• Registered: 05-11-2009
  • Posts: 4,297

Re: Sussex Profit

It would be complete madness to reduce cricket income by forcing it onto free tv.I happily pay for cable to watch cricket I cannot go to and can see no benefit to bankrupting the ECb ,the counties and destroying the development programme.

I believe the internet,cable TV etc has done a lot to rekindle my interest in county cricket and I have often believed that fee is not a commercial option ,except in extreme cases of public necessity.I can accept and understand the basis of free health care to the poor paid for by taxation.So if Gordon Brown wants to out bid Sky that would be ok.But to sicialise by expropriating the revenue is a little too rich for my blood.What say you South London Pete.

  • Registered: 26-04-2006
  • Posts: 601

Re: Sussex Profit

This is all ok, all the time that Sky wants to pour money into cricket. Surley there will be a time when they wont? If that happens, then what?

  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Sussex Profit

langford,

The existing Sky agreement with the ECB continues until 2013. After that, and leaving aside political intervention, why wouldn't they want to continue the deal?

For me, the Sky money is capitalism working at its very best. I pay my annual extra sports channel/s fee happily, knowing that my money goes towards enriching and improving the growth of sport right across the board.

Whatever bad press Murdoch may get, without him and Sky, sport would be a lot worse off today. I might go so far as to say that the sports channels fee is one of the best value for money around, given how the finances are then used on so many different levels to help sport of which cricket is just one example.

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 26-04-2006
  • Posts: 601

Re: Sussex Profit

softandfluffy wrote:

langford,

The existing Sky agreement with the ECB continues until 2013. After that, and leaving aside political intervention, why wouldn't they want to continue the deal?

Well, I thought advertising rates was set against the number of viewers watching, the better the number watching  the better the revenue, so if the viewing figures dropped so would the revenue to Sky, and perhaps they would  broadcast something that attracted more viewers instead to bring in more revenue.

Or perhaps i have got the wrong end of the stick.

  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Sussex Profit

langford,

My understanding is various TV companies bid in an auction for sports rights when the previous contracts end; and why Setanta, for example, were able to show football matches in recent years until they went broke - partly because they paid too much for them!

It is this auction which accrues so much money for British sport and why cricket and football have flourished since 'Sky' appeared. And the successful companies then gain their money back via 'pay to view'. So, I don't understand where advertising revenue comes into the equation.

The links below may shed some light.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/show … p?t=713687

http://www.analysysmason.com/About-Us/N … ges-await/

Last edited by softandfluffy (26-02-2010 14:58:14)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 26-04-2006
  • Posts: 601

Re: Sussex Profit

Ok fair enough softandfluffy, it is just that I thought that the advertising that they showed during the games was a source of revenue to fund paying to broadcast the games

Thanks a lot smile

Last edited by dvlangford (26-02-2010 14:59:47)

  • Registered: 05-11-2009
  • Posts: 4,297

Re: Sussex Profit

dvlangford wrote:

Ok fair enough softandfluffy, it is just that I thought that the advertising that they showed during the games was a source of revenue to fund paying to broadcast the games

Thanks a lot smile


Yes you are right...If nobody watches....nobody advertises ...and Sky dont bid.

What happens...?cricket goes bust in 2014.But without sky cricket is bust now.I buy Sportsmax from Jamaica ,which buys cricket from various feeds including Sky.

  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Sussex Profit

triple century,

Sky make their primary money from the 'pay to view' income. Of course, advertising revenue is important but not vital. In fact, the last two years has seen the fastest growth in grassroots participation - up more than 20%; and Women's cricket participation has seen an astonishing rise of 49%. So, cricket has never been so popular in Britain!

In fact, the ECB must be praised for giving 25% of the Sky money to community cricket. For example, last year they contributed £1.5m, so Exeter could build an indoor cricket facility for local youngsters.

As for the 'Sky' money disappearing, it simply won't happen. The whole fuss came about because after the success of last year's Ashes, there was a knee-jerk reaction from some ignorant members of the public and the Labour government duly reacted. And my understanding, is these very tentative suggestions only surround 'The Ashes'. 'Sky' can still show all other forms of cricket, anyway. So, it's all a storm in a teacup.

Last edited by softandfluffy (26-02-2010 15:49:48)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 05-11-2009
  • Posts: 4,297

Re: Sussex Profit

softandfluffy wrote:

triple century,

Sky make their primary money from the 'pay to view' income. Of course, advertising revenue is important but not vital. In fact, the last two years has seen the fastest growth in grassroots participation - up more than 20%; and Women's cricket participation has seen an astonishing rise of 49%. So, cricket has never been so popular in Britain!

As for the 'Sky' money disappearing, it simply won't happen. The whole fuss came about because after the success of last year's Ashes, there was a knee-jerk reaction from some ignorant members of the public and the Labour government duly reacted. And my understanding, is these very tentative suggestions only surround 'The Ashes'. 'Sky' can still show all other forms of cricket, anyway. So, it's all a storm in a teacup.


Hope so...and I agree with you completely...Govt should not determine television rights for sport.

  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

I am quite willing to pay nearly £30 a month for sky, if you think about it, most of the time you cannot buy a test ticket for £30 and that would be for just one day. On sky they provide every match of any significance, including county stuff, plus all the football and other sports, which makes it a very good deal. There is nearly always some sport worth watching on sky, and I can't see most of the population putting up with days of cricket on tv, unless they create a new channel...

Back to Sussex's turnover this year. I have just seen that Warwickshire have made a record £1.15 million profit last year. Very Successful. It just proves that County finances are a bit of a rollercoaster, after their loss of almost £900,000 in 2007. You can see why counties are fighting for test matches, but there will be losers.

Here is the link for the Warwickshire profit (it will please KimJones) - http://www.testmatchextra.com/Blogs.asp … 789e37350b

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Sussex Profit

sharky,

Thanks for that link.

Amazing what hosting a Test match can do to a club's profit and loss column! Only shows how topsy-turvy and unfair the county system is and why Hampshire are so intent in taking enormous financial risks to build a Test match ground; and the power the ECB wield over who secures a Test game and who doesn't.

Meanwhile, how do non-Test grounds like Sussex at Hove survive without this financial manna?

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

I am not sure on that one S&F, if I knew I would be the financial advisor for Sussex big_smile It is a vicious circle and one that we are fortunately avoiding due to the Spen Cama Legacy, but when that dries up, I don't know what will happen.

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Sussex Profit

sharky,

My biggest concern is that Sussex have relied on the interest income from the Cama legacy to cover over the previous gaping financial holes. When the Icelandic banks were offering up to 7%, a fair whack!

Once the ground refurbishments are under way, that vital income is gone. So, what will the club do then?

Brooksy has discussed using the new-look ground to attract corporate and hospitality business but we are in a recession. Those forms of revenue streams are severely restricted.

It will be interesting to hear what he has to say at the AGM on March 30th.

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Registered: 27-08-2004
  • Posts: 3,447

Re: Sussex Profit

You sum it up perfectly s& f.

Were we not getting £500000 of interest  for 2 year ???. I expect this halved this year as rates are poor but when most of the money is spent over these next 2 years will we be able to make half a million when the country is in recession . Once Spens money is spent if we then make hugh losses what then ???

PS. No way am I having a go at anyone about spending this money on the ground . It is falling down and tatty and badly needs updating . I have no problem with what is being planned. Just do not want you to think I am knocking anyone.
After all the best thing that has happened to this ground in the last 30 odd years was the demolition of the Gilligan . Just sorry we cannot knock down that dreadful pavilion .

  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

I share your concerns S&F, I would like to see the new-look ground attract a lot more corporate and hospitality business but as you say that is not such a reliable source of income with our current economic climate. But if we can find a use for the ground throughout the whole year we have more of a chance of making money, but the club is being run better than the top football clubs that is all i can say tongue

I very much want to attend the AGM but I live in Billingshurst (near Horsham) so it would be quite a journey because I have school the next day :@ It just so happens that the next day would be the last day of school before we break up sad
Do you know the times that it will be or will likely to be? And i will try and find a way to get there big_smile

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

The interest money on the Spen Cama legacy was down £286,000 this year I think. So yeah we lost about half sad

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • Registered: 30-06-2008
  • Posts: 2,365

Re: Sussex Profit

softandfluffy wrote:

sharky,

Thanks for that link.

Amazing what hosting a Test match can do to a club's profit and loss column! Only shows how topsy-turvy and unfair the county system is and why Hampshire are so intent in taking enormous financial risks to build a Test match ground; and the power the ECB wield over who secures a Test game and who doesn't.

Meanwhile, how do non-Test grounds like Sussex at Hove survive without this financial manna?

Exceptional year for Warwicks with an ashes test and T20 finals day. Big boost was the washed out third day of the ashes test (the day I went  yikes ). Insurance meant we lost nothing but rain meant we had an unbudgeted 5th day. The art for a test match ground is  to try and make sure this profit isnt eaten away by losses in non test/non ashes years. We are going to take a caning this year with Bangladesh and the Aussie V Pakistan games.

The Kookaburra Man
  • From: Fishersgate Maritime Village
  • Registered: 04-11-2006
  • Posts: 10,444

Re: Sussex Profit

the point is that the strategy of modernising the ground, and increasing our revenue streams from that is the only way forward - we can tinker round the edges with the plans, but it is the only way other than doing virtually nothing and dying a slow death waiting for the Cama money to run out

  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

Yes many counties will suffer, I read an article saying it was in the even years (2010,2012 etc) that counties suffered due to no Ashes tests and few big series versus India and the like. But also the competition with the International football competitions (The World Cup and The European Championships) which means that a lot of revenue will be lost from those times sad

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Sussex Profit

sweaty,

No-one is disagreeing that the ground refurbishment is the right way forward. It is. But how will Sussex then attract similar revenue streams they gained from the previous Cama legacy interest income?  That to me is vital if Sussex are to remain solvent.

I don't believe corporate and hospitality income will be sufficient during a recession and why the club will need to be more creative and think out of the box. Turning the 'Royal Albert Hall' into an ice rink... Now, that's creative!

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/theatre/a … -on-ice.do

SPSL,

"Just do not want you to think I am knocking anyone. "

Beware the Robbo Rotweilers!!  wink

sharky,

You come over as very mature to be still at school. No idea what the AGM time is.

Last edited by softandfluffy (26-02-2010 18:12:59)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 22-05-2006
  • Posts: 938

Re: Sussex Profit

Aha! I see you mentioned me again S&F.  big_smile  Actually a very interesting and constructive argument for Sky money if I may say so.

Football will always be Sky's biggest draws but they need other sports to make a complete package so I'm sure cricket will always be wanted. I worry a little though that their monopoly situation will eventually drive down the price.

Kim

"Insurance meant we lost nothing". Now there's a surprise.  smile

Last edited by Insurance Man (26-02-2010 18:26:25)

  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

Thank You S&F,

I am in Year 10 (15 years old), there should be a release about the AGM sooner to the time so I will wait. I am mature, but it is really that I love cricket big_smile It is pretty much all I think about and something I would love to be involved with when I am older. All my friends, know me as cricket-obessed, but I like that title tongue

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Sussex Profit

sharky,

You write and bring over your views better than some twice your age.

Why not contact Sussex CCC; mention your great cricket interest and support of the club; and see if you can secure some junior work at the Hove ground during the school holidays.

Always worth a try. You can obtain Dave Brooks email via this website; although sending a letter is perhaps more professional.

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

Cheers S&F,

Well I am doing some work experience through my school early in July, as an assistant Fitness coach for the first team. So that will mean I get to go to the Arundel Festival for the week instead of school while hanging out with the first XI. I am already very excited, it is a dream come true and my perfect way to spend a week.

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Registered: 27-08-2004
  • Posts: 3,447

Re: Sussex Profit

sussexshark.

Hope you don't mind me saying but I wasn't sure whether you were a master when you mentioned being at school .

Keep letting us know your views on this magic game .I am just about the oldest here at 59 but I still get a great buzz out of being at cricket  and love it just as much as when I was your age  .  I have a 20 year old at home and he fell in love with cricket aged 8 and wants to coach the game.

It is good to hear youngsters like yourself and Sweaty junior coming on this site .Really great for you to get work experience at the club . Do make yourself know to us regulars we will be pleased to meet you .