Ecclestone rules out broadcasting F1 on internet

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Ecclestone rules out broadcasting F1 on internet

Published on 15 Dec 2014 12:47
1
By: Rob Veenstra

Bernie Ecclestone has ruled out the broadcasting of grands prix on the internet. The F1 chief executive, however, has acknowledged that despite his disparagement of things like social media, the sport must develop in this area.

Forbes reports that plans are afoot for an enhanced digital media department for F1, with more staff to develop a better website, app and Twitter experience, and eventually Facebook page. But F1 business journalist Christian Sylt says F1 "will never upload race footage to Youtube as it could cannibalise its television rights deals".

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Asked if F1's Youtube channel will have any actual track footage of the cars, 84-year-old Ecclestone answered simply: "No." Marissa Pace, who is Ecclestone's digital media manager, said the only video content will be "behind the scenes stuff" like interviews.

Ecclestone explained: "When you (reporters) interview somebody we should really film that and put it up on Youtube because that's something that doesn't hurt anybody and it's good and interesting because it's instant." The Briton's views on social media are different to those of Donald Mackenzie, the man in charge of F1's majority shareholder CVC.

That probably explains the new approach, even though Ecclestone said he will review the changes in a year and gauge whether it has made more people watch F1 races on television. "It is all about promoting the TV," confirmed Pace. "Our intention is not to move viewers away from the TV, it is definitely to keep viewers on the TV but to supplement that experience and make it more exciting and getting people in the grandstands." (GMM)

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Replies (1)

BtwnDitches

Posts: 204
Two things - First, Sky Sport F1 and other top cable tv producers (in Brazil, Germany, Mexico, oftern Portugal) do already stream the official F1 "live" race videos via the Internet on "free" sites. That's how I watch the races in HD color, and also enjoy Sky Sports F1 color commentary and race calls in English.

Secondly, Bernie really shows his profound ignorance of media advertising, by saying "no" even to short compositie clips of F1 racing footage. EVERYONE who's anyone uses distilled "snipits" of the exciting video highlights of boxing matches, soccer - basketball - baseball, skiing event, etc. etc. at the same media locations where they report scores AND post interviews. In my opinion, those visual summaries do a lot to produce interest, and box-office ticket sales for later events. People both love and hate to see what they missed. Wake up, Bernie.
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- Dec 16 2014 - 08:16