Shels say no to RTE's cameras
This is the biggest game of the year (league) and its NOT going to be on the
telly :mad:
Quote:
Shels say no to RTE's cameras
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independe...issue_id=11608
SHELBOURNE'S potential title decider against Cork City at Tolka Park this evening will not be televised.
RTE had expressed an interest in broadcasting the game but the Dubliners argued that they had not been given sufficient notice of the request.
They also pointed out that any live broadcast would have a detrimental effect on the gate income for a match which will probably draw the biggest crowd outside of the club's European games this season.
"We'd lose out on revenue if it was on television," argued Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon. "And we're the one who suffer because there isn't adequate compensation provided and we can't afford that."
RTE only approached the club on Wednesday morning after Cork City had completed their seventh successive win in Derry the previous evening, to place them within four points of the leaders.
However, it is believed that Shelbourne would only be offered a paltry €5,000 as compensation for broadcasting the match. RTE do possess domestic rights for league football but Shelbourne clearly feel that these rights cannot supersede those of the club.
"We've all our advertising done for this match three weeks ago," explained Shelbourne secretary Ollie Byrne. "We can't just drop everything two days before the match and take a big hit on everything."
This is not a new problem within the Eircom League and one suggestion Byrne agrees with is a more co-ordinated plan from the broadcasters and the Eircom League with regard to the live broadcast of games.
David Kelly
