World Cup TV fiasco
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- Date published:
8:58 am, March 4th, 2010 - 18 comments
Categories: sport, tv -
Tags: gerry brownlee, maori tv, pita sharples, rugby world cup, tv3, tvnz
How’s this for insanity: the finals in the World Cup will be broadcast live on four free to air channels (TV1, TV3, Maori TV in English and Maori TV in Maori) as well as Sky. That’s pretty much the definition of overkill and it has got to have cost a bomb, thanks to the Government’s disastrous handling of the issue.
How much is this circus costing us? Last we heard the Government was putting money into TVNZ and Maori TV’s competing bids. Pita Sharples had allocated money from TPK to Maori TV for the bid (which he had no right to do) and Gerry Brownlee had backed a counter-bid from TVNZ. It was allowed to happen because the Prime Minister wasn’t doing his job, too busy with photo shoots.
The competing government-funded bids raised the price of the rights and you can bet that the IRB didn’t just decide to let the eventual consortium (or clusterfuck, as the yanks would call it) of channels have rights to broadcast on extra channels for free.
The Government won’t tell us the total price of the rights to broadcast the same games on multiple free-to-air channels simultaneously but we know that the Government alone spent $3.2 million – $200,000 per game – and there’s the price paid by TVNZ, Maori TV, and TV3 on top of that.
If this had been handled properly from the start – i.e. if John Key had stopped his ministers acting like idiots – then there would be free-to-air games on one channel and the IRB wouldn’t be laughing all the way to the bank. Instead, we had more over-promises, under-delivery from the Key government that says everything will be great but then doesn’t do anything and leaves us with a mess at the end.
Oh, and pity anyone without Sky who wants to watch anything other than rugby on TV those nights.
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- Release: Dunedin Hospital d-listed by Government
The non-announcement in Dunedin today had Ministers leaving broken promises and a likely severely diluted hospital build in their wake. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes UAE trade deal
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed today with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hundreds more jobs cuts on housing frontline
The Government has shown its true intentions for the public service and economy – it’s not to get more public servants back to the office, it’s more job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt not addressing health workforce crisis
The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts fair pay for bus drivers
The Government has cut funding for bus drivers to get paid fairly for the work they do, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown Minerals Bill Advances Colonisation
Today, the Crown Mineral Amendment Bill was read for the first time, reversing the ban on oil exploration off the coast of Taranaki. It was no accident that this proposed law change was read directly after the Government started to unravel the ability of iwi and hapū Māori to have ...2 weeks ago
- Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing
Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed – Te Pāti Māori
Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Justice, Tākuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading. "Māori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon
The Government must immediately help evacuate New Zealanders and Lebanese whanau caught up in the current conflict unfolding across south Lebanon. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits
The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalition’s introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. ...3 weeks ago
- Luxon wraps up East Asia Summit
The annual East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Laos this week underscored the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. "My first participation in an EAS has been a valuable opportunity to engage ...12 hours ago - Feedback will improve health and safety system and grow the economy
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the feedback from the health and safety roadshow will help shape the future of health and safety in New Zealand and grow the economy. “New Zealand’s poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions,” says Ms van ...16 hours ago
- Government releases more Fast-track detail
The Government has released the independent Advisory Group’s report on the 384 projects which applied to be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, and further detail about the careful management of Ministers’ conflicts of interest, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. Independent Advisory Group Report The full report has now been ...18 hours ago
- Government releases plan for affordable electricity
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...21 hours ago
- Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...21 hours ago
- Brakes put on contractor and consultant spending
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...1 day ago
- Accounts confirm need for spending restraint
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...1 day ago
- Minister to co-chair carbon market negotiations at COP29
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...2 days ago
- Confirmation of Payee service to improve payment security
A new confirmation of payments system in the banking sector will make it safer for Kiwis making bank transactions, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “In my open letter to the banks in February, I outlined several of my expectations of the sector, including the introduction of a ...2 days ago
- Medicines access continues to increase
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see Pharmac continue to increase availability of medicines for Kiwis with the Government’s largest ever investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our ...2 days ago
- Strengthening NZ’s emergency management system
The Government has released its long-term vision to strengthen New Zealand’s disaster resilience and emergency management, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “It’s clear from the North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry, that our emergency management system was not fit-for-purpose,” Mr Mitchell says. “We’ve seen first-hand ...2 days ago
- Brighter days ahead for Kiwis
Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.75 per cent is welcome news for families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Lower interest rates will provide much-needed relief for households and businesses, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money and increasing the opportunities for businesses ...3 days ago
- Sport NZ asked to update Transgender Inclusion Guiding Principles
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has asked Sport NZ to review and update its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. “The Guiding Principles, published in 2022, were intended to be a helpful guide for sporting bodies grappling with a tricky issue. They are intended ...3 days ago
- Freshwater farm plan rollout set to be paused by end of year
The Coalition Government is restoring confidence to the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans while changes are made to ensure the system is affordable and more practical for farmers and growers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “Freshwater farm plans ...3 days ago
- New report shows improvements in air quality
The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say. “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is ...3 days ago
- New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador appointed
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Horne as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador. “I am pleased to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to this important role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade, and economics, along with strong business connections,” Mr Watts says. “Stuart’s understanding ...3 days ago
- Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low. The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...3 days ago
- Holding careless builders accountable
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...4 days ago
- Further action to tackle driver licence wait times
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...4 days ago
- Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...4 days ago
- Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...4 days ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...4 days ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...4 days ago
- Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...4 days ago
- Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses
This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...5 days ago
- New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...5 days ago
- Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval
Kia uru kahikatea te tū. Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...6 days ago
- Fast-track to boost renewable electricity
The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...6 days ago
- Fast-track to drive transport projects forward
The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...6 days ago
- Fast-track projects released
The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...6 days ago
- Ruakākā recreation centre opened
A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...7 days ago
- Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...1 week ago
- Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...1 week ago
- Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property
The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...1 week ago
- New Government support for residential construction market announced
The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...1 week ago
- New appointment to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...1 week ago
- Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects
The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...1 week ago
- Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes
Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...1 week ago
- Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future. “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...1 week ago
- Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity
The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...1 week ago
- The Secret Diary of .. the HMNZS Manawanui
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- How artificial intelligence could be a leap forward for brain disease detection
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- East Asia summit: Luxon upbeat on chances of free trade deal with India
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I would love to see the business plan put together by TPK when they first made their bid. They must have relied on exclusivity giving them market penetration and exposure for Te Reo. With all the other channels now showing the rugby their business case must have been shot full of holes.
My redneck alerter went on high when this news first broke.
I’m pretty sure it’s on teh interwebs somewhere. I recall reading it.
“With all the other channels now showing the rugby their business case must have been shot full of holes.”
It was dire. It was shot full of holes before the current deal was negotiated.
Because TV2, Prime, and C4 will suddenly stop working due to the rugby? Along with the Freeview channels?
$3 mil to ensure live free to air doesn’t sound all that expensive. lots more taxpayer money is being spent on the RWC in other areas such as stadiums. Ensuring people can at least watch for free seems only reasonable.
Would the govt buying the rights for the exclusive use of just one channel be all that equitable?
It really shows who runs this freakin country.
Millions spent on a sport that is basically non existent outside of New Zealand.
Whats next?
$50 million spent on boat racing?
Are you asleep, “Millions spent on a sport that is basically non existent outside of New Zealand”, where do you get this from.
This event is rated in the top 5 sporting events in the world, is it just becasue you personally do not like it.
http://www.stadetoulousain.fr/
I would put the blame for this fiasco on the Maori Party (Pita Sharples) and the lazy Prime Minister John Key.
By the way, what does Key do?
Tries to distract from the corruption of his government and who owns them?
Will the government be ensuring the All Whites games at the real World Cup are shown on free-to-air rather than just Sky as is currently planned?
Is anyone keeping a tab on how much WC2011 is going to end up costing and divide it into the ratepayer/taxpayer split.
Rugby’s a minor global sport in decline as a result of the amateurs who run it….Tew/Moller/Hobbs/Dalton the list is endless and a reflection of jobs for the boyz rather than professional sports managers who can expand the sport sustainably.
It’s legacy will be interesting as I can’t see it justifying its price tag by magically boosting our tourism…..most of the world don’t give an F about rugby nor does anyone who wants entertainment…..look another stoppage….is that a temporary rule/an experimental rule/a new rule/an old rule now back as a new rule…..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Another fiasco from the larrikin schoolboy Minister Jonathan Coleman.
No sooner had the cigar smoke cleared, than he bumbled into this one!
I think we have to give JK credit for at least partially sorting the mess.
But where are the numbers? What exactly is the good old taxpayer up for this time?
The proliferation of channels was always going to lead to the problem of finding something to fill them with. The solutions these days seem to be: show the same thing on various channels (pray tell what the difference will be between watching the rugby on TVNZ or Sky or MTS?); do endless repeats (cue most Sky channels); or create fake extra digital channels (TV3+1).
The future of TV lies in offering real choice and diversity and only a handful of channels achieve that (even without massive Government subsidies)
Captcha: images
Uroskin that’s crazy talk……taxpayers money will be fought between making NZ versions of tired overseas formats (celebrity pretend wannabe strip sex snooker darts on ice)/crap dramas (go girls, burying brian) and self serving ‘documentaries’ like ‘where are they now’ or depressing rehashes of our darkest moments…anything Latta fronts it seems.
TVNZ should be sold while it has some value……before recycling Rick puts it through the floor.
What i want to know is- which channel will they be using on the big screen at Party Central? Maybe they can show 1/4 of the match on each channel.
ZB….it’ll be Sky as they have a policy of no adverse comments about the game/NZRU/IRB/Super whatever the number is etc…..rosy tinted glasses at all times.
Mexted’s just returned from his sin binning for being honest…..woah enough of that Mo, you’re off son.
I am indifferent. I have no interest in rugby in any shape, colour or code let alone an entire world cup of it and as I prefer intelligent, informative TV never watch Sky Sport, TV3 or Maori TV and very rarely watch TV1 anyway. In fact I rarely get to watch TV in New Zealand at all.
Regrettably sport in general and rugby in New Zealand in particular is an easy, cheap and undemanding way of delivering to purveyors of trash large numbers of eye-balls attached to dumbed-down, uncritical, easily-entertained brains so it’s hardly surprising the flim-flam artists in charge of TV would prostitute their daughters for their share. However only in New Zealand could they be as blatant about it.
“Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt” – Juvenal commentating on the plebs in his Satires lamenting the slide of the Roman Republic into dictatorship, and proving that nothing changes.