Vale: Ian Frykberg

Ian Frykberg, the industry ‘go-to’ man for sports media deals, has died aged 68.

Frykberg negotiated on deals with the AFL, NRL, FFA and ARU and was  a consultant to Foxtel, FOX Sports and News Corporation across many sports media deals.

Nine’s Sam Chisholm recruited Frykberg to run Today, Sunday and Business Sunday, was head of sport at Nine and launched Sports Sunday.

He was remembered for his  judgement,  advice and his ability to bring companies together on deals, described as ‘a gentle giant capable of uniting parties at war.’

Frykberg was crucial to the formation of the Super Rugby competition, and instrumental to Olympics media deals, and the 2011 AFL rights negotiation.

FOX Sports CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “Ian was a hugely respected colleague with whom we had a very close working relationship. More than that though, he was a great friend to many at FOX Sports and we were hugely privileged to have access to his wisdom and deep experience.

“Whenever Ian rang during a negotiation and started a conversation with ‘mate, mate, mate, mate’ I knew I wouldn’t like what he was about to tell me, but I also knew his opinion would be unbelievably well defined and backed up with extraordinary experience.

“Ian will be greatly missed and from all of FOX Sports we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, Caroline, his children Jarrod, Jake, Nina and Georgina, and his grandchildren Claudia and Martha.”

Updated: 

Foxtel CEO Richard  Freudenstein said, “I was so sorry to hear the news about Ian.  He was one of life’s true gentlemen, a great guy and a trusted friend.

“There are so many TV and sports executives around the world that owe all or parts of their careers to Frykers.  He has advised and mentored so many of us and has been a voice of calm and reason in an often unreasonable world.  He will be truly missed around the world.

“I extend my sincere sympathy and that of the many people at Foxtel who worked with Ian over the years to Caroline and the family.”

Source: smh.com.au