Comments on: It’s Official: Fox & Setanta Secure EPL TV Rights

By: Frank Garrison

Frank Garrison — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 22:24:00 +0000

When oh when will Setanta be available through cable providers?

By: eplnfl

eplnfl — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:17:00 +0000

Gaffer: No doubt that those of us in the US benefit greatly from having two network coverage. We are blessed in fact compared to the "limited" coverage that the fans in the U.K. have.

Jon: Excellent idea. I have posted similar comments here and on other boards about a quality pre/post match show. I would suggest that FSC obtain the Sky Sports pre-match show and keep it's own American produced post match show. I have had occasion to view BBC produced post-match shows and find them too sedate for the American audience. However, I should saw that my NFL side follows the Chicago Bears and if anyone heard Mike Ditka's post game shows thats why I like something more upbeat. Some of you may know that Mike Ditka took a bad effort so hard once he broke his hand aganist a locker.

By: Johnathan Starling

Johnathan Starling — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 03:54:00 +0000

57 million dollars between Fox Soccer Channel and Setanta Sports...wow.

Trying to cover those costs will be a task indeed. I really can't see a way for FSC to cover costs unless they find a major big name sponsor to help cover costs. I think Setanta will be a little bit better off because they are an a-la-carte network that makes a little money off the amount of subscribers they get.

One thing I would love to see both networks try and do come next season (or even towards the end of this season) is do some sort of pregame and postgame coverage. I know FSC makes a half hearted attempt at this with Super Saturday, but I think both networks would be wise to do a full comprehensive pre-game covering the games of the day. Setanta does it every once in a while on the North American feed and both have the TWI 'EPL Preview' show...but something on gameday that builds up the matches more would be a great plus. Hopefully with the money they ponied up for the rights, they will add a couple of new dimensions to their coverage.

By: The Gaffer

The Gaffer — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 02:19:00 +0000

It definitely refers moreso to the quantity. The quality could be improved, yes, but having Setanta and FSC together offers soccer fans living in America more Premiership coverage than ever before.

Cheers,
The Gaffer

By: eplnfl

eplnfl — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:38:00 +0000

Gaffer: You know I value your opinion but to use “exceptional” regarding FSC’s coverage of the EPL must refer to the quanity and not quality of the show. Lets hope the large money paid will encourage FSC to improve their production value.