Podcasts about spark sport

Sky TV has reclaimed the rights to screen international cricket matches played in New Zealand in a six-year deal starting in late 2026. The pay-TV operator, which lost domestic rights to Spark Sport in 2020, has clinched a new deal which gives it the rights to screen Black Caps matches again. New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink joined Piney to discuss the deal - and explain why the certainty is better for Kiwi cricket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Free to air sport in NZ?   Indeed. What was once thought to be a pipe dream is slowly turning into palpable reality.    It wasn't too long ago that Spark Sport turned up and shook the televised sport watching community to its core. Overnight the ease and simplicity of the one stop shop for sporting content was punched in the throat by the new kid on the block.    The longer in the tooth and those without stable internet screamed foul as their happy place was turned upside down. The thought of streaming through multiple platforms struck fear into the hearts of the technology-phobes, the idea of paying through the nose for them seized up the wallets of others.    It was looking grim. For meat and two veg sport consumers, having to shell out for the Kiwi staples of rugby and cricket via 2 platforms was too much. It was claimed that multiple players would drive the price down for consumers, but for your average casual sport punter, it just added an extra cost.  It was a horrible time. The ease of flicking through channels disappeared, the price went up, the internet-based coverage was unreliable, it was all too much.    Then Spark Sport hit a wall and fell apart, just when we were getting used to it and the competition started to result in lower prices.    As much as NZ Cricket would like to claim that their contractual foresight saved the game in NZ, they had nothing to do with Sparks collapse which triggered free to air cricket for the masses. A great back stop sure, but NZC couldn't have seen that coming.   More eyeballs on free cricket and the ensuing public engagement got the ball rolling and Sky TV's hand was forced. In order for sport to stay relevant, aspirational and an integral part of Kiwi society, free to air coverage had to happen. The cost-of-living crisis hasn't been at all helpful, with a number of families forgoing the joy of live pay per view sport for staples. Like food and rent and gas.    The free to air coverage of an NRL match on a Friday night, which includes seven ‘Up the Wahs' fixtures and a game of Super Rugby on Saturday is only a taste, but for the starving masses, they're the best meals they'll have all week.    That'll do.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky Sport is increasing its price as its competitor Spark Sport is closing down. From July 1st, the price of a Sky Sport Now Annual Pass will increase by 12.5%, going from $399 to $449. CEO of Gorilla Technology Paul Spain told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that it's a mix of inflation and the cost of the additional content Sky will acquire. He says that some customers may be willing to pay more as Spark Sport fades to black. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ GM Sports & Events Melodie Robinson catches up with Smithy to talk about the new free-to-air sports broadcasts starting next month, how it will work, what they are covering, securing the rights off Spark Sport & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TVNZ GM Sports & Events Melodie Robinson catches up with Smithy to talk about the new free-to-air sports broadcasts starting next month, how it will work, what they are covering, securing the rights off Spark Sport & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Zealand Cricket CEO David White joined the show to discuss his departure from the top job. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staffy hits the phone and text lines to see what the listeners think about NZ Cricket moving to TVNZ and if they enjoyed using Spark Sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watto is in the hot seat with Staff away and he starts the show with Midday Madness and hits the phone and text lines to talk about NZR resting players and the Black Caps having a partnership with Spark Sport. Peter Lester joins the show to talk Sail GP as well as Hayden Sherman to talk athletics. David Turner comes in studio to announce a new documentary series about the Kiwi's involved in Indy cars that will hit New Zealand screens. Watto also heads across the ditch to talk with Jimmy Smith, The last ever Vault was played as Staf and Sam prepare new segments for next week. As always a TAB Update with Thad Taylor and Back in the Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watto is in the hot seat today and starts the show with Midday Madness where he goes to the listeners to talk about NZR continuing to rest players during the Super Rugby season and also the Black Caps having a deal with Spark Sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Tuesday afternoon, it will have been a day you'll never forget. Yes, the Black Caps secured a win for the ages against England, by the barest of margins as some would say. The one-run win was just the second in the history of Test cricket, and it was only the fourth time a team had been asked to follow-on after their first innings, but someone emerged victorious. Former Black Caps fast bowler and bowling coach Shane Bond, who was part of the Spark Sport commentary team, spoke to Corin Dann.

Spark Sport Commentator Scotty Stevenson catches up with Riccardo to talk about the start of the Super Smash domestic T20 competition today at Bay Oval Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we asked what are you still paying for after it was revealed Producer Ryan has been pinching Mulls' Spark Sport for months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Free to air cricket will return to TV screens next year as Spark pulls the plug on its sports streaming service. It's blaming the escalating cost of content rights, Covid disruptions and a failure to get enough eyeballs on screens just three years after launching. As part of an exit deal TVNZ will become the home of cricket in Aotearoa from mid-2023, broadcasting Black Caps and White Ferns tests, T20 matches and one day internationals played on home turf along with Super Smash matches. The deal expires at the end of the 2025/26 season. New Zealand Cricket chief executive officer David White says it's good for the game. Technology commentator Peter Griffin talks to through the details.

New Zealand Cricket Public Relations spokesperson Richard Boock joined the program to discuss the closure of Spark Sport and their cricket rights. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spark is having discussions with TVNZ about the future of Spark Sport. Spark informed the NZX that they were talking to TVNZ about a content partnering agreement that covered Spark Sport's extensive portfolio. Neither TVNZ or Spark have officially confirmed whether Spark Sport will be sold outright or the content rights will expand to TVNZ. Gorilla Technology Chief Executive Paul Spain says Spark have been open about needing to make changes to Spark Sport and that TVNZ could benefit from having this content available to them. "There's potential for TVNZ to evolve a fair bit going forward in terms of having a paid offering for their on-demand services that would get rid of the advertising, and I think there's a consumer demand for that. This could be a good fit to bring in some premium content." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Panel with Lavina Good & Sam Ackerman on Spark Sport pulling out of sports streaming, Black Ferns coaching options, the Halberg Award nominees & the FIFA World Cup Final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spark said this morning it has reached a deal with TVNZ, which “will become the home of the majority of Spark Sport content, subject to rights holder agreement, from July 1, 2023.” NZ Cricket public affairs manager Richard Boock told the Herald that domestic cricket will be free-to-air on TVNZ and free-to-stream on TVNZ+. The public broadcaster will not paywall any content. TVNZ will take over the production of domestic cricket, but that Spark will continue to pay NZ Cricket the rights fee over the remaining three years of its contract, which has been put at between $26m and $36m per year. General Manager of Sport and Events, Melodie Robinsonm joined Kerre Woodham. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sammy takes us through the Spark Sport schedule for the weekend and me oh my, is it jam packed!

Sammy Hewat takes us through the delicious Spark Sport menu for this weekend! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer Sam peruses the Spark Sport schedule to give you a "must-watch" sports plan for the weekend ahead.

A Jam Packed weekend on Spark Sport as Sam leads Staffy through the action!

Spark Sport Update with Sam Hewat. Sam updates us on the goings on for Spark Sport this week and what you can watch on the platform Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sammy takes us through all the action taking place on Spark Sport this weekend!

Last weekend, the Black Ferns won the Rugby World Cup against England, with a final score of 34-31. This event was a big deal, with Spark Sport bringing in all the drones and high quality camera needed for a game this publicised.  However, Weekend Sport's Jason Pine has observed that the Black Ferns don't have any more games lined up after the World Cup, which is unusual. After a season this publicised, why wouldn't we know what's next?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Monday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Another Cup In the Cabinet/Is Anybody Watching?/Race-Based Anything Is a Bit of an Issue/Getting to My PlaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rugby World Cup final was last night, and the Black Ferns won against England with a final score of 34-31.  Spark Sport commentator Scotty Stevenson recapped the match- and pointed out that this should open the doors for us to take women's rugby more seriously. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam takes us through the upcoming action on Spark Sport! Wow, is it Jampacked!

The Black Ferns survived an incredible 80 minutes of rugby on Saturday night, beating France 25-24 in the World Cup semifinals. France had a chance to win it with 70 seconds left, but Caroline Drouin's penalty from 40m out was pulled just wide of the posts, and New Zealand saw off the rest of the match. Scotty Stevenson was commentating on the game for Spark Sport and spoke to Corin Dann.

Sammy takes us through the weekend's highlights on Spark Sport! What will you be watching?

Spark Sport Update with Kieran Bingham. Kez catches up with Riccardo to update us on what they have going on this weekend on Spark Sport with World Cups galore & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NZ Rugby was panned for overlapping the Black Ferns and the All Blacks on the pitch - and on TV - at the same time this weekend - but it wasn't the first international double-up during the Women's Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, some top Auckland schools don't want their top players on TV any more at all.

NZ Rugby was panned for overlapping the Black Ferns and the All Blacks on the pitch - and on TV - at the same time this weekend - but it wasn't the first international double-up during the Women's Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, some top Auckland schools don't want their top players on TV any more at all.

This was a big weekend for New Zealand rugby, with both the Black Ferns and the All Blacks playing on Saturday night.  Schedule clash aside, the Black Ferns thrashed Wales 55-3, the All Blacks kept their nerve for a 38- 31 win against the Brave Blossoms. Spark Sport commentator Scotty Stevenson joined us to discuss the highlights and memorable moments of both matches. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spark Sport Update with Sam Hewat. Sam catches up with Riccardo to update us on all the action over on Spark Sport including the Rugby League World Cup & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sammy & Staf take a look over the Spark Sport roster for the weekend. It's so hot, Captain K had to chuck his sunnies on!

TVNZ and Spark Sport commentator Scotty ‘Sumo' Stevenson joined The Roar rugby experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones whilst baking a tray of brownies, to preview a Bledisloe Cup clash that will see the Wallabies return of Bernard Foley after a three-year absence, and the first midweek Test in nearly 30 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it time for Spark to call time on Spark Sport? That's the question analysts are asking, given Telcos from around the world are now offloading their sports offerings. Jarden's head of research Arie Dekker says a managed exit also makes sense for Spark. Arie joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

A major change in World Rugby format could see an international grand final held every two years. Global rugby bosses are meeting in Dublin this morning to discuss the plan, which would see the All Blacks playing in a six-nation southern hemisphere top division that would play crossover games against European teams, along with promotion and relegation to a lower division for minnow nations. Spark Sport and TVNZ commentator Scotty Stevenson spoke to Corin Dann.

Spark's reported a strong first half result with net profit, earnings and revenue all on the rise.  But there are questions around the much-lauded sports arm of the operation. Sky tv seized back English football rights, meaning Spark Sport's full-year earnings will be lower than expected.  Josie Hodson, chief executive at Spark joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

A big development in the ongoing sports streaming battle.Spark Sport has lost the English Premier League rights to Sky TV.Sky will air all 380 Premier League matches per season for six years from the 2022-23 season, which starts in August.Jarden Head of Research Arie Dekker joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.LISTEN ABOVE

Kia Ora e te whānau. It's hot, eh? This week we've got another greatest hit for you. In fact, not that we really pay attention to the numbers, but we have our most popular episode on DCR ever, Number 83 with the legendary Scotty Stevenson. It was hot the night that we recorded the podcast. Scotty walked into Eugene's lounge dressed up to the nines in full TV makeup (having just left the tele to come do the pod) and proceeded to lay down one of the most engaging, honest, and entertaining hours that we ever recorded.Scotty StevensonA broadcaster and journalist best known for his rugby commentary and reporting which makes him automatically one of the most well-known New Zealand TV personalities. He's a sports journalist with TVNZ, and also works with Spark Sport and Radio Hauraki, commentating on cricket and the America's Cup. He's also a sports writer, has ghost-written and written a string of some of the best sports books, from Straight 8 about Kieran Read, to Kiwi Pair about Eric Murray and Hamish Bond. Scotty has been previously known by his childhood nickname “Sumo” as, by his own account he was the “fat kid in speedos” at surf lifesaving. But things have changed. If you were to Google Scotty Stevenson, the number one thing that pops up on auto-search is “Scotty Stevenson weight loss”. It's because Stevenson has changed. Markedly. He has noticeably shrunk. And for those who've been watching closely, he started running. He's kept very quiet about it, but goodness me, the man is well and truly hooked. Three years ago, he couldn't run 85m. In 2019, he ran 85km, no less, through backcountry New Zealand in the Old Ghost Ultra in just over 12 hours. For those who saw the TVNZ report he did on the event, you'll know that he found it an extremely emotional experience. We talked to Scotty about that race, his life leading up to running, what sparked his decision to lace up, and the myriad of changes that this has had on his life.Enjoy!Episode LinksScotty Stevenson on InstagramScotty Stevenson on TwitterDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on TwitterDirt Church Radio on FacebookDirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running

Katey Martin has represented the White Ferns nearly 200 times across an almost 18-year international career, including a rare Test match in 2003. We've heard her dulcet tones as part of the Spark Sport commentary team and through the stump mics, and she joined us last week from MIQ after the UK tour. In this candid chat, Katey took us into the White Ferns camp to discuss events both on and off the field over the past few months - first looking back to evaluate the England series and then looking ahead to the upcoming ODI World Cup in New Zealand in March/April 2022. We talked goals and expectations, the growth of the women's game, riding in a cricket-ball-shaped bus, dial-up internet, what it's like to be sledged by Alyssa Healy and plenty more in this conversation with one of the game's great characters. Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels(@toporderpod on https://twitter.com/Toporderpod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Toporderpod (Facebook), & @thetoporderpodcast on https://www.instagram.com/thetoporderpodcast/ (Instagram)) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our https://www.thetoporderpodcast.com/ (website). If you haven't already, dip back into our recent guest episodes, which include the likes of Niall O'Brien, Jarrod Kimber, Bharat Sundaresan, Mike Hussey, Tim Southee, Frankie Mackay and many more. There's also plenty of T20 World Cup content for you, with our preview of the event and a conversation with Daniel Beswick from Emerging Cricket. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening.

In this episode of the Top Order Podcast, we give a shout out to the Sydney Thunder for winning the WBBL, ponder the impact of Greg Barclay's appointment as the ICC Chair, and encourage you all to check out NZC live streams of the Ford Trophy. We then dive into the international fixtures going on around the world, starting with the West Indies' tour of New Zealand, including the coverage provided by Spark Sport. Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Lockie Ferguson get us excited about the Black Caps depth, but does a rain-interrupted T20 series against an under-strength West Indian side mean anything for the upcoming Tests? Speaking of the Test series, we talk the impact of Darren Bravo, debate the Black Caps' XI without BJ Watling and whether the best line up includes a spinner or not. Moving across the Tasman, Baldy is all smiles after a strong start by Australia, as consecutive 62-ball hundreds from Steve Smith, excellent tactics and contributions everywhere have put India firmly on the back foot. But what impact will David Warner's injury have? Will India adjust to the conditions and find a way to put the Australian batting line up under pressure? And will Raj's dream about Virat Kohli come true? In the final segment of the show, we head to South Africa to try to make sense of this England batting order, discuss whether there's a way back for the Proteas, wonder about Quinton de Kock's skills in the kitchen and Lippy challenges Binksy about an outrageous Sam Curran claim. If you're a new listener to the podcast, check out the back catalogue. There's plenty more timeless interviews with current players, legends and characters from all over the cricketing world. Please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider. It really helps others find the show. If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com or @toporderpod on our social channels. Thanks for listening.

Andrew Mulligan, Nick Rado & John Day invited Grant Elliott on the show to chat about cricket this summer and his commentary debut for Spark Sport. Also, an egg throwing world champion joins the show to give Nick some advice on how to catch an egg correctly after a mishap at a family function. John Day's Hot Knives takes on the All Blacks...again - plus another giveaway. You can win LA Lakers merch! Listen to find out how. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A typhoon over Tokyo scrapped Rugby World Cup games this weekend – while the scrap over who will screen our favourite sports here in the future intensified.

Today on the show - Around the World Broken D, Mulls BIRTHDAY SURPRISE, live from the Spark Sport help desk, Lotto syndicate reveal, Lotto Losers, Battletix, Mel & Mel, how often can you make your towel and sheets last, Mike Chunn from Split Enz, John Day live from Japan RWC, Bryce on the phoneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was Spark Sports streaming fail just a one-off blip? Or game over for our titanic telco and sport on screen - and a knockback for digital innovation? Would politicians arriving at the breakdown really usher in free-to-air rugby on TV? Depends on which of the many loud voices in the media you've heard this past week.

Today on the show - We're a member down, with Roger Farrelly out crook. Quick sportsgasm from Mulls after a hectic weekend of sport. A feedback line after the Spark Sport meltdown. And we catch up with John Day in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We haven't been this twitchy about tech since Y2K. Spark took a gamble by buying the World Cup broadcast rights and offering live streaming coverage to subscribers. It's sparked a flood of sceptical - sometimes hostile - media coverage of streaming snags but the bigger picture is the future of sport on screen.

Today on the show - Bend it like Bryce, Around the World, Bear News, what came through the windscreen, Spark Sport winner heading to Old Trafford, Guy Williams, Aftershock Winner, Jay & Dunc, best bits of the weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.