Packers and State legislators put the Pressure on TWC for NFLN

[Tom Snyder]

Just got this email from the Packers:


Finally, someone is standing up for the fans!

State Senator Dave Hansen and State Representative Kitty Rhoades are introducing legislation that would end the standoff between cable providers and independent programmers like NFL Network.

The Fair Access to Networks (FAN) Act sets up a dispute resolution process that allows an neutral arbiter to select between competing proposals for carriage of NFL Network.

If passed into law, the FAN Act would ensure NFL Network will be available in some form to subscribers of big cable companies like Time Warner and Charter Communications.

As you might know, Packers fans who live outside of Milwaukee and Green Bay will not be able to see the November 29th Packers-Cowboys game that will be shown on NFL Network. On top of that, Time Warner and Charter subscribers do not have access to NFL Network's 24/7 football programming. As the Packers march toward the playoffs, there isn't a better time to have access to behind-the-scenes NFL information shown daily on NFL Network.

In order to get the bill passed, fans like you need to let your legislators know you support the FAN Act, and you'd like to see them sign on as a co-sponsor of the Hansen-Rhoades bill.

You can contact your elected official by either:

    * Calling the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472. The Hotline will be able to get a message to your state legislators.

    * Or, click here to send your legislators an email.

Please email or call TODAY. Tell your legislator to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Hansen-Rhoades FAN Act. It is time the fans have a voice!

To learn more about the FAN Act, visit //www.football247wisconsin.com today.

[flash]

Will the ACT be passed in time to watch the game? :bang:

[RLJSlick]

It's good there is someone looking out for us little people! LOL

Make sure you send this to all your friends!

[vegasvic]

As much as I dislike TWC and as much as I enjoy the NFL Network on DirecTV I certainly don't want our government wasting time trying to pass laws like this.

[syrett4]

As much as I dislike TWC and as much as I enjoy the NFL Network on DirecTV I certainly don't want our government wasting time trying to pass laws like this.

I agree.  Let the market play out.  If TWC loses enough subscribers, they might change their tune regarding NFLN, BTN and HD channels.  It is not your RIGHT to watch the Packers just because they always have been on.  Heck I'd prefer to do PPV at $6-$10 a game and choose to watch the Lions and throw stuff at my TV when they start losing.

[Mikey]

As much as I dislike TWC and as much as I enjoy the NFL Network on DirecTV I certainly don't want our government wasting time trying to pass laws like this.

Same here.  I hate TWC and want NFLN...but this seems beyond silly to me.

[Blitzburgh]

Get DirecTV....NUFF said

[chadl11]

Will the ACT be passed in time to watch the game? :bang:

You should know by now how fast the legislature moves!  If it passes, it might be in time for NEXT season!

[Tom Snyder]

I've heard that the NFL wants about a buck a subscriber, which they say is too high. They currently pay over $3 a subscriber for ESPN.

[Bebop]

It's about $.80 per subscriber.

This is from Peter King's colum:

   

COST PER SUBSCRIBER HOUSEHOLD (per month)

Leading non-sports channels
TNT: 91 cents
Disney Channel: 83 cents
USA Network: 51 cents
CNN: 46 cents
TBS: 44 cents
Nickelodeon: 43 cents
FX: 36 cents

Leading sports channels
ESPN: $3.26
Fox Sports Net: $1.92
NFL Network: 80 cents
Fox College Sports: 63 cents
NHL Network: 51 cents
ESPN2: 46 cents
NBA TV: 36 cents

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/11/18/week11/2.html

[RLJSlick]

That's really ashame, I don't even watch half those channels. We really need a al carte for cable.

It's about $.80 per subscriber.

This is from Peter King's colum:

   

COST PER SUBSCRIBER HOUSEHOLD (per month)

Leading non-sports channels
TNT: 91 cents
Disney Channel: 83 cents
USA Network: 51 cents
CNN: 46 cents
TBS: 44 cents
Nickelodeon: 43 cents
FX: 36 cents

Leading sports channels
ESPN: $3.26
Fox Sports Net: $1.92
NFL Network: 80 cents
Fox College Sports: 63 cents
NHL Network: 51 cents
ESPN2: 46 cents
NBA TV: 36 cents

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/11/18/week11/2.html

[Tom Snyder]

We really need a al carte for cable.

That would be great if those channels would cost us those amounts if we did a la carte. But I suspect the a la carte prices will be much higher per channel because the costs will be spread out over fewer subscribers. We'd end up paying more for less.

They say be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.

[waterhead]

You guys do realize that the NFL won't be happy until ALL NFL games are on a pay-TV network.

As Packer fans, we should not be too quick to support any legislation that encourages this trend. A law that requires that all in-state teams be broadcast on free OTA TV is really what we need.

[tencom]

You guys do realize that the NFL won't be happy until ALL NFL games are on a pay-TV network.

As Packer fans, we should not be too quick to support any legislation that encourages this trend. A law that requires that all in-state teams be broadcast on free OTA TV is really what we need.

Such a law would almost certainly be  unconstitutional!

[klwillis45]

That would be great if those channels would cost us those amounts if we did a la carte. But I suspect the a la carte prices will be much higher per channel because the costs will be spread out over fewer subscribers. We'd end up paying more for less.

They say be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.

I couldn't agree more. Alacarte is not the answer for lower prices/better offerings, competition is. Specifically, more dish-less competition though the sat providers sure haven't hurt. I be scared to think what cablecos would charge/offer if D* & E* weren't around.