A quote that sums it up:
No socialisation of losses and privatisation of gains.
Why the hell we should look after companies when they get into trouble then let them take the profits when they come right is madness. I am not against supporting companies that are too important (not too big - too important) to fail providing they are not a sunset industry - eg the Banks must be supported - the US car industry or newspapers ????.
Once profits accrue again then we the taxpayers should also take them.
The TV host for the 2011 Cup has been announced as SKY TV, the NZ pay TV operator. Unless they are to also broadcast every game live on Free To Air (and not the clone Channel they own, Prime, which is a UHF channel) then the IRB have put money ahead of common sense.
Many do not have SKY - penetration at best is about 70%. But importantly it is probably only about 50% that have the Sport Channels in their package as the Basic Package only has ESPN.
The IRB turned down a joint TVNZ-CanWest-SKY bid as not a true competitive bid but they don't seem to understand our population is very small and we can't really afford the sums they want.
It may be that SKY will allow every game on a TVNZ or CanWest channel - but if they do they are cutting their own throat so I can't see that as an option.
I have never favoured Governments interfering and ring fencing off some sporting events as some countries do but this decision (along with SKY getting the next Olympics) makes one think again.
Sean Fitzpatrick went off his rocker and criticised the Super 14 versus the Northern Competitions (Heineken Cup etc) and specifically the Chiefs - Blues game which was a try fest. He has fallen under the spell of the money grubbers of the North. I thought the game was brilliant.
The proof will be in the pudding. The Lions will soon be in Africa. My prediction - they have a great Coach in Ian McGeechan but I think they will be stuffed as they were last time in NZ.
