Catering to the teevee market in another nation...
We have this problem whenever there is a big sporting event on the other side of the world. The Olympics this year will be a complete pain in the rear for NBC once again, just like Seoul and Sydney. But the teevee audience on this side of the world shouldn't be the main consideration. If we are going to be a world community, we have to include Asia and Australia.
Of course, events like La Copa Mundial or the Olympics can call their own shots and tell the teevee people to make it work. Sports with smaller audiences don't have that kind of clout, and F1 is the latest to put squeeze on:
Of course, with motorsport, there's more involved than just staging an event in the middle of the night to accommodate the European viewers. There are legitimate issues with holding a race at night. Daylight means a much safer environment for drivers, crews, and spectators.
Hopefully the safety issue will bring Ecclestone to his senses.
Of course, events like La Copa Mundial or the Olympics can call their own shots and tell the teevee people to make it work. Sports with smaller audiences don't have that kind of clout, and F1 is the latest to put squeeze on:
State officials have ruled out staging a night Grand Prix in Australia, despite Bernie Ecclestone saying the future of the race may depend on it.
Formula One boss Ecclestone wants a race under lights to satisfy European television viewers
Of course, with motorsport, there's more involved than just staging an event in the middle of the night to accommodate the European viewers. There are legitimate issues with holding a race at night. Daylight means a much safer environment for drivers, crews, and spectators.
Hopefully the safety issue will bring Ecclestone to his senses.
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