Setanta, a Defence
I’ve been critical of Setanta, the Irish multi-platform international sports broadcaster, many times on Irish KC.
Most of my remarks have been casual and flippant without explaining why I don’t hold Setanta in the highest regard.
Well, a few days ago I received an email from Setanta, from Robert Ryan specifically, and while he graciously acknowledged my opinion and wished me and Irish KC well, he made a case for Setanta that I have certainly failed to do to date.
Broadcasting, and broadcasting internationally is in transition right now and has been rapidly changing for a few years. Some of the criticisms I have of Setanta are born of the capabilities of technology now rather than even 5 years ago.
But my primary gripe with the service would take quite a long post in itself, so for now I’d just like to present Robert’s proud defence unchallenged:
I am sad that you have a poor view of our company but understand why some people might get that impression. We are very proud to be an Irish company and actually have a huge amount of people who are absolutely delighted with what we do. Particularly now that we have introduced a 24 hour Channel at a very affordable price. Unfortunately the cost of sports right has gone through the roof over the last 10 yrs with the costs associated with professional sports and the huge money the players get paid. We have re-invested the vast amount of money made over the years in order to build a business. We employ close to 500 people many of whom are Irish and we are quite proud of what we do and our Irish heritage in particular.
Most people seem to be very congratulatory about a small Irish company rising from nowhere to take on the likes of Rupert Murdoch and Newscorp. We provide LIVE international sports to displaced expats and domestic fans around the world who for years were not able to see their country or team play at all. For that we have received a huge amount of encouragement and positive feedback. I wish you all the best in your venture and if you’d like to cantact me please feel free.
Slan
Robert.
Robert’s words include many points I fully accept, and indeed I had forgotten the pride I felt myself in Setanta in earlier days for the very reasons Robert describes.
We’ll save for another day my experiences as a consumer that might explain my earlier negative comments about Setanta, and hopefully we can get a response on those from Robert at that time.
So for now I’d like to thank Robert for contacting Irish KC, and wish him and the company well - and remind you that the current Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships are available live on broadband in North America for a monthly subscription of $11.99.
Check out Setanta’s website
Read About Some Setanta Moments:
• Is Kansas City more Irish than the Cayman Islands?
• So How Was it For You - The Greening of America?
• All Ireland Sunday 2006
• Setanta #14 in Top 20 Ways To Stay Irish Away From Ireland
• San Marino v Ireland: No results within 100 mile radius
• Wearing Green and Ignoring Ireland
• Rugby on TV in Kansas City, MO
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