LOI TV Coverage 2024

[TonyD]

RTÉ showed Pats away to CSKA Sofia on their news channel a couple of years ago, and that wasn’t even the play off round. I don’t see why they wouldn’t do the same for Wednesdays game. It would mean they wouldn’t even have to “sacrifice” airtime on their two main channels (can’t be upsetting those Home and Away fans now , can we ?)

[Buckett]

Some interesting figures here from other sports around the world

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/eamonn-sweeney-league-of-ireland-clubs-are-in-no-position-to-demand-tv-coverage/a1255128577.html

[JC_GUFC]

To be fair fhe viewing figures are rubbish. Even for the cup final I’m not sure how high they are.

But RTÉ haven’t really done anything to try and increase viewing figures.

As I posted in an earlier tweet you could have a competitive match from now til the end of the season but it will still probably be haphazard.

[Another Bohemia]

To be fair fhe viewing figures are rubbish. Even for the cup final I’m not sure how high they are.

But RTÉ haven’t really done anything to try and increase viewing figures.

As I posted in an earlier tweet you could have a competitive match from now til the end of the season but it will still probably be haphazard.

Genuine question but do RTE advertise anything? I couldn't tell you who the various radio hosts they employ are yet they pay some of them hundreds of thousands of euro. I couldn't tell you what shows the produce outside of the news and fair city. I don't see advertisements for champions league games or GAA matches coming from RTE everyone just knows they are on there because it's basically a tradition at this stage and they show when the next match is at the end of the one they are airing. Unless someone is actively watching/listening to RTE the advertising that you see for RTE is practically 0.

[Acornvilla]

As someone who consumes absolutely nothing from RTÉ outside of live sport coverage/occasionally their soccer podcast, random bits that come up on their twitter feed and of course the Toy Show :D.

This rings true. I have no idea what's going on or who anyone is most of the time :D Even then with consuming almost exclusively their football coverage, I've occasionally missed that a match was on TV until I seen someone else tweet about it. Maybe that says a lot about my own attention span which has been decimated by social media, the the message is hardly pushing through to the the wider population.

I do think making the stadiums look nicer on camera is the absolutely key aspect of live TV coverage, it has to look good to the average person. We'll get there, but not quickly.

[Mr A]

Is it possible we are all a bit old and grumpy.

[Straightstory]

I certainly am.

(Contribution to this debate: Forget about RTE; no-one cares about them anymore. The future is LOI TV and other digital services)

[Kiki Balboa]

Is it possible we are all a bit old and grumpy.

I think the recent scandals, especially their attitude to them, and bailouts to RTE gives the complaints some credence...

The league should face it, it is 4th sport in the eyes of official Ireland behind GAA, Premier League/ Top level soccer (which is for all purposes a different sport to LOI), and Rugby.

It's kind of what makes the league class tho, gives the league a proper subculture feeling.

[ger121]

The league should face it, it is 4th sport in the eyes of official Ireland behind GAA, Premier League/ Top level soccer (which is for all purposes a different sport to LOI), and Rugby.

It's kind of what makes the league class tho, gives the league a proper subculture feeling.

Die Untergrundkultur.

[dundalkfc10]

Meanwhile up north, the BBC are showing Larne-Lincoln Red Imps ECL playoff match.

It's online/app only, so maybe that gives them leeway for fewer cameras and the like to cut costs.

Could RTÉ do the same? Aware that RTÉ have a standard they maintain for sport, higher than the likes of Virgin, hence the extra cost.

In fairness to the BBC, They show at least one game from the NIFL each week on their iplayer and online. Some weeks they show more than the 1 game too.
They had a highlights show each week on BBC2 last season (havnt seen it this season but assume they still do)

[Buckett]

Does the BBC pay for the rights?

[dundalkfc10]

Does the BBC pay for the rights?

I've never seen the figure they pay the IFA and what clubs get out of it but I do know David Healy was in the paper last season saying clubs are getting ripped off with the deal, so I'd imagine it's **** all money

[nr637]

I've never seen the figure they pay the IFA and what clubs get out of it but I do know David Healy was in the paper last season saying clubs are getting ripped off with the deal, so I'd imagine it's **** all money

Are you saying the IFA are to blame!..................never!

[Martinho II]

In fairness to the BBC, They show at least one game from the NIFL each week on their iplayer and online. Some weeks they show more than the 1 game too.
They had a highlights show each week on BBC2 last season (havnt seen it this season but assume they still do)

I havent heard word of a highlights show on BBC2 at all ? pity as I didnt know it was on last season as I follow the NI league closely!

[ger121]

I havent heard word of a highlights show on BBC2 at all ? pity as I didnt know it was on last season as I follow the NI league closely!

I remember the online one but that might have been the season before last. Did not even realise there was a show on BBC2.

[dundalkfc10]

I havent heard word of a highlights show on BBC2 at all ? pity as I didnt know it was on last season as I follow the NI league closely!

I just had a look and it was actually canceled it start last season

Take a look at Backlash begins against BBC decision to ditch Irish League highlights show for 2023/24! | https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/people/backlash-begins-against-bbc-decision-to-ditch-irish-league-highlights-show-for-202324-4246241

[Shinkicker]

I see RTE are looking to broadcast a Rovers league game live. I wonder will they let them in OR stick to their guns. After the rovers statement I'm sure RTE said let's call their bluff and let's do it real soon.

[Mr A]

I can imagine the reaction of Rovers' sponsors if they turned down live TV coverage....

[Shinkicker]

I can imagine the reaction of Rovers' sponsors if they turned down live TV coverage....
I'm sure the top cats in RTE were in stitches laughing when they made the call to show Rovers game. You can imagine a voice over for a haribo advert. They'll not give a flying f@#k. If rovers say, no RTE will show someone else Or just say to the moaners of this world "you say we don't show enough live games but now you won't let us in to show them"

[ger121]

Just heard on the Newstalk news bulletin that Rovers are considering their position after the announcement of the fixtures to he televised.

[placid casual]

Unless I'm mistaken , Rovers would contravene the FAI participation agreement if they don't allow RTE in, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
My guess is that the game will be shown live with no interviews/input from the Rovers management/squad

[Shinkicker]

Unless I'm mistaken , Rovers would contravene the FAI participation agreement if they don't allow RTE in, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
My guess is that the game will be shown live with no interviews/input from the Rovers management/squad
If the FAI say it has to be televised..... It's OK rovers fans..... You can appeal it.

[ger121]

Unless I'm mistaken , Rovers would contravene the FAI participation agreement if they don't allow RTE in, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
My guess is that the game will be shown live with no interviews/input from the Rovers management/squad

I’d love and respect if you stuck to your guns. We are all rivals but that shower are the real enemy.

[sbgawa]

If we don't allow them in the fai have let us know that the penelty will be a 6 point deduction .....for Shels and Derry.

[Dermobohs]

Unless I'm mistaken , Rovers would contravene the FAI participation agreement if they don't allow RTE in, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
My guess is that the game will be shown live with no interviews/input from the Rovers management/squad
FAI and RTÉ know they have you over a barrel here, if you refuse the FAI will impose a penalty, and they are mightily ****ed off about the appeals now too so you can count on that being a points deduction. No choice here at all they’ll **** up your late run for Europe and that’s a very high price.

[placid casual]

FAI and RTÉ know they have you over a barrel here, if you refuse the FAI will impose a penalty, and they are mightily ****ed off about the appeals now too so you can count on that being a points deduction. No choice here at all they’ll **** up your late run for Europe and that’s a very high price.
Your truly a little ray of sunshine on this Friday morning,thanks for that.:)

[Martinho II]

Meant to post here a few days back but the BBC had a superb documentary during the week called the Glentoran story giving the season to season runnings since COVID. Did anyone see it? Thought it was superb as it showed stuff that you normally wouldnt see ie fans giving out about their mgr on the terraces. If only our clubs would have the foresight to do this as I would think it would be a huge seller!

[Buckett]

Roddy had one with Monaghan, turned out well.

[brendy_éire]

Wasn't a bad documentary, though it was a little bit twee in parts, cringey in others. The Paddy McClean part felt over the top, almost like it was trying too hard to gloss over some of the sectarianism that exists at the club.
Otherwise though, enjoyed the behind the scenes footage, especially with McDermott.
You'd imagine it could have been a multi-episode series, mind. Could do the same for many clubs, I'm sure.

[Martinho II]

Roddy had one with Monaghan, turned out well.

Had completeley forgotten about that. Wot season was that?

[Buckett]

Their last one!

[holidaysong]

It was on Setanta Sports if I recall correctly? I remember him expensing a suit from Louis Copeland (?) and driving up the M1 through the toll bridge while talking away to the interviewer.

[holidaysong]

P.S. I remember one on Setanta about referees too, it was called something like 'Men in the Middle' and I think it was back in the era of Alan Kelly but was also very good at the time.

[Shinkicker]

Looks like Rovers are letting virgin media in

[nr637]

Seems like Shams have not stood by their recent outcry. A meeting was convened and attended by Shamrock Rovers FC, RTÉ TV Sport and the FAI in relation to National TV coverage of Irish football, with particular reference to recent European ties.

I wonder did the FAI put Shams in their box and bow to the RTE narrative. We cannot upset the national broadcaster there are International games coming up this week and on RTE TV, don't upset the system! :)

[Acornvilla]

Didn't Rovers just say they would consider not letting them in. Getting in to a meeting with RTE is probably exactly the result they wanted.

[Calcio Jack]

Didn't Rovers just say they would consider not letting them in. Getting in to a meeting with RTE is probably exactly the result they wanted.

That’s my take on this as well …. Slowly slowly catches monkey

[yurt]

Dan McDonnell spoke really well on this week's LOI Central podcast regarding the TV coverage.

Rovers were never realistically going to actually turn the cameras away but it looks their statement has at least got all the right people in the same room

[nigel-harps1954]

My reading is that there's potentially a committment to providing better coverage at minimum.


"Following the meeting between the three parties, we can confirm that progress has been made in regard to having a clearer transparency of the perspectives of each party in relation to broadcast TV coverage of Irish teams in European competitive tournaments and, of our domestic league.

"It was a productive meeting; a professional, informative and respectful sharing of views which allowed all parties understand clearly the realities facing each other.

"The expectation is that, with the strategic input of the FAI, media broadcasters and critically, the professional football clubs, this will result in the continual improvement of TV coverage of Irish football teams across the football season.

[sbgawa]

my read is that Shamrock Rovers have ensured Shelbourne will be on the Telly next year ;)

[nr637]

A proper TV package covering the entire league season, must be the FAI's main priority!

One main game per week has to be the most important consideration to highlight the game here, other competitions can be arranged to suit.

If the sport is on your National broadcaster, it is seenand followed in a more genuine profile by fans and sponsors, just like the attention that the International fixtures get.

Time the FAI make the call.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

A proper TV package covering the entire league season, must be the FAI's main priority!

One main game per week has to be the most important consideration to highlight the game here, other competitions can be arranged to suit.

If the sport is on your National broadcaster, it is seenand followed in a more genuine profile by fans and sponsors, just like the attention that the International fixtures get.

Time the FAI make the call.

The FAIs main priority is clearing the debt that absolute gangster Delaney left. LOI TV deal will not do that.

[BonnieShels]

A proper TV package covering the entire league season, must be the FAI's main priority!

One main game per week has to be the most important consideration to highlight the game here, other competitions can be arranged to suit.

If the sport is on your National broadcaster, it is seenand followed in a more genuine profile by fans and sponsors, just like the attention that the International fixtures get.

Time the FAI make the call.

And not having that one game a week on clashing with the rest of the fixtures is a must as well.


The FAIs main priority is clearing the debt that absolute gangster Delaney left. LOI TV deal will not do that.

It all helps. The more eyes on the league the more money in the game yada yada yada... profit.

[legendz]

"TV audience for Shels v Pat's cracker illustrates excitement around this year's title race" according to Daniel McDonnel.
Fair enough the title race will increase interest but again it's a reflection that there needs to be a standalone kickoff for the star game of the week. It might impact on attendances in the short term but in the long term it should be viewed as an investment.

[TonyD]

"TV audience for Shels v Pat's cracker illustrates excitement around this year's title race" according to Daniel McDonnel.
Fair enough the title race will increase interest but again it's a reflection that there needs to be a standalone kickoff for the star game of the week. It might impact on attendances in the short term but in the long term it should be viewed as an investment.

Think RTÉ lucked out with the Shels/Pats game being so dramatic. And not short on quality either. The two Shels goals were great strikes (much as I hate to admit it) and if Aidan Keena’s effort had gone in that was goal of the season. Some good general football played too. Hope the cup semis are as exciting.

[nr637]

What's the TV coverage like for the following run in Premier league fixtures with our national broadcasters RTE/Virgin?


Monday 11th October

Derry v Sligo

Friday 14th October

Derry v Bohs

Friday 18th October

Drogheda v Shamrock Rovers
Shelbourne v Waterford
Dundalk v Derry

Friday 25th October

Shelbourne v Drogheda
St. Pats v Derry

Sunday 27th October

Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers

Friday 1st November

Shamrock Rovers v Waterford
Derry v Shelbourne

[CamacTerrace202]

Agree that a regular weekly game is needed on a regular day/time. Would Monday night be the slot?

Allow fans of all other teams to watch. Possibly another 15k viewers straight away

Won’t clash with Rugby which gets shown a lot on Fridays, and RTE/Virgin/Tg4 have commitments to it

The Monday night game on sky is generally not a “big” game

[joey B]

Derry v Sligo confirmed for RTE 2 next Monday at 7.15.

[legendz]

Agree that a regular weekly game is needed on a regular day/time. Would Monday night be the slot?

Allow fans of all other teams to watch. Possibly another 15k viewers straight away

Won’t clash with Rugby which gets shown a lot on Fridays, and RTE/Virgin/Tg4 have commitments to it

The Monday night game on sky is generally not a “big” game

Agreed there needs to be a standalone star game. Finding an appropriate time is not so easy. Monday does avoid other sport clashes. Not always possible then when there are European games to be considered.

[nr637]

Derry v Sligo confirmed for RTE 2 next Monday at 7.15.

Well that's a start! Typical RTE, won't commit!