The current stage of the broadcasts
With the beginning of the casteller calendar to touch, the debate on the rights of broadcasting remains stopped, without perspectives agreement. This conflict has begun three months ago, and the positions of the parties involved seem unchanged. The conversations have focused on secondary aspects, such as the territoriality of the broadcasts and the management of the days that do not enter the calendar of the network.
Facing games: Who takes the prize?
The two most prominent groups, the Castellers de Vilafranca and the Colla Vella, argue that the rights of broadcast should generate revenue for the groups. In contrast, the majority of the Coordinator Board, with some allies such as the Minyons de Terrassa, argues that the money should be reinverted in security aspects and not directly distributed among the groups.
A change in the rules of the game
Until now, the groups have ceded their rights for free, but now the network proposes a new model that involves a cost of 140,000 euros, which must be divided between the groups and the coordinator. This proposal has generated tensions, as the Villafranchs claim a fairer distribution, taking into account their merits in the casteller world.
Damm’s pressure and its impact
Another aspect that can influence the conflict is Damm’s collaboration with the casteller world. Its annual investment of 200,000 euros, which covers part of the insurance, could be affected if an agreement on the rights of broadcasting is not reached.
A model to follow: Penedès TV
In the context of the lack of agreement, Penedès TV has decided to broadcast the first day of the Fairs of Vilafranca, showing that the groups can opt for other ways to make their activity visible. This broadcast, which will be made through the DTT and YouTube, is a signal that groups could manage their own broadcasts if the situation does not improve.
Road to a solution?
Despite tensions, there are signs that indicate that some divergences could be about to be resolved. Negotiations on the territoriality of the broadcasts seem to move forward, and the groups could regain their ability to decide which days they can broadcast on their channels.
Final reflections
The conflict over the rights to broadcast castles is not only an economic matter, but also reflects the internal dynamics between the groups. The way an agreement is reached can mark a before and after in the way the broadcasts are managed in the future, and the way the casteller world is presented before society.