New Media Partner Announced.......

[pumbaa]

Here's the press release we've just put out. Tony will be on our breakfast show tomorrow morning after 8 some time with a few more details. I can't say anything else until after that, but if you've got any questions I'll come back online tomorrow some time and answer what I can. Cheers.


BBC Radio Swindon loses commentary rights for Swindon Town after 18 years.

BBC Radio Swindon is disappointed to confirm that it will not be broadcasting full match commentaries of Swindon Town matches next season following the club's decision to award the broadcasting rights to another local radio station.

Managing Editor, Tony Worgan, says: "We're really disappointed that the club didn't invite us to bid for the rights, but that doesn't mean we'll stop providing comprehensive coverage of all the action next season. Fans have been calling, emailing and texting to say how disappointing it is they wont be able to hear Shaun Hodgetts and Ed Hadwin commentating from all the club's games as they have done since 1989.

"I feel particularly sorry for the club's loyal supporters outside the immediate Swindon area who'll be unable to pick up next season's commentary on their radios as a result of this decision.

"However, we wish the club every success and, of course, we'll be supporting Paul Sturrock's drive for back to back promotion as passionately as ever!"

Ed, welcome and thanks for the update. As someone who has lived outside Wiltshire for 6 years (and overseas for the last two and a bit of those), I have come to rely on your voice on a Saturday descibing the action (and sometimes lack of) on the pitch. Despite what others may think, I personally think you and Shaun have done an excellent job and I'm sorry these events have transpired. As others have said, I hope the Club's decision doesn't affect your professional circumstances. I have yet to e-mail the club to register my anger at this decision, but its in work.

[Panda Paws]

Petitions are bollocks ralphy i think we need to accept that this is going to happen..Myself i would like to see bbc wilts get behind the trust and the consortium now and appeal to alot more people

I'd rather we did a good bit of work like the plastic Reading fans and got commentary back on a station with a wider broadcast area ...

[red macca]

Petitions are bollocks ralphy i think we need to accept that this is going to happen..Myself i would like to see bbc wilts get behind the trust and the consortium now and appeal to alot more people

I'd rather we did a good bit of work like the plastic Reading fans and got commentary back on a station with a wider broadcast area ...

one massive difference reading are run by a bloke who actually gives a fuck about what the town wants

[yeo]

My grandad listens to Swindon games every weekend on the radio. He's a bit too old to go much anymore.But He can't use a laptop.

Thats a fair point.

[Bogus Dave]

I may be being a bit thick here, but how will e-mailing local MP's do anything to help. Surely they all have to look after their consituency (swindon), and so wont be too bothered that those in the outer regions.

I dont know much about politics, and i may be completely wrong, but i don't think it would make much of a difference would it?

[Panda Paws]

Petitions are bollocks ralphy i think we need to accept that this is going to happen..Myself i would like to see bbc wilts get behind the trust and the consortium now and appeal to alot more people

I'd rather we did a good bit of work like the plastic Reading fans and got commentary back on a station with a wider broadcast area ...

one massive difference reading are run by a bloke who actually gives a fuck about what the town wants

Macca, I do appriciate that, but we can't be defeatest about this ... otherwise they've won.

Got to say, Paul and the Trust guys, you should all get behind this too.

[yeo]

Could someone write a template complaint letter ?

[Panda Paws]

Could someone write a template complaint letter ?

Give me 30 mins to have food and I'll pen one.

[broomfield]

Ed.

Thanks for the time and effort both you and Shaun put in to supporting Swindon Town.

Unfortunately Martin ' nice but dim' Starnes and the other half wits have stabbed everyone in the back over this. {You can't fault there consistancy}

Whatever happens, thanks for your professionalism and support.

Say thanks to Shaun.


Best wishes

[Bogus Dave]

Dear Board

Fuck off please

Yours......

[tans]

STFC board - CUNTS  :twisted:  :twisted:  :twisted:  :twisted:

[Dazzza]

I stuck this in the other thread as well but if anyone is directly hit by the lack of wireless coverage from Brunel then its worth dropping a complaint in to http://www.ofcom.org.uk/

Arguably the club can award the license as they see fit but there may be a decent argument that as the commentary is of substantial interest and importance to the local community then the license holder should have adequate transmission coverage to listeners to provide the service.

Worth a squirt…

[mattboyslim]

I think that whilst the board have done their utmost to piss the fans off at every opportunity over the last 5+ yrs they may well have underestimated the impact of this decision - a vast % of the fanbase lives outside the borough and now will not be able to hear commentary - especially on away games, older people without the net are gonna be scuperred.  It could be seen as a little thing, but to the silent majority it is something that directly affects them - it could be enough to spark some people into action IMHO.

[Phil_S]

This is just the latest in a long line of sod the fans we are gonna fill our pockets from the board at STFC.
They will continue to carry on like this unless & until we unite & get the greedy bastards OUT of our club.

[pumbaa]

I've just sent this to Starnes

Dear Martyn,
 
I write to you expressing my concern regarding last week's announcement on the Official Site regarding the new Media Partnership with Brunel FM.
 
As you are more that well aware, a significant number (several thousand) of Swindon Town fans live outside the Brunel FM transmission area, and therefore have relied on the excellent coverage from BBC Radio Swindon for the past 18 years on match days and more. Your decision to announce a media partnership with Brunel FM is a kick in the face to all Swindon Town fans who live outside the town.

Where was the fan consultation on this move? To me this smacks of the club forcing individuals who live outside the Brunel FM transmission area to sign up to STFC World, and reaping the financial benefit of so doing. I'll be willing to wager that you didn't factor into your consideration those people who for reasons various are unable to connect to the internet, and therefore their only option to listen to match day commenary was BBC Radio Swindon.

I strongly request that you reconsider this move now, and I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.
 
Yours sincerely,

etc

Now don't take this the wrong way, but this decision doesn't affect me so much as it does others. I have to rely on STFC World (as shite as it is)right now for match day commentary, so assuming the deal with Brunel doesn't infringe the Premium TV deal, its no major issue for me personally.

However, thats not the point, because it impact is felt far wider than one individual, and therefore I have to lend my support to the greater good rather than have an "I'm alright jack" attitude to the issue. I think that makes sense.

If I get a reply from Starnes, I'll post it.

Chris K - have you had a response yet?