Are the organizers of this event kidding? Do they expect anybody to buy their stream exactly this week when there are so many other more important events streamed live and free? I am amazed.
What the European Criterium normally do is to stream the event for free on YouTube, and then make the stream private as soon as it finishes broadcasting. And then sell the individual videos.
I can't imagine that selling the videos brought in a lot of money. Let's face it, who is going to pay €25 for a video of one skater?! Mere fans certainly won't.
The only people who might go as far as buying an individual video are the family of the skater. But figure skating is an expensive enough sport for the families, and that price will put a lot of them off doing so. If they do really want a copy, they might buy one copy and share it amongst themselves. But, I still don't think many would pay for the video.
So, the European Criterium have decided to try something different this season to see if it brings in more money. But, they are unfortunate that the opening round clashes with so many other events. General fans like us will just watch the other events that are available for free. It will only be the families of the skaters that will pay to watch.
Actually, I think this approach will ultimately bring in more money than selling the individual videos. Let's face it, €3.90 for a 6 hour video is a lot better value than €25 for a, what, 7 or 8 minute video. So, I can imagine that far more families would go for it.
But if they want to go a significant way towards covering the cost of the event, they really need general fans to go for paying for the stream as well.
Looking at all the rounds of the European Criterium:
Date | European Criterium Round | Other Events |
|---|
| 16–19 Nov. 2023 | Skate Celje | Warsaw Cup
NRW Trophy
Grand Prix Espoo |
| 18–21 Jan. 2024 | Skate Helena | Volvo Open |
| 30 Jan. – 04 Feb. 2024 | Sofia Trophy | Youth Olympics
Four Continents
Bavarian Open
Icebeat Winter Trophy
Nordic Championships
Jégvirág Cup |
| 20–25 Feb. 2024 | Bellu Memorial | Challenge Cup
Merano Ice Trophy |
| 10–14 Apr. 2024 | Triglav Trophy / Narcisa Cup | |
The Triglav Trophy is the only European Criterium round that doesn't clash with other figure skating events. So it might attract some general fans who need to get their skating fix after Worlds is over. But if the events that clash with the other rounds are free, they have no hope of getting general fans to pay.
Honestly, I don't know what the best solution would be for general fans. But, for the families, I do think paying a small amount for a half day stream is better than paying a ridiculously big amount for an individual video.
CaroLiza_fan