RedheadDane said:the delgados said:Cycle Chic said:How come Spanish Eurosport can afford to pay Contador and yet UK has Kirby.Alberto Contador becomes a Eurosport commentator
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/alberto-contador-becomes-a-eurosport-commentator/
Because Carlton Kirby covers multiple disciplines. A jack of all trades, if you will.
Contador can do one.
Doesn't that kinda prove the point, though? Eurosport UK has to employ a guy who can cover multiple disciplines, whereas Eurosport Spain can employ someone who specialises. Contador's bound to have some inside knowledge from the peloton Kirby can't possibly have.
Contador is doing a different job.
Think Sean Kelly or any other cohorts who occupy the passenger seat. They're called colour commentators, and they usually comprise of a former pro. Their job is to chime in every now and then and provide the commentary and insight that Kirby et al lacks. Just like you said.
The difference in pay grades for two entirely different disciplines is bound to be huge. Think leader and domestique. The domestique is just as important as the leader, but the pay grade is and always will be imbalanced (Depending on how you look at it. If I'm a broadcaster who is paying a boat load of money to cover multiple races in different disciplines, Carlton Kirby is worth way more than Contador.)
Cycle Chic is just whining. S/he is is either unwilling to put things into proper perspective or lacks the, uh, intellectual fortitude to understand what the hell s/he's talking about.
Only Cycle Chic can answer the question.