Formula 1 eyes pay-TV switch for Germany

F1's new owners are considering switching coverage of the sport within Germany to a pay-only platform. The free-to-air deal enjoyed by the broadcaster RTL runs out this year, and new F1 commercial chief Sean Bratches was quoted by DPA news agency as admitting that pay TV is "where the money is".

But he added: "There are markets where the penetration of pay TV is low compared to free TV.  This is especially true for Germany compared to the UK, where there are significantly more customers for pay TV. This makes it a bit more difficult, but we're working on it," Bratches said.

RTL has already said that it is seeking a new contract for 2018 and beyond. (GMM)

Yeah, certainly seems to be the case. Problem is: its a very short term profit, because it means less people will watch it, and so fewer people will be "recruited" to watch it. Speaking long term, decisions like these could very well harm F1. F1-watching here in Sweden is almost nonexistant ever ... [Read more]

  • 1
  • May 4 2017 - 13:29

Replies (5)

Login to reply
  • Wolfgang

    Posts: 313

    Pay-TV sucks. No matter how good the coverage is.

    • + 0
    • May 4 2017 - 12:35
  • Thats a mistake, and is quite contrary to what Liberty supposedle were aiming at. Pay TV means you will make it more exclusive, less available.

    • + 0
    • May 4 2017 - 13:03
    • Wolfgang

      Posts: 313

      exactly. i think they smell german money. like those us departments demanding more than 1bn dollar because of some diesels.. Of course this was wrong from VW but keeping in mind GM paid 180mn dollar for their throttle-pedal or ignition-issue with several people being killed because of that failure.

      In that context it´s just ridiculous, but never mind, they won´t stop the success of Europe or let´s say middle Europe.

      • + 0
      • May 4 2017 - 13:09
    • Yeah, certainly seems to be the case. Problem is: its a very short term profit, because it means less people will watch it, and so fewer people will be "recruited" to watch it. Speaking long term, decisions like these could very well harm F1. F1-watching here in Sweden is almost nonexistant ever since F1 moved to Viasat. In my family and among my friends, I am literally the only one watching. In my field of studying, only one more guy watches it. For a sport, viewers are vital to make sure it lives on.

      • + 1
      • May 4 2017 - 13:29
  • JoeGreen84

    Posts: 30

    TBH it was an inevitable move to make it Pay to View. A annoying and upsetting move but inevitable none the less. They are going to embrace social media and everything online i just hope they dont make it Hilariously expensive like the Moto GP. £179 for a season. You can suck it, and that come from a biker who wants to watch the sport.

    • + 0
    • May 5 2017 - 09:16

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule
show sidebar