Packers and State legislators put the Pressure on TWC for NFLN

[Bebop]

Making cable companies out to be bad guys is not that difficult.

[wireblsam]

Washington – Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) is opposing the possible adoption of rules by the Federal Communications Commission that would likely give the NFL Network a leg up in negotiations with cable TV operators Comcast and Time Warner Cable.

"The only possible outcome would be higher costs to consumers," Specter said in a letter to FCC chairman Kevin Martin, who is supporting the NFL Network in a dispute between the sports networks and major cable operators.

Martin is endorsing rules that would, in effect, supply the NFL Network with some regulatory Gatorade. The FCC could vote on the plan at its Nov. 27 meeting, if not sooner.

Martin's plan would allow the NFL Network to invoke compulsory arbitration that would likely end up with the programmer reaching far more cable subscribers and receiving far higher license fees than it could from private talks with the cable MSOs.

Martin is reportedly in favor of baseball-style arbitration, which means the arbitrator would pick between the final and best offers tendered by both sides.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6504396.html

[brewguru]

It's the greedy NFL that is sticking it to the fans! It is their quest for even more money that lead to the cable channel.

I see the same thing with the Big 10 and their cable channel.

The NBA has had their own TV channel for years now and have broadcast many playoff games on it.
The golf channel has been around for years.
MLB is starting a new channel that cable wasn't going to pick up either until MLB made it part of the deal for the Extra Innings package.

Why should the NFL be any different? Their job is to make money. They don't have a league just for enjoyment. They have to generate revenue.

Smart business move by the NFL. (And Big 10 also)

[cudahyjim]

Because the stadiums that pro teams play in are supported by our taxes, this should be a requirement.

I live near Milwaukee,Sales tax pays for Brewers nothing to Green Bay. Screw the cable company!!I have dish.

[Jack 1000]

You want a math lesson?

All games stay on free OTA.
No viewing costs.
No installation fees.
No monthly subscription fees.
No added expense.

I repeat, the only reason that the NFL is pushing the NFLN is to increase THEIR revenue. They are not really concerned about the fans.

Regardless of cable or dish,

I believe this is the way it should be for the fans.  I do have a question.  Based on the most recent statistics that are available, how many US homes have either cable or dish and how many US homes just have OTA television?

Jack

[jjallou]

This is the trend with professional sports, finding new ways to make revenue, this is true of any business.  Sports is quickly becoming programming for the rich. People who rely on OTA could watch the Bucks & Brewers for free but now have to subscribe to a provider to follow their team. The Brewers yanked their games off of local tv then the Bucks followed. I'm sure Herb Kohl's constituents who can't afford cable or dish are pleased with his decision :bang:
If they really cared about the fans the games would be on free tv for the local markets and on the teams network. At least the NFL hasn't totally screwed their fans by killing OTA....just those outside of local markets because of failed negotiations with cable.

Cable really needs to get it's act together in all aspects...or just give up trying.

And I'm sorry Mark A. 15 Brewer games on WMLW just doesn't cut it. I'm done supporting the Bucks & Brewers.

[brewguru]

This is the trend with professional sports, finding new ways to make revenue, this is true of any business.  Sports is quickly becoming programming for the rich. People who rely on OTA could watch the Bucks & Brewers for free but now have to subscribe to a provider to follow their team. The Brewers yanked their games off of local tv then the Bucks followed. I'm sure Herb Kohl's constituents who can't afford cable or dish are pleased with his decision :bang:
If they really cared about the fans the games would be on free tv for the local markets and on the teams network. At least the NFL hasn't totally screwed their fans by killing OTA....just those outside of local markets because of failed negotiations with cable.

Cable really needs to get it's act together in all aspects...or just give up trying.

And I'm sorry Mark A. 15 Brewer games on WMLW just doesn't cut it. I'm done supporting the Bucks & Brewers.

Did you ever think that the local affiliates don't make much money by broadcasting games either? If Channel 24 has to preempt Seinfeld, M*A*S*H, Friends, etc, for 3 hours, they don't make the revenue they could by televising Brewer games where they wouldn't get ALL the advertising revenue.

btw, I'm sure the Bucks and Brewers are going to survive without your support.

[jjallou]

Did you ever think that the local affiliates don't make much money by broadcasting games either? If Channel 24 has to preempt Seinfeld, M*A*S*H, Friends, etc, for 3 hours, they don't make the revenue they could by televising Brewer games where they wouldn't get ALL the advertising revenue.

btw, I'm sure the Bucks and Brewers are going to survive without your support.

Airing the games creates an identity for the station as a local sports outlet and through promotional advertising (during the game) raises awareness of other programs that the station airs which can bring in additional revenue. Not just channel 24 but any other station that would air the games.

What the heck does 24 air now? My Network Who? :rolleyes:

btw, I know the Bucks & Brewers will survive but the Bucks owner has lost my vote.