Forget Sky – we may yet tune into GAA TV
THE GAA could move into broadcasting their own matches in the future, according to Croke Park’s stadium director.
The association fielded criticism this week after some die-hard fans didn’t get to see the Kilkenny vs Waterford thriller at home because it was aired on Sky Sports instead of being free to view on RTÉ.
The GAA’s commercial and stadium director, Peter McKenna, yesterday defended the deal with Sky Sports, which includes live matches and analysis, presented by Rachel Wyse. He said: ‘[Sky] is working very well for us. We have a five-year deal. Does anyone really know where the business will be in five years’ time? You’d wonder will there be [the] big [broadcaster] that is RTÉ in ten years’ time. The whole model is changing... there is no doubt that... the “appointment to view” that sport offers, gives us, as an organisation, a huge opportunity to do it ourselves even.’
‘But in order to do that, we’ve got to have the expertise. There is a far wider strategy in looking forward five, ten years’ time,’ he told Pay Kenny on Newstalk.
He rejected criticism from former Offaly hurler and RTÉ pundit Michael Duignan on RTÉ’s Sunday Game over the broadcast of the Kilkenny-Waterford clash on Sky Sports.
The Offaly hurler said many hurling fans didn’t see the classic clash because it wasn’t on free-to-air RTÉ.
But Mr McKenna said: ‘Michael is an employee of RTÉ and is paid to be an analyst... You could have seen that game for €10 if that was your real intent. You can get a Sky Now product.’
He added that the GAA requires money from deals like Sky to run the organisation. ‘This is about creating a small economy which is the GAA in order to look after ourselves.’