Monday, 2nd July 2007

HEADLINE NEWS

Comperio Research to Monitor Copa America

Comperio Research, an IMG company, was appointed to monitor and analyse the worldwide television coverage of Copa América 2007 in an exclusive deal with Traffic Sports Marketing, who own all commercial rights to the tournament. Copa América 2007 is the 42nd edition of the tournament, the main football tournament in the Americas. The event, which will run from the end of June to mid July is broadcast in 188 countries and comprises 26 games in total.

The main objective of Comperio’s research programme is to equip Traffic Sports Marketing with an understanding of how television impacts audience reach and global awareness of the tournament. Comperio will use its international, media tracking facilities to monitor and evaluate all dedicated, live, deferred and magazine television coverage.

Commenting on Comperio’s appointment, Jean Marc Schwartzenberg, Director of International Business at Traffic Sports Marketing said: “This is the tenth edition of Copa América that the Traffic Group has organised and we want to ensure that the tournament is receiving the visibility it deserves. Comperio’s research programme will prove invaluable, as it promises to make us fully aware of the breadth and depth of this year’s media coverage. This insight will enable us to make informed and effective decisions when selling and negotiating programming rights for future events.” Source: Sport Business, 29th Jun 2007


THE WEEKEND’S RESULTS

Source: Copa America Official, 27th Jun 2007
Uruguay beat Bolivia 1-0 in a lackluster match in Group A of Copa America 2007 in the Venezuelan city of San Cristóbal, a result that threw them a lifeline and made the Uruguayans dream again with qualification to the quarterfinals. The only goal of the match was scored by striker Vicente Sánchez (Toluca, Mexico), on 59 minutes, making the most of heavy indecision by the Bolivian defense. Only the last 10 minutes of the match were exciting, when Bolivia almost drew level in two occasions, both stopped by keeper Fabián Carini, who made almost impossible saves. With the win, the ‘Celeste’ take second place on three points.

Source: BBC Sport, 1st Jul 2007
Venezuela recorded a first Copa America win in 40 years to take top spot in Group A. Peru's hopes were hit by Pedro Garcia's 15th-minute red card, the first in the tournament, after he elbowed Giancarlo Maldonado in a tussle the Venezuelan started. The hosts finally made their numerical advantage tell early in the second half when Alejandro Cichero headed in. In an increasingly fractious match, Peru were aggrieved when Chelsea new boy Claudio Pizarro appeared to be tripped in the box, with the goal gaping, but did not win a penalty. And despite having midfielder Richard Pez sent off for a second bookable offence, Venezuela wrapped up the points with a low finish from Daniel Arismendi on 79 minutes.

Source: Reuters, 1st Jul 2007
Mexico reached the quarter-finals of the Copa America on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador in Group B. The result leaves the Mexicans on top of the group with the maximum six points. Ecuador prop up the group without a point and are out of the running for the last eight. Even with a defeat in their final match against Chile, Mexico, who shocked Brazil in their opening game, are assured of at least going through as a third-placed side. Nery Castillo and Omar Bravo put Hugo Sanchez's Mexican side 2-0 up before Edison Mendez pulled one back for Ecuador five minutes from the end.

Source: International Herald Tribune, 1st Jul 2007
Robinho converted a disputed first-half penalty and added two late goals to lead Brazil to a 3-0 victory over Chile, restoring the defending champion's confidence of reaching the quarterfinals at the Copa America. Brazil struggled early until Paraguayan referee Carlos Torres called a questionable pushing foul in the area on defender Miguel Riffo in the 35th minute. The Real Madrid striker doubled the lead in the 83rd, chipping a cross over the keeper, and sealed the victory four minutes later, beating Chile's defense and scoring just inside the right post. With the win, Brazil moved into second place in Group B. The top two teams in each four-team group advance to the quarterfinals, along with the two-best third place finishers.


THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

Mon, 2nd Jul 2007
Copa America 2007: Group C - USA v Paraguay, Barinas
Copa America 2007: Group C - Argentina v Colombia, Maracaibo

Tue, 3rd Jul 2007
Copa America 2007: Group A - Bolivia v Peru, Merida
Copa America 2007: Group A - Venezuela v Uruguay, Merida

Wed, 4th Jul 2007
Copa America 2007: Group B - Mexico v Chile, Barcelona
Copa America 2007: Group B - Brazil v Ecuador, Barcelona

Thu, 5th Jul 2007
Copa America 2007: Group C - USA v Colombia, Barquisimeto
Copa America 2007: Group C - Argentina v Paraguay, Barquisimeto

Sat, 7th Jul 2007
Masters Football: Central Masters
Copa America 2007: Quarter-final 1, Maracaibo
Copa America 2007: Quarter-final 2, San Cristobal

Sun, 8th Jul 2007
AVP Crocs Tour: Seaside Heights Open, Final Day
Copa America 2007: Quarter-final 3, Maturin
Copa America 2007: Quarter-final 4, Barquisimeto


INFO BOX

TV Statistics
Source: Info IQ, 29th Jun 2007

* 2.7 million IPTV subscribers in Asia in 2006
* 50.8 million PC-TV tuners will be sold worldwide by 2011
* Global electronics display market to exceed $100 billion in 2007
* HDTV content in Asia-Pacific to generate $8.06 billion in 2012
* Indian TV market to generate $4 billion by 2011

Should iPhone Be Banned?
Source: Ken Radio, 29th Jun 2007

Some analysts claim the iPhone could "punch a hole" through corporate security systems if staff use the phone for work purposes. IT departments should be wary of allowing use of Apple's mobile handset as it does not contain the necessary functionality to comply with basic corporate security. Integrating mobile devices and other tech into corporate IT networks, while maintaining security policies, has become an increasing problem for businesses. The problem is exacerbated by manufacturers who provide tools that allow staff to integrate their device into the corporate network. The iPhone was launched in the US on Friday. Lists the following reasons to steer clear of the iPhone for now:

* Lack of support from major mobile device management suites and mobile-security suites;
* Lack of support from major business mobile email solution providers;
* An operating system platform that is not licensed to alternative hardware suppliers, meaning there are limited backup options;
* Feature deficiencies that would increase support costs (for example, no removable battery)
* Currently available from only one operator [in the US];
* An unproven device from a vendor that has never built an enterprise-class mobile device;
* The high price of the device, estimated at $500;
* A clear statement by Apple that it is focused on consumer rather than enterprise.


SPORTS SHORTS

* Malaysia is delaying the extension of its contract to host F1 races as it considers the high cost of staging a night grand prix. Officials are discussing details of a proposed new 5-year contract to replace the existing deal, which expires in 2010. The most contentious issue is whether Malaysia should agree to hold night races, a move that would increase costs by up to RM20 million ($5.7 million). Neighbouring Singapore has secured a five-year deal to host Formula 1 races from next year and is prepared to stage them at night. Source: Sportcal, 29th Jun 2007

* The NBA agreed a new eight-year $7.4-billion deal with Walt Disney and Time Warner that includes online and mobile rights. The deal begins 2008 and runs through the 2015-16 season, at average of about $930 million a year, a 22% increase over $765-million average currently. The increase, despite declining television ratings, is due to the expanded digital rights and sports rights fees. Time Warner and Disney will have rights to about 200 games and will spin off digital feeds to any of their affiliated broadcast, cable, Internet and mobile assets. The NBA retains digital rights to the remaining 1,000 or so regular-season games. Source: Sport Business, ABC Money, Bloomberg, Mediaweek, 29th Jun 2007

* The 2010 World Cup organising committee is in support of South African Premier Soccer League’s decision to award TV rights to pay-broadcaster SuperSport. Tim Modise, chief communications officer for the committee, said “The PSL’s R1,6 billion deal with SuperSport is a great move up from the R500 million offered by the SABC and something that is happening because of interest caused by the World Cup,” he said. Modise said that the country would invest R21 billion in the World Cup, which was expected to bring R51 billion into the economy. Source: Sport Business, 29th Jun 2007

* Australian commercial broadcaster, Seven Network, could be forced to share a significant amount of internet coverage of the Beijing Olympics with rival media organisations. Seven paid $63.8 million ($54 million) for comprehensive television, online and mobile phone rights. However, Australian Federal Court held that access of 45-second limit on footage can be shown on the internet without breaching the copyright act. Seven is sharing TV rights with commercial broadcaster SBS. Source: Sportcal, 29th Jun 2007

* All 52 matches at the Under-20 World Cup will be shown live and for free in many European countries on Fifa’s website. The tournament in Canada starts tomorrow and runs until July 22. Later this year, the service will cover the Under-17 World Cup in Korea and the Women’s World Cup in China. The Under-20 World Cup is said to be the biggest single-sport event ever to take place in Canada and there has been significant interest, with more than 950,000 tickets now sold. The final takes place at the new BMO Field in Toronto on July 22. Source: Sportcal, 29th Jun 2007

* The FIA has announced that the number of events in the World Rally Championship will be cut to 12 events in 2009, four less than at present. The decision was taken by the World Motor Sport Council following pressure from manufacturers eager to keep down costs. There will be disappointment for many countries which have staged regular events since the calendar was expanded in 2004. Meanwhile, the FIA has revealed that from 2012, WRC cars will be based on Group N and S2000 machines and other cost-cutting measures will be introduced. Source: Sportcal, 29th Jun 2007

* The women’s year-end championships from 2008 will be played in the Gulf after the WTA announced that Doha had been awarded the event in a three-year, 42-million-dollar deal. The organisation also unveiled a shakeup in the tennis calendar with full effect from 2009. The season-ending Sony-Ericsson Championships will feature 4.45 million dollars in prize money for the top eight players from each season invited to participate. The winner will bank 1.485 million dollars. Source: Earth Times, 29th Jun 2007


MORE NEWS

BWF: Decision on Ganga Next Week

The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) internal inquiry team will only reveal their decision on P. Ganga Rao’s status as the chief operating officer (COO) next week. The inquiry led by chairman Roger Johansson of Sweden proceeded without Ganga last Friday. Despite the absence of the “defendant”, the meeting went on for more than four hours.

The inquiry team also heard from the BWF’s deputy president Datuk Punch Gunalan and chairman of the administration committee Eraj Wijesinghe of Sri Lanka. They had made the allegations that led to Ganga being suspended on June 4. The Swede, however, was disappointed that Ganga chose not to defend himself.

Johansson said there should not be any doubt over the panel’s credibility because they were selected during the annual general meeting (AGM) in Glasgow two weeks ago. When asked whether the current issue had exposed division in the world body, he said: “This is part of that damage. But we (the BWF) are certainly a more united team since the headquarters was moved to Kuala Lumpur.”

Aware that his absence at the inquiry yesterday would raise more questions than answers, Ganga, who is also the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) honorary secretary, said that all he wanted was a fair trial. “How can the same council members, who suspended me, be members of the panel? I felt that I would not be getting a fair hearing,” said Ganga, who was accompanied by two lawyers – G. Ravi and R. Thayakugan.

“I did not engineer my way up as the COO. I was selected as the COO and I even signed papers and attended meetings as COO and there are minutes to prove that. And now there are charges that I have assumed that position without going through proper channels.” Ganga said that their allegations that led to his suspension were also based on his personal e-mails. In fact, Ganga has lodged three police reports regarding his tampered private e-mails. Source: The Star Malaysia, 30th Jun 2007

Elsewhere/General: No Future for FIBA Europe Club Competitions

Jordi Bertomeu, the chief executive of Euroleague Basketball, the top European clubs competition, does not envisage that FIBA Europe, the sport’s governing body on the continent, will continue to organise its own club tournaments beyond the coming season. It was announced this week that the second-tier ULEB Cup is to be expanded from 24 to 54 teams, dealing a blow to the credibility of the FIBA EuroCup, the next league down.

The move followed failed negotiations between ULEB, which organises the top two competitions, and FIBA Europe over format changes, and although the federation has announced plans for the 2007-08 EuroCup, Bertomeu believes it is time for the federation to reassess its role. He told Sportcal.com: ‘In the future, the club competitions will all be managed by Euroleague and the national federations by FIBA Europe. This is the last step of the revolution. My expectation is that this will be the last year that FIBA Europe organises club competitions.’

The chief executive says ULEB was coming under pressure to expand its competitions because of their success in recent years and that FIBA Europe had to respect the commercial needs of the clubs. The expansion of the ULEB Cup to 54 teams breaches an agreement signed by the two organisations in 2004 restricting to 48 the total number of teams allowed to compete in the Euroleague and ULEB Cup.

While the Euroleague will continue to comprise 24 teams, the line-up for the expanded 2007-08 ULEB Cup includes sides from four countries not represented last season – Austria, Croatia, England and Portugal – and six others completely new to the competition – Bosnia-Herzogovina, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Montenegro, Switzerland and Ukraine. Source: Sportcal, 29th Jun 2007

Elsewhere/General: TV & Internet 'Most Essential'

According to a new Internet and Multimedia 2007 report by Edison Media Research, consumers aged 12 years and older were asked to choose the 'most essential' medium in their life; 33% chose the internet, behind television (36%), but above radio (17%) and newspapers (10%); in 2002, the internet trailed TV on this perception by a significant margin (20% vs. 39%), and also trailed radio's 26%. This new report looks at consumers' media perceptions trended against data from 2002. Other highlights include:

* 'Least essential' medium: Newspapers were named most for this perception (35%), followed by the Internet at 24% (was most mentioned in 2002 at 33%), and both radio and television had the fewest mentions at 18%.
* 'Most cool and exciting' medium: The Internet and television have swapped places in the last half-decade. The Internet is mentioned by 38% for this perception in 2007 (vs. 25% in 2002); 35% now say television is "most cool and exciting" (vs. 48% in 2002).

"It is not a stretch to say that the Internet has become just as important as television as a primary source of information and entertainment in the lives of Americans," said Edison Media Research president Larry Rosin. "It is entirely possible that the Internet will lead in all positive categories five years from now. Edison Media Research and Arbitron will continue to track these items, and of course report to the public on the changes." Source: Indian Television, 29th Jun 2007


ARTICLES, COMMENTS & OPINIONS

Benoit's Shocking Death Raises Question of Fans' Complicity
Childs Walker writes for the Baltimore Sun, 30th Jun 2007

This might be hard for non-wrestling fans to understand, but to those who loved Chris Benoit's work, his grisly double-killing and suicide was as shocking as if Tim Duncan or Derek Jeter had committed the same acts. He was that good at what he did and that respected by fans and peers for doing everything the right way. As such, accounts of the way he strangled his wife, smothered his child and hanged himself are as disturbing as any I've encountered. They raise countless questions about drugs, the vagaries of the mind and our propensity for glorifying risk. They offer answers to none of them.

First off, shame on all the news hosts who've spent the past few days screaming "'roid rage," as if there's ever a simple explanation when a man kills his family and himself. The sad episode does raise questions about links between steroid use, the frenetic lifestyle of wrestlers and mental instability. Benoit's employer, World Wrestling Entertainment, has tried to steer coverage away from his possible steroid use (authorities found prescribed anabolic steroids while searching his home).

The deliberate nature of his actions suggested anything but a rage, the company said in a news release. Chairman Vince McMahon reiterated that position on NBC's Today show, noting that Benoit tested negative for drug use in April. The company's points may be true as far as they go (though McMahon failed to acknowledge loopholes in the testing policy that allow steroid use with a prescription). But depression is much more common among steroid users than "'roid rage," said Dr. William Howard, founder of Union Memorial Sports Medicine.

Benoit's death proved disquieting, especially given that he was the model wrestler. In the ring, he could do anything, appearing just as comfortable in a fast-paced match full of intricate moves as in a pitched brawl dominated by bruising kicks and skin-busting head butts. He never missed a date or loafed through a performance. He came off as reserved but unfailingly appreciative of those who enjoyed his work. He enforced tradition and respect in the locker room.

Some people dismiss wrestling all too easily because of its carnival roots and ridiculous plots. But really, what's so rational about dressing up in colored armor and beating your fellow man as half-naked women cheer you on at the coliseum? I've just described the nation's most popular sport, professional football. And we know that football shatters the bodies of its greatest heroes. Johnny Unitas' scarred knees and gnarled hands told us so.

We know that tens of thousands of punches to the head slow the steps and slur the words of courageous boxers. We're reminded every time Muhammad Ali appears in public. We know that a car traveling 200 mph can spin out of control even when guided by the most skilled hand. Dale Earnhardt's demise at Daytona attested to that.

No, it won't do to dismiss the implications of Benoit's death simply because he was a wrestler.

As a culture, we've decided that consenting adults are allowed to push themselves past safe limits for our entertainment. Drug testing and better medical care and safety precautions can lessen many of these risks but cannot stamp them out. I don't know about you, but when a boxer loses his life in the ring, or a football player is crippled, or a wrestler turns up dead in his hotel room, I feel complicit.

If I know these acts are so destructive, why do I watch? Do I lack the moral fortitude to look past my desire to be entertained? I fear the answer is yes. In the past few days, scores of wrestling fans have said on message boards that Benoit's death will kill their love of the spectacle. Many more have said that one man's deranged acts shouldn't end an art loved by so many. I agree with the latter, and yet I wonder.