Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Rugby Hat

Irish Rugby Hat

Setanta: The Fall-out

On June 23 2009, Setanta Sport Limited went into administration. This followed a period of rumours, denials and a series of surreptitious late-night meetings between management and investors and potential investors in a bid to stave off the inevitable. Setanta, it appeared, had bitten off more of the sports pie than it could chew and was to pay the price.

The implications of the sport broadcaster's demise are far-reaching and ongoing, and perhaps have not yet been fully realised.

The fall of Setanta has taken some people by surprise. The company began as a simple solution to Irish expat desire to watch home games and developed steadily but slowly to become a serious challenger to BSkyB, but it appears that the company may have overstretched in recent years in what has become a volatile and unrelenting market.

In the beginning: fulfilling a need

Nearly 20 years ago, the Republic of Ireland faced Holland in the 1990 World Cup. None of the UK broadcaster's thought it an important enough game to show, so two enterprising Irish expats, Michael O'Rourke and Leonard Ryan, hired a venue and charged £10 a head to watch the game in Ealing's Top Hat club. After 1,000 takers turned up that night, O'Rourke and Ryan realised that they were on to something and it wasn't long before Setanta became a niche broadcaster, providing Irish ad Gaelic sport to Irish expats in other countries too.

Fast forward to 2009 and Setanta was a very different company. Expanding gradually for many years, in 2004 the company stepped up its growth plans and acquired major sporting rights for tournaments other than football, include golf, horse racing, rugby union, cricket and boxing.

Setanta was now a major rival for Sky whenever the broadcasting rights to a major event came onto the market.

The company became a global operation with a number of different TV channels, such as Setanta North America, offering various sporting events tailored to each individual market.

In 2004 they won the UK rights to broadcast the Scottish Premier League, a major breakthrough for the company. But the real step up for them came in 2006 when they picked up the two English Premier League packages. They now had the right to show 46 matches annually for three seasons, from 2007/08 to 2009/10.

This was followed by a deal with PGA Golf, which secured coverage of 40 top golf events annually in the US for six years from 2007 onwards.

However, a change in their status in the market place meant that there was also a major change in the financial sums involved. Setanta needed 1.9 million subscribers to break even, but only managed to attract 1.2 million.

In 2007 Setanta launched a sports news channel in competition with Sky's offering. That ate up millions in capital.

Setanta's dream began to slide towards a nightmare as management scrambled to fill the financial shortfall needed to make the payment for its various sports rights.

The company began running at an estimated loss of £100m a year, after missing subscriber targets.

Setanta struggled to make its commitment to the Scottish Premier League, a mere £3m, and when it came to paying the next instalment of the £30m owed to the English Premier League, it faltered and the administrators were called in.

Implications

The immediate implications of the fall of Setanta is that its broadcasting rights revert to the holders, and another bidding process will begin. However, this means that Setanta subscribers who have already paid for their sport will not be able to view their expected matches. Nor will some of Setanta's customers receive a refund for their prepaid broadcasts. According to the Setanta website, subscribers who have paid by credit card have a degree of protection and may be successful in claiming back part if not all of their payments. But those who paid by direct debit will probably not see their money again.

More serious an implication, however, is the threat to other businesses, including sporting bodies and service industries.

The Scottish Premier League, for example, could be badly affected by the failure of Setanta. One SPL club chairman told the BBC that the failure of the company would be "absolutely horrific" for the future of the game in Scotland.

It could have a massive impact on the financial structure of organised football in Scotland and would probably drive players away to other countries in search of better wages. The restriction of clubs' ability to buy quality players would also mean that jobs would be lost at all levels of the game, not just on the field.

According to one of the SPL clubs, the revenue from Setanta accounts for 33% of their income and the fallout may force three SPL clubs into administration.

Service industries will also be adversely affected, such as a call centre in Newry.

Up to 200 jobs may be lost at Teleperformance, although the company said that it was still working through the full implications of the fallout from Setanta's closure.

The call centre has a large number of other customers and is working to minimise the impact of the loss of business.

The demise of Setanta though also brings into question the future of sports broadcasting. A number of pressures have been brought to bear on what used to be a very profitable business and Setanta's failure may have far reaching implications for the relationship between sport and television.

The fragmentation of media has caused a drop in advertising, and with piracy on the internet, EU red tape and the possible regulatory changes in the UK means that the income from sports broadcasting is not as guaranteed as it was in the past.

The television landscape has definitely changed, particularly for 'smaller' sports. Sports that do not bring in large audiences will face serious challenges in selling their broadcast rights and they may need to turn to the internet and mobile technology.

Experts believe that so-called 'gold standard' events, such as the Olympics, still have a global appeal but for smaller events it may be best to establish their own coverage on the internet rather than spend a lot of time, energy and money chasing TV deals that may never materialise.

In the UK the majority of broadcasters rely on advertising or subscriptions, and revenues are declining for many reasons. It seems that the days when sport was broadcast solely on TV are over.

About the Author

Gillian is a regular contributor of career advice and
jobs
news for leading UK Job Board http://www.careersandjobsuk.com

Children's Irish Rugby Shirt $29.99 A really cute 2-layer look on this child's rugby shirt. Has embroidered designs and rubber button. 100% cotton. Designed in Ireland. Sizes 6-12 mos., 12-18 mos., 18-24 mos.

High Tech Breathable Irish Rugby $56.99 Our Ireland Rugby Shirt is made from a 100% polyester high-performance moisture-wicking fabric. The single rubber button, twill placket and stand collar reflect the style of the modern rugby game. Embroidered designs on front and back. A true comfort to wear. Imported.

Green Striped Rugby $54.99 Authentically detailed right down to the rubber buttons, this heavy duty 100% cotton rugby shirt is as tough as the game! Embroidered shamrock applique on front and live for rugby design on back. Designed in Ireland. Sizes S-3XL

Irish leprechaun rugby Sports Hoodie dark by CafePress $45 illustration of an Irish leprechaun or rugby player running with ball wearing hat with scroll and words Rugby Irish pride Sports Hoodie dark Stay warm on the inside. Look oh-so-cool on the outside. Don this comfortable fleece sweatshirt for that dress-down BBQ -- or your next dress-to-impress trip to the mall.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. Fleece-lined hoo

Irish Rugby Sports Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Irish Leprechaun Rugby Union Team Gear and Ireland Rugby Shirts and gifts for you to show off your Irish Pride. Go Paddy go. Loved from Dublin to Belfast, Cork to New York. Sports Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Guinness Rugby Shirt $74.99 The world's most brilliant brew! Embroidered chest and arm design, this rugby shirt has rubber buttons and side slits Designed in Ireland. 100% heavy duty cotton. Sizes M, L, XL, 2XL.

Croker Ireland Polycotton Rugby $54.99 A classic Ireland rugby jersey with jacquard weave for comfort and styling. Embroidered chest patches. 65% polyester 35% cotton. Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL.

Distressed Guinness Rugby $59.99 A short-sleeved twist on traditional rugby attire, this brown and olive shirt has authentic details, and embroidered and printed Guinness logo. Designed in Ireland. 100% cotton. Sizes M (38-40), L (42-44), XL (46-48), 2XL (50-52).

Sport Balls From Ireland - 6 Rugby $4.99 Vivid in color and soft to the touch, these balls will inspire hours of playtime! From Shamrock Gift, Dublin. PVC / polyester. 6 Rugby

Pure Genius Guinness Rugby Shirt $69.99 The world's most brilliant brew! Front embroidered design and on the back a Pure Genius appliqu?. This rugby has a twill collar, rubber buttons and side slits. Designed in Ireland. Sizes M (38-40), L (42-44), XL (46-48), 2XL (50-52).

Children's Irish Beanie Hat $9.99 This beanie is snuggly warm...perfect for when the weather turns cold. Embroidered design. 100% acrylic. Ireland.

Green And Black Striped Rugby Shirt By Lansdowne(R) $39.99 This layered-look short-sleeved rugby shirt is made of soft,lighter-weight 100% cotton. Embroidered shamrock patch and patch-lookCeltic Nation pocket. Double collar and open placket design. Availablein Medium (40 chest), Large (42), XL (44) and 2XL (46). Imported.Web Exclusive!

Guinness Toucan Rugby $74.99 The world?s most brilliant brew! Colorful embroidered toucan and Arthur Guinness signature on back collar, authentic rubber buttons, hidden 3 button twill placket. 100% cotton. Designed in Ireland.

Six Nations Rugby Shirt By Lansdowne(R) $49.99 This unique design sports an embroidered patch showing the six nationsof this international annual rugby union competition: England, France,Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. High quality, heavyweight 100%cotton. Long-sleeved, dark navy. Three-button contrasting placket.Available in Medium (42 chest), Large (44), XL (46) and 2XL (49).Imported. Web Exclusive!

Would Brian Do Irish Rugby Humour Hooded Sweatshir Sports Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 What would Brian do? Fun rugby designs for those in the rugby know. Ever run on the rugby pitch and found yourself wondering, what would an Ireland player do now? For Irish rugby fans. Sports Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Newborn Knit Hat with Shamrock $9.99 Welcome your little Irish fan with this newborn knit hat. 50% polyester, 50% cotton. Imported. Web Exclusive!

'Tis Himself - Men's Bucket Hat $23.99 Full of character and entirely Irish! This stonewashed green cotton twill hat is embroidered in the USA. Washable. Vent grommets.

Guinness Green & Gray Rugby Jersey $74.99 Sure to become a favorite shirt to wear! Made from 100% polyester high-performance moisture-wicking fabric. Embroidered chest logos, hidden 3 button twill placket. Designed in Ireland.

Shamrock Bowler Hat $24.99 Ensure that your Irish festivities are filled with fun in this unmistakable Irish bowler! Polyester and cotton with elastic cotton band so it fits most.

Tweed And Patch Walking Hat $69.99 Handmade of traditional Donegal tweed with its signature flecks and blends of colors, this hat is a symbol of classic Irish style. Made of 100% pure new wool and finished with a handsome feather trim. Ireland

Toboggan Hat $29.99 Cute and cozy! Be stylish and stay warm with this popular winter hat! Polyester and fleece. One size fits most. Imported.

Eire Ireland Rugby Sports Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Irish Rugby Ball T-shirts, mugs, stickers, posters and gifts. Show your Ireland love with one of our Eire Rugby Union ball designs. Sports Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Rugby $6 Rugby

Happy Hat And Hair $14.99 Fun on St. Patrick's Day! Our shiny hat with vibrant green hair, 16 in length, will make you the hit of the party and the parade. Perfect for a man or woman. One size fits most. Polyester. Ireland.

Scotland Hat $12.99 Our 100% cotton twill cap is embroidered with Scotland and the iconic red lion rampant. Adjustable back.

Falling To Sheep Romper And Hat $24.99 Shhh....sheep and baby are sleeping! Our enchanting embroidered snap-closure romper comes with an adorable hat and both in a lovely soft shade of green. 100% cotton. Imported. Sizes 3-6 mos., 6-12 mos., 12-18 mos., 18-24 mos.

Personalized Porcelain Baseball Hat Bank $13.99 Our Personalized Baseball Hat Bank is made of porcelain and accented with green shamrocks. 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 2 3/4. Imported. Web Exclusive!

Green Sun Lily Hat with Clutch $17.99 A wonderful addition to your spring and summer wardrobe. When pulled out of the small clutch the nylon and cotton hat unfolds to a fashionable and functional accessory. Perfect protection from the sun.

Dublin Rugby Club Funny Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Keywords: funny t-shirts, dublin rugby club, college humor st. patrick's day tshirts, st. paddy's day tees, football gag gifts, ireland quote mugs, irish stickers, humorous sian patricks day hats Funny Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Guinness Striped Hat $29.99 A new design cap with a smoother, more sleek shape in a new popular stripe pattern. Embroidered Guinness design. Designed in Ireland.

Black Pub Crawl Hat $24.99 The first and only cap that will truly help you find your way. This ingenious design is so perfect for ?pub crawl? nights. There are 3 green LED lights in the cap brim edge and one green LED light under the brim. Both lights are adjustable by pushing a button under the cap? Adjustable back closure. 100% cotton twill with green embroidery.

Christmas Crackers $13.99 An Irish tradition at Christmas. Each contains a snap, a joke, a surprise novelty, and a party hat. Box of eight. Designed in Canada.

100 Irish Rugby Greats (Paperback) $39.02 A celebration of the most significant stars of Irish rugby since the 1930s, this dedication to the sport takes in all of the true greats, including Jack Kyle, Tony O’Reilly, Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride, Moss Keane, Keith Wood, Brian O’Driscoll, and Paul O’Connell. Each detailed and revelatory profile is based on interviews with the athletes, as well as with those who have lined up against them. The result is a remarkable insight into a history of myriad controversies, epic matches, thrilling contests, and pivotal events on and off the field. Laced with humor and packed with anecdotes, the book pulsates with an insider’s knowledge and will prove to be a collectable read for all rugby fans.

Tommy Hayes (Irish Rugby Player) $74.88 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Tommy Hayes in an Irish rugby union player. His preferred position is Number 8. He currently plays for Exeter Chiefs and was their captain when they were promoted to the Guinness Premiership for the 2010/2011 season and remains captain currently in the 20102011 season in the Aviva Premiership. They defeated Bristol in a 2 legged playoff in May 2010 to win promotion, their first time in the English professional top flight. He originally arrived in English rugby from Ireland at Plymouth Albion but then transferred to Exeter. He is the brother of record setting Irish Prop John Hayes. Following in the footsteps of his older brother John, Tom also played for County Limerick team Bruff R.F.C. as a youths player, winning an U18 AIL medal during the 1997 season which Bruff shared with Corinthians following a final which was tied after extra time. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 80 Publication Date: 2010/10/20 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.19 inches

Rugby Rugby Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Rugby Rugby Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Peace Love Rugby Irish Irish iPhone 4 Slider Case by CafePress $25 Peace Love Irish Rugbys Funny Peace Love Irish Rugby Designs. MORE ST PATRICK'S Day Irish DESIGNS CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE T-Shirts Gifts Sweatshirts Shop. Irish iPhone 4 Slider Case This two-piece hard case protects your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s and adds a lot of flare. The case does not obscure controls, but is easy to slide on and off - for quick docking. The felt-lined interior prevents scratches and the exterior soft-grip prevents

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 11:14 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.