Liberty Media eyeing F1 streaming service
- Published on 09 Nov 2016 14:17
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- By: Dominik Wilde
Liberty Media want to introduce a streaming service for Formula One once their takeover of the sport is complete.
Despite contentions from the European and British governments, the American media giants are keen to add F1 to their portfolio which also includes the Atlanta Braves baseball team.
Liberty are "very excited about the idea" of a streaming service, according to Greg Maffei, with the Liberty Media CEO adding that it "makes a lot of sense for them and us."
"Given the global nature and the dedicated fan base we have, it would seem like an OTT product is something that makes a lot of sense for them (F1) and us," he said during an analyst call, according to Hollywood Reporter.
However, any potential streaming service would not replace Pay TV services such as Sky.
"We don’t yet see wholesale substitution [for pay TV]," said Maffei.
He also added that current agreements with TV networks could provide difficulties with setting up a potential streaming service.
"I don't think they're impenetrable, but there's things to be worked through," he added.
Formula One has traditionally failed to embrace more modern forms of media, shunning the likes of social Media and YouTube until recently.
Maffei also spoke of how Live Nation - another Liberty property, and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, could help transform Grands Prix, with tickets for races and attached concerts and events being sold through the online service.
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Replies (8)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A nice idea, this would definitely work if done right.
Hemex
Posts: 1,307
Hmm, You're $ure of that?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, the idea is nice, would definitely make the sport more accessible, and if done right it might attract more followers... Assuming it is done right.
Hemex
Posts: 1,307
Paying zilch right now, because it's in my package. Can you beat that? Getting paid for viewing, maybe?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Thats very nice and all, but it doesnt cost zero for most of us. Here in Sweden you cannot even view the quali or the 1 hour highlights unless you have channel 10, a channel not everyone has, and for the full broadcast you need the ridiculously priced Viasat package. A streaming service would make the sport more accessible, and you'd likely even be able to watch on the go.
Hemex
Posts: 1,307
Ah, you haven't been looking for 'ways' to view FP's and such through free Sky channels. Not very difficult really, and 100% free as well.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I have and currently am viewing it that way, but I dont like to have to resort to that.
denis1304
Posts: 284
small step towards younger viewership would be if FOM stopped deleting all small clips from youtube and similar