Bernie sold out - F1 moving to sky

[campbell]

I think some of the strength of feeling against the government stems from their general refusal to invest in / support key motorsport initiatives over the years. For right or wrong, in comparison to some other nations, they have not stepped up to the mark.

btw that's an observation of others' opinion, not necessarily my own.

As it happens I won't be signing any petitions either. The situation is disappointing but it is not earth-shattering and there are other things to put energy into with greater outcome, like educating our kids against drugs and debt Oh and going out and enjoying our Lotuses while we can still afford petrol for them...

[kenny]

I came across this article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motors ... -atom.html

It actually got me into a bit of a Points of View mindset - the 'journalist' really made my piss boil.

skim first few lines...

Everyone in the broadcasting industry – and even within the BBC’s own sport department – was convinced that Auntie was about to abandon F1, as the fossil fuel-guzzling indulgence it is.

.. exit article.

[StiflerMR2]

I'd like to point out I do not read the Daily Mail! - The link was posted round work - thought it might be of some interest:

http://duncanblog.dailymail.co.uk/2011/ ... -2012.html

F1 for £10 a month on 'freeview' So what, 10 month season £100 a year for F1 - better but still not great. I don't think I'll be stumping up for it (primarily as we get all the HD stuff for free at work anyway

[jason]

Do people really pay £60+/mth to watch Sky Sports??? Hmmm... I could be tempted by that £10 option, though my principles are not to give Sky a penny. Do these Freeview subscription channels work with a normal Freeview box/TV? If so, how?

Rumour has it Brundle is, unsurprisingly, jumping ship - and returning to his original punter role - any rumours about other notables moving?

[BiggestNizzy]

I asume you would need a freeview box with a card slot.

Not being a sports fan in general for me it's just not worth £120 to watch F1

[jason]

I asume you would need a freeview box with a card slot.

Ah. A non-starter then.

Not being a sports fan in general for me it's just not worth £120 to watch F1

I've followed F1 for 30+ yrs, but TBH I'm quite sure I'll still manage to resist Sky's temptation (ignoring the fact I haven't got a slot!). I was an avid test cricket fan for decades, until it went to Sky and the sport virtually ceased to exist for me (I struggle to even name the players now!)... just hope the 50% BBC coverage continues for longer than feared...

[simon]

I've got Virgin Media so this seems promising: "The new channel will be included free of charge in Sky and Virgin Media packages."
As long as it means free with a normal package and not free with a Sky Sports one.

[rossybee]

Jason - no expert on these matters but perhaps "freesat" has the ability to add packages?

Me? I'd not even pay £10 per year for F1 - fcuking blackmail

[tut]

No need to pay full price for Sky.

I am on the complete package for £26/month, that includes free installation, free HD+ recorder, all film channels, all sports channels. I have also changed over from BT to their line rental, unlimited calls, free International calls all at a special rate.

tut

[Lazydonkey]

Not sure that Daily Mail article is 100% accurate TBH.

The facts as i know them just now are;
- Dedicated channel available free to full sky sports or HD customers
- EVERY RACE LIVE - available in HD and with no advertising breaks during races
- PRACTICE & QUALIFYING - each practice and qualifying session live and available in HD
- MORE F1™ SHOWS – brand new analysis and highlights shows
- MORE LIVE CONTENT – extra coverage through Sky's red button interactive service
- ACCESS – Available online, on mobile and on iPad with Sky Go, available to full Sky Sports and Sky HD subscribers

We already have some standalone channels such as MANUTV and ChelseaTV and i can imagine (although i genuinely dont know) that they'll follow a similar model in that yuo can add them to any package. ESPN is £9 a month, with the footie channels £6 a month.

Sky page is here
http://f1.sky.com/?DCMP=BAC-251111#home

So in conclusion, £10 a month to add on to virgin or sky basic seems about right (genuinely dont know) but i can't see it being free on Virgin unless you also take sports etc. Might be proved wrong.....

EDIT : As an aside they've been making a REALLY big deal in here about getting F1, they view it as a great opportunity and they seem to be throwing a huge amount of time and money into the channel and the set up to make it great. They are talking about revolutionizing F1 in the way they revolutionized the coverage of other sports.

[Shug]

So, to clarify point one there. Free to Sky Sports OR HD customers? So, if I've already got an HD sub, I'll get it?

[Lazydonkey]

So, to clarify point one there. Free to Sky Sports OR HD customers? So, if I've already got an HD sub, I'll get it?

Sorry shug - Free to full sky sports or HD customers.

So if you have either, you'll get it for nowt........I've not seen an official announcement internally, i'm only going on what is on that sky site.

[Lazydonkey]

Also worth pointing out that i still have two friends and family offers left with half price package for 12 months and free HD box if anyone is interested.

[Sanjøy]

Donkey you are going to have to take some responsibility for this debacle.

[Lazydonkey]

When you take responsbility for all horrificly ugly women with their bits out on the internet i will take responsibility for Sky's actions