FAI force SRFCTV to end service

**mypost** · 04/04/2012, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by The Lilywhites

What is the story with having to get permission on a match by match basis to do just commentary now? Does that affect radio stations too?

Probably not, but when Newstalk broadcast live radio commentaries on LOI and Ireland games years ago, RTE complained to the FAI. You dont have to be a genius to know who won and lost that battle. They run the show.

**gufcfan** · 05/04/2012, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

If they had the full game up to watch, then they ballsed up

Don't agree, they should be allowed do what they like. RTÉ didn't even want to do MNS in the first place. THREE EFFING DAYS it takes to see highlights. It's a joke.

**Macy** · 05/04/2012, 8:00 AM

Originally Posted by jafrazer

They did. The full Shels match was available in full online all weekend before MNS. I'd imagine that that was the main issue.

The statement says they didn't break the highlights embargo. They may be arguing that the full match isn't a breach of that. Stupid if they are.

Much as I hate the current FAI regime, I'll reserve judgment until it's confirmed if it's a FAI solo run or a complaint from RTE. As mentioned, it was RTE that scuppered the newstalk coverage on the radio, and within (what felt like anyway) a few years RTE had stopped their own radio coverage on Friday nights. Regardless, I think it's the wrong and short sighted decision by the FAI. It's not like their selling the bloody rights!

**Dodge** · 05/04/2012, 8:40 AM

Originally Posted by gufcfan

Don't agree, they should be allowed do what they like. RTÉ didn't even want to do MNS in the first place. THREE EFFING DAYS it takes to see highlights. It's a joke.

That wasn't my point. They know they're allowed have the footage up, and they had the footage up.

thats the ballsing up bit.

(if it was what was compained about)

**marinobohs** · 05/04/2012, 8:44 AM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Probably missed seeing their names in the papers.

The only semi-reasonable reason they could have would be if they'd sold the online streaming rights to another company, but even so that'd be best served with a smooth transition rather than just cutting the service. Plus as if the FAI could organise online streaming.

There is currently no deal prohibiting SRFCTV service that I am aware of and if they are about to sign some lucrative deal then surely a phasing out period or move to highlights could be agreed with SRFCTV ?

Probobly even more annoying than the decision (which appears stupid) is the complete lack of any justification or even explanation.

**Mr A** · 05/04/2012, 9:42 AM

Pure idle speculation here- but maybe RTE looking for wiggle room on their commitment to show more and more live games? Especially since they have started showing PRO12 rugby since that deal was signed.

**HulaHoop** · 05/04/2012, 9:56 AM

Originally Posted by Mr A

Pure idle speculation here- but maybe RTE looking for wiggle room on their commitment to show more and more live games? Especially since they have started showing PRO12 rugby since that deal was signed.

This has not come following a complaint from RTE, this is a solo run from the FAI (although they will probably try to claim otherwise). RTE has actually been very supportive of SRTV and even featured the lads who do it on Nationwide last year.

On the broader point this decision from the FAI will not put a stop to live streaming but it might well be under a different more unofficial guise.

What that **** Fran Gavin doesn't seem to realise is that it is near impossible to prevent someone streaming games live on the internet. Most smartphones these days can record HD 720p video and there are many apps on the market that enable live straming with the touch of a button. For example the ustream.tv (what SRFCTV use) app on my phone has the ability to "Go Live" and stream whatever I point my phone at that moment in time. I could stream the entire 90 minutes tomorrow night and there isn't a thing the FAI can do about it short of banning mobile phones in every ground.

**Straightstory** · 05/04/2012, 10:19 AM

Ridiculous from the FAI.
Also ridiculous is that the live game on RTE on Friday nights is broadcast while the rest of the league programme is being played at venues all around the country at the same time. Can't believe that happens in any other country. Can you imagine Sky showing live matches at 3 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon?
Rovers' stream is harmless compared to that.

**marinobohs** · 05/04/2012, 10:52 AM

Simple enough issue for me -

Is SRFCTV coverage doing damage to FAI brokered deals ? If Yes explain if No leave the thing alone.
Is the coverage interferring with potential support/customers ? No (presuming SRFC do not have different opinion)
Is coverage bad for the game overall ? certainly not, opening game to many that cannot attend.

is it just the FAI poking their noses in for the sake of it ? If only volunteers streaming match coverage was the only problem the League faced

.

**brendy_éire** · 05/04/2012, 12:01 PM

I'm just surprised it took this long for the FAI to say anything about it.
Always thought SRFCTV was on a bit of a dodgy footing when it came to rights.

Assuming it wasn't RTÉ that prompted the decision, would there be a possibility of the volunteers continuing their work but under the auspices of the FAI?

**Dodge** · 05/04/2012, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by brendy_éire

Assuming it wasn't RTÉ that prompted the decision, would there be a possibility of the volunteers continuing their work but under the auspices of the FAI?

Presume the lads would rightly tell the FAi to go stuff themselves.

Does that leave Pats as the only audio commentary left? SLigo, Derry and Dundalk's games all covered by local stations. I know others did it for a bit, any still around?

**Mr A** · 05/04/2012, 12:45 PM

Harps radio still provides audio commentary in a calm, informed and professional manner.

**SkStu** · 05/04/2012, 1:56 PM

Bohs still have live audio for most games. And a text service for all games.

**gufcfan** · 05/04/2012, 3:57 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

Bohs still have live audio for most games. And a text service for all games.

You lads are next. You're in competition with RTÉ.ie.

**Lim till i die** · 05/04/2012, 4:49 PM

Was SRFCTV part of the club or was it seperate??

If it was part of the club why didn't the club tell Fran to produce an agreement or **** off??

What's he gonna do, throw Rovers out of the league??

**nigel-harps1954** · 06/04/2012, 12:11 AM

Meh, I say go ahead and keep broadcasting. Theres nout the FAI can do about it if SRFCTV aren't officially affiliated with the club themselves.

**gormacha** · 06/04/2012, 12:16 PM

As the FAI hold the rights to the broadcasting of their league, something that everybody connected to this issue would know, I wonder did anyone approach the FAI about this before SRFCTV began broadcasting? Genuinely curious. Or did SRFCTV just expect that it would be ok?

I'm not saying its right or wrong, but surely no-one could be surprised that the rights holders would object?

**MariborKev** · 08/04/2012, 11:58 PM

Perhaps the FAI just wanted to spare SRFCTV viewers the embarrasment of Friday?

I take it all back, fair play Fran Gavin.

**kdjaC** · 09/04/2012, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by gormacha

As the FAI hold the rights to the broadcasting of their league, something that everybody connected to this issue would know, I wonder did anyone approach the FAI about this before SRFCTV began broadcasting? Genuinely curious. Or did SRFCTV just expect that it would be ok?

I'm not saying its right or wrong, but surely no-one could be surprised that the rights holders would object?

I approached them but for Audio only, we dont do video for various reasons.