We've argued in the past that TV3's coverage of the Rugby World Cup has been grand. Indeed, we went as far as to say it was fine.
Naturally, the unfamiliarity to people of TV3 covering rugby has resulted in tirades of abuse online, but that is par for the course.
But the contentious matter of the lengthy ad breaks has riled folk. Colm Parkinson counted a 14.04 minute ad break at half-time in the Ireland-France match yesterday. That left 1.42 for analysis.
Tommy Martin wasn't taking it lying down and got involved in the debate.
Half-time break in the rugby was 14:04 minutes. The TV3 panel talked about the game for 1:42 minutes. That's Disgraceful
— Colm Parkinson (@Woolberto) October 12, 2015
@Woolberto what about the 50 minutes without ads that preceded it Colm? — Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinTV3) October 12, 2015
@TommyMartinTV3 the two really long add breaks at half time are very frustrating for viewers though
— Colm Parkinson (@Woolberto) October 12, 2015
@Woolberto frustrating but necessary alas. It's free. No subscription, no licence fee. Cost of rights and 50 min halves at RWC also factors — Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinTV3) October 12, 2015
@Woolberto there are commercial realities involved which you should probably check out before saying things are "disgraceful".
— Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinTV3) October 12, 2015
@ncahill1 @Woolberto there are plenty of those too! But half time slots are the premium ones big brands will insist on having — Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinTV3) October 12, 2015
@oharaa @Woolberto Yes - TV3 are allowed 12 mins per hour (generally only use 10) plus those Land Rover stings which are RWC enforced
— Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinTV3) October 12, 2015
@oharaa @Woolberto Brilliant idea! — Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinTV3) October 12, 2015
