The power of the media in determining the fate of international sports competition came sharply in to focus last Wednesday when the giant slalom race at the World Alpine Ski Championships was canceled at short notice due to a strike by Italian TV crews.

Warnings of ‘limited disruption’ given to the FIS organizers the day before the race escalated to “only a 40% likelihood of television coverage” just 30 minutes before the race, when it was decided to postpone the event until the Thursday, previously designated a rest day. FIS officials said they had to balance the disappointment caused to thousands of fans who had traveled to see the race and the pressure on competitors against the disappointment caused to millions of TV viewers worldwide who would not see the race if it was run, as well as practical issues such as the use of TV cameras to check racers had not missed gates if queries were raised.

The strike mirrored events when the Championships were last staged in Bormio 20 years ago, although then they did not lead to race cancellations and only Italian viewers missed the race. The issue has also raised concerns over Italy’s hosting of the 2006 Winter Olympics in a year’s time, although officials were keen to point out that a different TV service is contracted to that event.