounds to midweek and scrapping replays.
The American broadcaster, which is approaching the end of its first full year as a major rights holder in UK sport, is to meet the Football Association next week to discuss the potential changes.
ESPN held discussions with the Premier League last week about enhancing match broadcasts, including gaining better access to managers and players.
The broadcaster has signed a four-year deal to show FA Cup matches starting next season, and is hopeful that the acquisition will offset a reduction in its Premier League rights from 46 matches this year to just 23 next season.
The FA is considering a number of changes to the FA Cup as part of a process started by former chief executive Ian Watmore.
ITV, the free-to-air rights holder, is understood to be keen on midweek matches as they deliver larger audiences and on Thursday ESPN vice-president of television Jeroen Oerlemans said ESPN was open-minded about changes to the format.
Lynn Franks, ESPN's managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said she was hopeful that the FA Cup games, and the addition of Premier Rugby, would help offset any decline in subscribers because of the reduction in Premier League games.
Oerlemans also said ESPN would consider bidding for cricket in future as it seeks to establish a portfolio of rights that make it an attractive stand-alone rival to Sky.
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/facup/7595509/ESPN-to-discuss-FA-Cup-changes-for-next-season.html