Don't Let Them Get Away With It!

By: Alan Breese
Date: 24/03/2002

GRIMSBY supporter Alan Breese has written an e-mail to the chairmen of ITV Sport's parent companies Granada and Carlton.

The two ITV companies have threatened to wind up the ailing digital TV venture after its total flop covering the Nationwide League this season, an action that will cause dozens of football clubs to fold.

Alan's e-mail to the Chairmen of Carlton & Granada (and his MP) is included here and he suggests that every like minded-individual does the same. The e-mail addresses can be found at the end of this article.

Dear Mr Green

I am sure that I do not need to remind you of the fact that Carlton, and therefore ITV Digital is a communications based organisation, and it is therefore vital that it appeals to people's "Hearts & Minds".

The current behaviour of ITV Digital in relation to renaiging on the TV Contract with the Nationwide League, is therefore particularly alarming for a number of reasons:

1. It is morally and ethically despicable. 2. It may lead to the collapse of over 50% of the clubs in the Nationwide League, thereby striking a mortal blow to the fabric of soccer in England & Wales. 3. The sums of money involved, whilst large to the soccer clubs, is relatively small to the owners(Granada & Carlton)

The root of the problem lies in the dreadful introduction and marketing of the service by ITV Digital. For example, I live just outside of Leeds in an affluent area, but along with thousands of others cant get the service, although I support a Nationwide League team, and would pay to watch.

Should ITV Digital not honour its contract, I can forsee a number of pivotal issues arising which will attack the parent companies of ITV Digital: a)There will be pressure from the Government to prevent any ITV company getting sporting rights, including the World Cup & Commonwealth Games. b)There will be a coordinated backlash, not only from the clubs that go out of existence, and their fans, but from all football followers, businesses affected, and the community at large. This will have a dramatic effect on TV audiences, and advertising revenue. I for one would never watch any ITV programme again.I would encourage everyone I know to do the same. Whilst not in the same situation, please remember the catastrophic impact the Enron situation has had on Andersens.

I would urge you to take the appropriate steps to ensure ITV Digital honour their contract.

I am happy to enter into discussion or communication on this subject

Alan Breese

To send an e-mail to the company chairmen click here.

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