Study criticises IOC sponsorship policies
A new study from Commercial Alert, a public-interest group, has highly criticised the marketing and adverting of junk foods, sodas, fast-foods chains and alcoholic beverages at the Olympic games. They study says that IOC policies must be re-examined.
‘The Commercial Games’ report states that such products conflict with the stated purpose of the Olympics, which they say is to "celebrate healthful living." Promoting such products in the widely watched Olympics, the study says, is "unhealthful," and particularly inappropriate "for an event with enormous appeal to children."
The study also criticises the IOC for what the groups believe is its lack of concern that some companies with marketing ties to the Games rely on so-called "sweatshops" that offer substandard wages and working conditions to produce goods. It specifically cited Nike and Adidas as companies that haven't taken effective steps to eliminate sweatshop conditions within their supply chains. In addition, study also criticises the IOC for awarding "monopolies" to sponsors such as Visa and Coke that limit spectator choices at the Games themselves. Only non-alcoholic beverages marketed by Coca-Cola are available at the Olympics, and Visa is the only credit card accepted there.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | 0 Comments
NBA will stream live games on the internet
According to Sport Business Journal, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has announce a a plan to stream live games to local markets on the internet.
Under the plans, the NBA will negotiate contracts for its member teams so they can stream live games to targeted local online audiences this autumn. In theory, Los Angeles residents would be able to watch games directly from LA Lakers web site. NBA will use geo-targeting to improve market segmentation.
It is still unclear whether the games will be streamed for free, with advertisements, or even on which sites they would be shown. The NBA is also dealing with rights issues and potential pushback from regional sports networks.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | 0 Comments