Jump to content
Want to remove all ads? ×

NFL Network-who does not have it on their cable system

faba

By faba
in NY Jets Forum

Recommended Posts

faba

faba

Posted
Posted

Cable Operators Balking at NFL Network

By SETH SUTEL, AP Business Writer

document.write(getElapsed("20061122T002744Z"));Tue Nov 21, 7:27 PMUPDATED 11 HOURS 56 MINUTES AGO

NEW YORK - On Thanksgiving, the NFL will air the first of eight live pro football games on its own network. But it won't be available to many viewers across the country because the league hasn't reached carriage agreements with several major cable operators.

The eight games _ beginning with Thursday's matchup of the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs _ will be available on local broadcasters, satellite TV and a number of other cable systems that do carry the NFL Network. But that totals only about 40 million of the nation's 111.4 million households with TVs.

Most notable among the cable companies that haven't reached deals with the National Football League are No. 2 operator Time Warner Cable, which is a unit of the media conglomerate Time Warner Inc.; Cablevision Systems Corp., a New York-area provider; and Charter Communications Inc. Time Warner, for its part, says it's highly unlikely a deal will be reached in time for the first game.

Comcast Corp., the largest cable company in the country, has carried the network for two years, but as part of a digital package ordered by only about 7 million out of its 24 million subscribers. Time Warner says it's balking at a demand from NFL that the network be carried on the most widely available basic service lineup.

The issue is cost. Spokesman Mark Harrad says Time Warner would have to pay $140 million a year to provide the channel to all 13.5 million of its subscribers in 33 states, placing it in the top five most expensive cable networks. He said the company would prefer to carry the network as part of a premium service _ not at the rate of 70 cents per customer per month the network is reportedly seeking.

"If we put all expensive sports programming on the standard tier of service, that would increase our rates to all of our customers, even those who didn't particularly care about football or these games," said Harrad.

NFL Network spokesman Seth Palansky counters that a number of other cable companies as well as the two main satellite providers are "happily" carrying the network, which is jointly owned by the league's 32 team owners.

"It's the most valuable programming a cable company can offer, and a cable company not carrying live NFL games is like a grocery store not carrying milk," Palansky said.

The NFL already makes a bundle from broadcasting agreements, money that is shared equally by all team owners. General Electric Co.'s NBC started broadcasting Sunday night games this year under a six-year, $600 million per year deal with the league, while Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN is paying $1.1 billion per year for Monday night football over eight years. Last year the NFL reached six-year, $8 billion extensions with Fox and CBS for Sunday afternoon games.

NFL team owners are betting their own network will offer other opportunities for building revenue in the future, including streaming programming over the Internet, through Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes and cell phones, Palansky said.

Palansky declined to release financial data for the network, including its revenues and losses to date, but the NFL said at the time of its launch three years ago that it expected to have $100 million in startup costs.

About two-thirds of the NFL network's 40 million households come from satellite TV subscribers who get either the Dish network from EchoStar Communications Corp. or DirecTV from The DirecTV Group Inc. By contrast, Disney's ESPN network is available in 92 million homes.

Until now, however, the network hasn't carried any NFL games live. Instead, it ran other football-related programming like news, interviews, game highlights and replays, plus games from NFL Europe.

The NFL is hoping that the appeal of the live games, which are scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays, will help expand the network's audience. Bryant Gumbel and Cris Collinsworth will be the game announcers.

John Mansell, senior analyst at Kagan Research, a media research and analysis firm, says the dispute between the NFL and the cable companies is about "positioning, and money."

"Cable operators love the NFL, but they want to carry it on a digital tier, where they can use it as a destination for sports programming," Mansell said. "If it's going to be expensive, they want to receive compensation for it" from customers who pay premium fees.

The cable companies are in a tough spot on this dispute. If hard-core fans can't see the games they want, the complaints could start pouring in _ something Time Warner says hasn't happened yet. On the other hand, no one's going to like it if the cable companies pass along the costs by raising rates.

Comcast, meanwhile, is being sued by the NFL Network after trying to switch over newly acquired cable systems to the arrangement already in place for existing subscribers.

Comcast executive vice president David Cohen said in a statement that the NFL is trying to "force cable companies to charge many consumers for programming they don't want. Sports programming fees are out of control in general and the NFL programming is very expensive."

Harrad of Time Warner says that cable companies may have already lost the most die-hard NFL fans years ago anyway when the NFL created a major package of games called NFL Sunday Ticket and sold it exclusively to DirecTV, which is controlled by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

The full package costs $249 per year for access to up to 14 out-of-market regular season games every Sunday. In November of 2004, DirecTV announced a five-year, $3.5 billion agreement with the NFL to extend and expand their exclusive rights to carry NFL Sunday Ticket through the 2010 season.

In the end, it remains to be seen whether either side will blink. Time Warner says it doesn't expect a resolution prior to the first game. Meantime, the NFL Network's Web site is encouraging fans to request their cable operators carry the network.

Sports programmers and cable operators have clashed before, industry analysts note, as the costs for carrying sports continues to climb. Mansell notes that compromises are usually reached, however, and if there is a dispute, it's unusual for it to last beyond one year.

In the meantime, says Howard Horowitz of Horowitz Associates Inc., a market research and consulting firm: "the consumer will usually be asked by each side to blame the other s var rand = ""+Math.random()+(new Date()).getTime();var article_name=escape(getArticleTitle());var document_url=escape(document.URL); function getArticleTitle() { var metas; if (document.all) { metas = document.all.tags("meta"); } else if (document.documentElement) { metas = document.getElementsByTagName("meta"); } if (typeof(metas) != "undefined") { for (var i = 0 ; i < metas.length ; i++) { myMeta = metas.item(i); if (myMeta.name.toLowerCase() == "title") { return trim(myMeta.content); } } } return ""; }

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Green DNA

Green DNA

Posted
Posted

The argument about cost is total bull$hit. Take away the 50 shopping channels, 75 Korean, Chinese, Spanish and Indian channels, c-span and all the other nonsense and give me the effin NFL Network. I laugh when Time Warner and Cablevision are all of a sudden so concerned about their customers. All they care about is the bottom line.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
raffyD

raffyD

Posted
Posted
The argument about cost is total bull$hit. Take away the 50 shopping channels, 75 Korean, Chinese, Spanish and Indian channels, c-span and all the other nonsense and give me the effin NFL Network. I laugh when Time Warner and Cablevision are all of a sudden so concerned about their customers. All they care about is the bottom line.

Exactly, TW sucks and I won't be able to watch the game thursday night because of them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gainzo

Gainzo

Posted
Posted

I have it but hardly ever watch it.

Tomorrow night I will be watching the BC/Miami game and may switch over to check the score of the Denver/KC game.

The on-air "talent" is mostly a bunch of retired players who struggle to form a complete sentence.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
faba

faba

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I have it but hardly ever watch it.

Tomorrow night I will be watching the BC/Miami game and may switch over to check the score of the Denver/KC game.

The on-air "talent" is mostly a bunch of retired players who struggle to form a complete sentence.

Just for Garb- go BC for my nephew's school chance for them to win their ACC division still alive.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gainzo

Gainzo

Posted
Posted
Just for Garb- go BC for my nephew's school chance for them to win their ACC division still alive.

BC needs to win and have Maryland beat Wake Forest to get a berth in the ACC Championship Game. I don't see either happening.

BC hasn't beaten Miami since 1984 (I think everyone has seen the last play of that game).

That game features two of Garb's favourite things: Boston College and Doug Flutie!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gainzo

Gainzo

Posted
Posted
Time Warner here, so no game for me.

I'm hoping with the attention it's getting this week, something gets done. If not, it's time to switch to Dish or DirectTV.

IMO it's not worth changing over to a dish just to get NFL Network. It just isn't that good.

Keep in mind that if the Jets are on next season the game will be shown on a regular channel, per NFL rules.

Whenever the Pats are on ESPN one of the local channels simulcasts the game.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
124

124

Posted
Posted

This is the only reason why I'm glad I moved out of suburban NJ to country NJ. Up here we get it as normal TV... I know after this Thursday a few friends of mine from my old town are gonna make the 40 minute drive up just to watch the final 7 thursday night games.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jetophile

jetophile

Posted
Posted

Cripes, I've been complaining about this forever it seems. As in directly to the Cable Co. I live in Orange Co., NY, an hour and 15 min. drive north of NYC. May I say it's the cultural armpit of the United States, but that's a story for another day.

Anyway, it doesn't pay for me to get Satellite. Right where I live - I mean SPECIFICALLY - they don't offer Cable/Phone service, only Cable. So, I'm roped into a separate phone bill there as it's only offered in the next town over - by two different companies! With Satellite, I would have to subscribe to tons of crap I would NEVER look at JUST so I could have NFL Network. Seems I'd have to get some basic package to eliminate all the channels I'd never watch to pay comparable to now, but that would eliminate NFL Network as well. And forget NFL Ticket. Even MORE cr*p I'd never watch in order to get that. Over a barrel.

I have Time Warner Cable, which I hear tell offers NFL Network in Putnam Co. (further way than I am from NYC in some areas). Go figure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Smizzy

Smizzy

Posted
Posted

Nope. TWC is f*cking me up the ass.

They couldn't care less about their cusotmers. NFLN wants it to be given as part of a regular package. TWC wants to make a big deal out of it and squeeze every penny out of us ,they want it to be an exclusive premium package.

We will never get it. Next yr when I tell my cable company to go f*ck themselves & get Direct Tv....I will be sure to tell them this is why!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gainzo

Gainzo

Posted
Posted
I have it and will be watching. I am curious however if DirecTV will be carrying a HD Feed?

vanDoug said in another post that the game is on HD in Canada.

I'm sure you have seen one of the millions of commercials that the NFL Network is running for this game. None of them have mentioned HD.

I would guess that DirectTV will have it in HD and Comcast, etc won't.

The NFL F'd up with the DirectTV contract (Sunday Ticket) and now will pay the price from NFL fans who are pissed off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jetophile

jetophile

Posted
Posted
Nope. TWC is f*cking me up the ass.

They couldn't care less about their cusotmers. NFLN wants it to be given as part of a regular package. TWC wants to make a big deal out of it and squeeze every penny out of us ,they want it to be an exclusive premium package.

We will never get it. Next yr when I tell my cable company to go f*ck themselves & get Direct Tv....I will be sure to tell them this is why!

What County are you in? Direct TV has been thoroughly investigated and is no better because of why I just said. At least where I live. Which is why I'm over a barrel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Smizzy

Smizzy

Posted
Posted
Cripes, I've been complaining about this forever it seems. As in directly to the Cable Co. I live in Orange Co., NY, an hour and 15 min. drive north of NYC. May I say it's the cultural armpit of the United States, but that's a story for another day.

Anyway, it doesn't pay for me to get Satellite. Right where I live - I mean SPECIFICALLY - they don't offer Cable/Phone service, only Cable. So, I'm roped into a separate phone bill there as it's only offered in the next town over - by two different companies! With Satellite, I would have to subscribe to tons of crap I would NEVER look at JUST so I could have NFL Network. Seems I'd have to get some basic package to eliminate all the channels I'd never watch to pay comparable to now, but that would eliminate NFL Network as well. And forget NFL Ticket. Even MORE cr*p I'd never watch in order to get that. Over a barrel.

I have Time Warner Cable, which I hear tell offers NFL Network in Putnam Co. (further way than I am from NYC in some areas). Go figure.

I live in Middletown! I'm with you! F-Time Warner Cable!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sperm Edwards

Sperm Edwards

Posted
Posted
The argument about cost is total bull$hit. Take away the 50 shopping channels, 75 Korean, Chinese, Spanish and Indian channels, c-span and all the other nonsense and give me the effin NFL Network. I laugh when Time Warner and Cablevision are all of a sudden so concerned about their customers. All they care about is the bottom line.

Is it Time Warner's suggestion that more people would rather have these channels that not 10 people watch nationwide, than the NFL network that would be watched by millions?

  • WFUT (Telefutura)

  • WMBC

  • WNYE

  • WPXN

  • WNJB

  • Shop NBC

  • TV Guide

  • HGTV

  • EWTN

  • AZN

  • Galavision

  • WLNY

  • TV One

  • WFME

  • Answers On Demand

  • SLEUTH

  • Current

  • Bloomberg TV

  • Hallmark Channel

  • Boomerang

  • GSN

  • The Style Network

  • SOAPnet

  • mun2

  • Lifetime Real Women

  • Noggin

  • C-SPAN 3

  • FUSE

  • CCTV-9 (Chinese)

  • CNBC World

  • The Word Network

  • Fine Living

  • DIY Network

  • AmericanLife TV Network

    [*]S

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jetophile

jetophile

Posted
Posted
I live in Middletown! I'm with you! F-Time Warner Cable!!!

Right near Newburgh, misself. TW, I hate them. I've complained in person, had to be escorted out. Hung onto the doorframe, Security pried my fingers away and pitched me into the street. So I got up and charged, got maced and tased. It was awesome. Hehe.

I will kill someone.

HAH, that's the spirit. Now you're talking my language, friend. Generally speaking (shakes fist).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Garb

Garb

Posted
Posted
Cripes, I've been complaining about this forever it seems. As in directly to the Cable Co. I live in Orange Co., NY, an hour and 15 min. drive north of NYC. May I say it's the cultural armpit of the United States, but that's a story for another day.

Off-topic:

How is this possible? You are the most intellectually facinating person on this board, Lady! Must be love. I'm right, aren't I?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
joewilly

joewilly

Posted
Posted
What County are you in? Direct TV has been thoroughly investigated and is no better because of why I just said. At least where I live. Which is why I'm over a barrel.

I wouldn't feel to bad about the barrel......... they're assaulting smizzy's sphincter muscle

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gainzo

Gainzo

Posted
Posted
New Yorkers probably don't have this option, but if you can resurrect an old 10foot satellite dish like I did, you can subscribe to it no matter where you live.

Not too popular with wives or neighbors though. :)

Are you talking about one of those dishes that is bigger than my car?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
joewilly

joewilly

Posted
Posted
Football snob!!

Do me a favor and PM me every time someone scores.

sorry no can do mr peasant/average person........we football snobs have people who do the pm thing for us. I gave her the day off since its thanksgiving.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year, cheerleaders, nfl network, 2 toasters & on & on & on ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JerryK

JerryK

Posted
Posted
Are you talking about one of those dishes that is bigger than my car?

correct..if your car is less than 10feet.

I had directv, but "downgraded" because I like to be hands-on. I get about 70 channels + some freebies for around 18$/month.

I can also catch about 6 jets games (from michigan) per yr without having to get the ticket.

Red Green would be proud.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gainzo

Gainzo

Posted
Posted
correct..if your car is less than 10feet.

I had directv, but "downgraded" because I like to be hands-on. I get about 70 channels + some freebies for around 18$/month.

I can also catch about 6 jets games (from michigan) per yr without having to get the ticket.

Red Green would be proud.

Not bad at all for your viewing.

I remember the "big" dishes when my family moved here (USA) in 1986. The town we moved to outside of Boston did not have cable so there were a few homes with those things in the backyard.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
vanDoug

vanDoug

Posted
Posted
Is it Time Warner's suggestion that more people would rather have these channels that not 10 people watch nationwide, than the NFL network that would be watched by millions?

You have the Bangledesh Channel but not the Lesbian Cheerleader Channel?

That's just mixed up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gainzo

Gainzo

Posted
Posted
You have the Bangledesh Channel but not the Lesbian Cheerleader Channel?

That's just mixed up.

The Lesbian Cheerleader Channel is on pay per view. They give us the Indian, Bangledesh and Pakistan channels for free.

At least I can get cricket scores from those channels!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

Content Partnership

Yes Network

Site Sponsor

MILE-Social - NJ Social Media & SEO company

Site Sponsor

MetLife Stadium Tailgate

NY Jets Podcast

NY Jets Podcast

DMCA Page

  • -- DMCA Page
    • ×
    ×
    • Create New...