John Upham wrote:Charles,
A large number of persons have worked very hard for some years to enable chess to be recognised as a sport.
I find it rather annoying that you officially represent chess to some extent and yet you are saying the opposite.
This is a democracy and you are entitled to an opinion but you might like to consider the frustration to others by publicly stating it.
John
Please do not get me wrong, I would love to see chess on tv, but the BBc and other tv service organisations follow only one democracy, viewer figures. TV would be great but it will not pull in the figures needed.
Right this is TV: Huge Prize funds, Our largest names, fireworks and bright lights, cheep stage sets, and presenters with bulging bits. I think if we could raise a strong couple of million we could make a tasteful show, but we would do better. The AMCA badge next to your name has already become a brand a TV brand would be great, but we don't have the cash and following yet.
There is a Cameraman at Ealing Chess Club called Mr A Wood, ask him about Chess TV chances, and what we would give up to get on air. We would give up too much, heres a good question possed to me by a Children in Need producer "Would you let a live audience clap a cheer between moves?". Thats just one of hundreds of demands he would ask for, including a no holes barred background on both competitors (dishing the dirt).
But to rake my head in a little too, anything is possible and some studios are very fair and good, if someone has found this route good work, best of luck.
This is my oppinion not an ECF official line.