TV, Judo and Rules

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

Thomas Alva Edison

I start with a quote today because I have been involved in planning the next Bath EJU debate this year. In my opinion lots of good topics we dismissed because the research looked like it would be hard work.

Well we have a debate title and hopefully we will stream it live on the net on 6th August 2009.

I would like your help if you have an opinion on the following....

Do you feel that the IJF have had rule changes to try and get TV coverage? If so what example would you give?

Also do you believe influence TV has had has been positive or negative. If you can give example let me know.

The reason being we are going to be debating this and I want to try and see if there are common opinions from the rank and file Judoka.

I was also wondering what rule change do you think would help get TV coverage?

When exploring the idea I generally thought about TV and its effect on sport. For instance football kick off times being altered to suit TV companies, the swimming at the Olympics taking place in the morning so it can go live in the major TV markets...or the Athens Olympic Marathon taking place in the peak of the day...for TV.

I agree TV brings in money to a sport through sponsorship and broadcast rites. It raises the sports profile and therefore encourages participation. But is it something that a sport like Judo should chase? Could we compete with boxing and MMA as a TV spectacular?
I don’t have answers yet just questions....your thoughts please.