While the English Premier League has every right to get the best price for its deals, the rising cost of watching the EPL worldwide has long-term implications. (“Premier League’s S$10.6b TV deal may be bad news for fans”; Feb 12)
The bulk of die-hard fans here, I would think, grew up during the time the EPL was free to air and accessible to all Singaporeans. Since then, its reach to the population has been slowly reduced.
First, the move to cable cut out those who did not have cable. Then, the steady increase in fees alienated existing fans and the young.
With every increase, more fans may stop subscribing and more children may grow up with less interest in the EPL. There are many entertainment alternatives to football. Perhaps this is not a bad thing.
I would find it difficult to explain to a child why a player such as Wayne Rooney earns more in an hour than what many Singaporeans earn monthly, especially since he is only one person in a team of 11.
The bulk of die-hard fans here, I would think, grew up during the time the EPL was free to air and accessible to all Singaporeans. Since then, its reach to the population has been slowly reduced.
First, the move to cable cut out those who did not have cable. Then, the steady increase in fees alienated existing fans and the young.
With every increase, more fans may stop subscribing and more children may grow up with less interest in the EPL. There are many entertainment alternatives to football. Perhaps this is not a bad thing.
I would find it difficult to explain to a child why a player such as Wayne Rooney earns more in an hour than what many Singaporeans earn monthly, especially since he is only one person in a team of 11.
