Squeeze Those Rights

No broadcasts of FC United on Channel M this season..."Despite a frantic round of last minute talks regarding next seasons FCUM.TV show, Channel M have unexpectedly pulled out of the deal citing exposure to legal challenges."

Channel M needs all the viewers it can, and I was one of them every Monday night (Sky 203) watching the highlights, I'd then check out the schedules to see if I was missing anything else like Frank Sidebottom. Well not this year, won't be watching anything now.

Every last bit of filming and audio rights are being licensed to various small time operators to squeeze another few quid out of the football fan. FC United and FCUM.TV are a refreshing exception - online match commentary and video clips on the web all for free. Say unlike the Ryman League who want you to pay for a 60p a minute phone call to hear an interview with the manager of Wealdstone. They've also put an end to Dons Online service (AFC Wimbledon) with their plans to maximize revenues from your credit card.

If you're a long suffering fan of a lower league team you are expected to fork out another four or five pounds a month. That's just for the not so comfortable privilege of sitting in front of a small picture on a computer screen. Nor can you listen to online commentary even though the BBC local radio are at the match, doing an excellent job with our license fee.