Cox Sports Television

David Levy ) wrote in rec.video.satellite.dbs:
What leads you to believe that WTXF (the Philadelphia Fox Network
station) is Murdoch's only potential bargaining chip?

Despite being a "national" company, Comcast really wouldn't give in to
pressure outside of the local area, based on historical actions.

Content owners haven't ever won the "put channel X on this system or we
won't give you channel Y for *that* system" battle, because the people who
lose the channel have no recourse to force the cable company to do anything.
They can't complain to the local government, because the local government
doesn't control the *other* system.

Last, I don't see Murdoch cutting off his nose to spite his face. The
desire for Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia on DirecTV is pretty low...only
the people in Philly with DirecTV really care (along with a few who have
premium sports subscriptions). But, taking WNYW off Comcast in New York
City (is there even Comcast there?) could literally cause Fox ratings to
drop by 2 to 3 points, which would be unacceptable.

--
Jeff Rife |
For address harvesters: | http://www.nabs.net/Cartoons/OverThe...ortOfKings.gif
|
|
|

In article ,
Jeff Rife wrote:

David Levy ) wrote in rec.video.satellite.dbs:
What leads you to believe that WTXF (the Philadelphia Fox Network
station) is Murdoch's only potential bargaining chip?

Despite being a "national" company, Comcast really wouldn't give in to
pressure outside of the local area, based on historical actions.

Content owners haven't ever won the "put channel X on this system or we
won't give you channel Y for *that* system" battle, because the people who
lose the channel have no recourse to force the cable company to do anything.
They can't complain to the local government, because the local government
doesn't control the *other* system.

Last, I don't see Murdoch cutting off his nose to spite his face. The
desire for Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia on DirecTV is pretty low...only
the people in Philly with DirecTV really care (along with a few who have
premium sports subscriptions). But, taking WNYW off Comcast in New York
City (is there even Comcast there?) could literally cause Fox ratings to
drop by 2 to 3 points, which would be unacceptable.

Comcast does run some systems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that carry
WNYW, but none in New York City; NYC is Time Warner or Cablevision
territory, depending on the borough.

Regardless, David made some excellent points, and I'll add another.
Comcast SportsNet isn't owned by Fox Sports, but it *is* a Fox Sports
Net affiliate; FSN supplies its national programming to Comcast, and if
it were to pull those shows, Comcast would have to fill major gaps in
the CSN/Philly schedule.

Already Comcast is feeling some pressure from what it did in
Philadelphia; that's why it's already announced that the soon-to-launch
Comcast SportsNet Chicago *will* be made available to DirecTV and Dish
Network. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if, given pressure from
government and from Murdoch, the Philadelphia network becomes available
on satellite as well.

I do have to ask one thing regarding the original poster's comments,
though... Comcast can do what it does in Philly because CSN is
distributed only by microwave and fiber, not satellite. However, Cox's
network *is* distributed by satellite -- Telstar 7, if I'm not mistaken
-- and therefore, it should be on DTV and Dish as well. Did Cox simply
ask too high a price, or is there another wrinkle I'm not aware of?

- David

In article ,
Jeff Rife wrote:

David Levy ) wrote in rec.video.satellite.dbs:
What leads you to believe that WTXF (the Philadelphia Fox Network
station) is Murdoch's only potential bargaining chip?

Despite being a "national" company, Comcast really wouldn't give in to
pressure outside of the local area, based on historical actions.

Content owners haven't ever won the "put channel X on this system or we
won't give you channel Y for *that* system" battle, because the people who
lose the channel have no recourse to force the cable company to do anything.
They can't complain to the local government, because the local government
doesn't control the *other* system.

Last, I don't see Murdoch cutting off his nose to spite his face. The
desire for Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia on DirecTV is pretty low...only
the people in Philly with DirecTV really care (along with a few who have
premium sports subscriptions). But, taking WNYW off Comcast in New York
City (is there even Comcast there?) could literally cause Fox ratings to
drop by 2 to 3 points, which would be unacceptable.

Comcast does run some systems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that carry
WNYW, but none in New York City; NYC is Time Warner or Cablevision
territory, depending on the borough.

Regardless, David made some excellent points, and I'll add another.
Comcast SportsNet isn't owned by Fox Sports, but it *is* a Fox Sports
Net affiliate; FSN supplies its national programming to Comcast, and if
it were to pull those shows, Comcast would have to fill major gaps in
the CSN/Philly schedule.

Already Comcast is feeling some pressure from what it did in
Philadelphia; that's why it's already announced that the soon-to-launch
Comcast SportsNet Chicago *will* be made available to DirecTV and Dish
Network. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if, given pressure from
government and from Murdoch, the Philadelphia network becomes available
on satellite as well.

I do have to ask one thing regarding the original poster's comments,
though... Comcast can do what it does in Philly because CSN is
distributed only by microwave and fiber, not satellite. However, Cox's
network *is* distributed by satellite -- Telstar 7, if I'm not mistaken
-- and therefore, it should be on DTV and Dish as well. Did Cox simply
ask too high a price, or is there another wrinkle I'm not aware of?

- David

In part, David Zinkin wrote:

Comcast SportsNet isn't owned by Fox Sports, but it *is* a Fox
Sports Net affiliate; FSN supplies its national programming to
Comcast, and if it were to pull those shows, Comcast would
have to fill major gaps in the CSN/Philly schedule.

Ah, I wasn't aware of this significant trump card.


Already Comcast is feeling some pressure from what it did in
Philadelphia; that's why it's already announced that the
soon-to-launch Comcast SportsNet Chicago *will* be made
available to DirecTV and Dish Network.

That's a very promising indication, especially combined with all of
the other factors.

In part, David Zinkin wrote:

Comcast SportsNet isn't owned by Fox Sports, but it *is* a Fox
Sports Net affiliate; FSN supplies its national programming to
Comcast, and if it were to pull those shows, Comcast would
have to fill major gaps in the CSN/Philly schedule.

Ah, I wasn't aware of this significant trump card.


Already Comcast is feeling some pressure from what it did in
Philadelphia; that's why it's already announced that the
soon-to-launch Comcast SportsNet Chicago *will* be made
available to DirecTV and Dish Network.

That's a very promising indication, especially combined with all of
the other factors.

David Zinkin wrote in message ...
In article ,
Jeff Rife wrote:

David Levy ) wrote in rec.video.satellite.dbs:
What leads you to believe that WTXF (the Philadelphia Fox Network
station) is Murdoch's only potential bargaining chip?

Despite being a "national" company, Comcast really wouldn't give in to
pressure outside of the local area, based on historical actions.

Content owners haven't ever won the "put channel X on this system or we
won't give you channel Y for *that* system" battle, because the people who
lose the channel have no recourse to force the cable company to do anything.
They can't complain to the local government, because the local government
doesn't control the *other* system.

Last, I don't see Murdoch cutting off his nose to spite his face. The
desire for Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia on DirecTV is pretty low...only
the people in Philly with DirecTV really care (along with a few who have
premium sports subscriptions). But, taking WNYW off Comcast in New York
City (is there even Comcast there?) could literally cause Fox ratings to
drop by 2 to 3 points, which would be unacceptable.

Comcast does run some systems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that carry
WNYW, but none in New York City; NYC is Time Warner or Cablevision
territory, depending on the borough.

Regardless, David made some excellent points, and I'll add another.
Comcast SportsNet isn't owned by Fox Sports, but it *is* a Fox Sports
Net affiliate; FSN supplies its national programming to Comcast, and if
it were to pull those shows, Comcast would have to fill major gaps in
the CSN/Philly schedule.

Already Comcast is feeling some pressure from what it did in
Philadelphia; that's why it's already announced that the soon-to-launch
Comcast SportsNet Chicago *will* be made available to DirecTV and Dish
Network. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if, given pressure from
government and from Murdoch, the Philadelphia network becomes available
on satellite as well.

I do have to ask one thing regarding the original poster's comments,
though... Comcast can do what it does in Philly because CSN is
distributed only by microwave and fiber, not satellite. However, Cox's
network *is* distributed by satellite -- Telstar 7, if I'm not mistaken
-- and therefore, it should be on DTV and Dish as well. Did Cox simply
ask too high a price, or is there another wrinkle I'm not aware of?

- David



Cox has offered the channel to Directv, but Directv's position is that
Cox Sports TV is "just a Hornets channel." At first, yes it was just
that. But in the last year, it has added a lot. All of the LSU
Tigers' football games were broadcast on Cox. Southeastern Louisiana
University had all of its games shown. Cox also showed other national
college football games. They used the ESPN plus regional feed. They
are doing the same thing with college basketball. In addition to the
colleges, they are the exclusive home of the New Orleans Voodoo Arena
Football team(other than the national games on NBC). Also, Cox
broadcasts the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA baseball team during the summer
while there is a lull in college sports. Sure there is some ESPNews
filler, but NESN has that as well and Directv carries them.

With a number of pro sports teams forming their own regional
network(Cubs/White Sox/Bulls/Blackhawks, Minnesota Twins, Memphis
Grizzlies, Houston Astros/Rockets, San Diego Padres, etc), the
satellite companies better decide what they are going to do to satisfy
their customers who are sports fans.

David Zinkin wrote in message ...
In article ,
Jeff Rife wrote:

David Levy ) wrote in rec.video.satellite.dbs:
What leads you to believe that WTXF (the Philadelphia Fox Network
station) is Murdoch's only potential bargaining chip?

Despite being a "national" company, Comcast really wouldn't give in to
pressure outside of the local area, based on historical actions.

Content owners haven't ever won the "put channel X on this system or we
won't give you channel Y for *that* system" battle, because the people who
lose the channel have no recourse to force the cable company to do anything.
They can't complain to the local government, because the local government
doesn't control the *other* system.

Last, I don't see Murdoch cutting off his nose to spite his face. The
desire for Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia on DirecTV is pretty low...only
the people in Philly with DirecTV really care (along with a few who have
premium sports subscriptions). But, taking WNYW off Comcast in New York
City (is there even Comcast there?) could literally cause Fox ratings to
drop by 2 to 3 points, which would be unacceptable.

Comcast does run some systems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that carry
WNYW, but none in New York City; NYC is Time Warner or Cablevision
territory, depending on the borough.

Regardless, David made some excellent points, and I'll add another.
Comcast SportsNet isn't owned by Fox Sports, but it *is* a Fox Sports
Net affiliate; FSN supplies its national programming to Comcast, and if
it were to pull those shows, Comcast would have to fill major gaps in
the CSN/Philly schedule.

Already Comcast is feeling some pressure from what it did in
Philadelphia; that's why it's already announced that the soon-to-launch
Comcast SportsNet Chicago *will* be made available to DirecTV and Dish
Network. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if, given pressure from
government and from Murdoch, the Philadelphia network becomes available
on satellite as well.

I do have to ask one thing regarding the original poster's comments,
though... Comcast can do what it does in Philly because CSN is
distributed only by microwave and fiber, not satellite. However, Cox's
network *is* distributed by satellite -- Telstar 7, if I'm not mistaken
-- and therefore, it should be on DTV and Dish as well. Did Cox simply
ask too high a price, or is there another wrinkle I'm not aware of?

- David



Cox has offered the channel to Directv, but Directv's position is that
Cox Sports TV is "just a Hornets channel." At first, yes it was just
that. But in the last year, it has added a lot. All of the LSU
Tigers' football games were broadcast on Cox. Southeastern Louisiana
University had all of its games shown. Cox also showed other national
college football games. They used the ESPN plus regional feed. They
are doing the same thing with college basketball. In addition to the
colleges, they are the exclusive home of the New Orleans Voodoo Arena
Football team(other than the national games on NBC). Also, Cox
broadcasts the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA baseball team during the summer
while there is a lull in college sports. Sure there is some ESPNews
filler, but NESN has that as well and Directv carries them.

With a number of pro sports teams forming their own regional
network(Cubs/White Sox/Bulls/Blackhawks, Minnesota Twins, Memphis
Grizzlies, Houston Astros/Rockets, San Diego Padres, etc), the
satellite companies better decide what they are going to do to satisfy
their customers who are sports fans.

In article ,
(Dome Patrol) wrote:

Cox has offered the channel to Directv, but Directv's position is that
Cox Sports TV is "just a Hornets channel." At first, yes it was just
that. But in the last year, it has added a lot. All of the LSU
Tigers' football games were broadcast on Cox. Southeastern Louisiana
University had all of its games shown. Cox also showed other national
college football games. They used the ESPN plus regional feed. They
are doing the same thing with college basketball. In addition to the
colleges, they are the exclusive home of the New Orleans Voodoo Arena
Football team(other than the national games on NBC). Also, Cox
broadcasts the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA baseball team during the summer
while there is a lull in college sports. Sure there is some ESPNews
filler, but NESN has that as well and Directv carries them.

With a number of pro sports teams forming their own regional
network(Cubs/White Sox/Bulls/Blackhawks, Minnesota Twins, Memphis
Grizzlies, Houston Astros/Rockets, San Diego Padres, etc), the
satellite companies better decide what they are going to do to satisfy
their customers who are sports fans.

So, contrary to what jcmcdonald suggested, it's *not* the same situation
that's occurring with Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia -- Cox did offer
its channel to DirecTV, and DirecTV rejected it.

I agree with you, then... the ball is in DirecTV's court (so to speak)
and they'd better decide if they want to compete fully.

- David

In article ,
(Dome Patrol) wrote:

Cox has offered the channel to Directv, but Directv's position is that
Cox Sports TV is "just a Hornets channel." At first, yes it was just
that. But in the last year, it has added a lot. All of the LSU
Tigers' football games were broadcast on Cox. Southeastern Louisiana
University had all of its games shown. Cox also showed other national
college football games. They used the ESPN plus regional feed. They
are doing the same thing with college basketball. In addition to the
colleges, they are the exclusive home of the New Orleans Voodoo Arena
Football team(other than the national games on NBC). Also, Cox
broadcasts the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA baseball team during the summer
while there is a lull in college sports. Sure there is some ESPNews
filler, but NESN has that as well and Directv carries them.

With a number of pro sports teams forming their own regional
network(Cubs/White Sox/Bulls/Blackhawks, Minnesota Twins, Memphis
Grizzlies, Houston Astros/Rockets, San Diego Padres, etc), the
satellite companies better decide what they are going to do to satisfy
their customers who are sports fans.

So, contrary to what jcmcdonald suggested, it's *not* the same situation
that's occurring with Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia -- Cox did offer
its channel to DirecTV, and DirecTV rejected it.

I agree with you, then... the ball is in DirecTV's court (so to speak)
and they'd better decide if they want to compete fully.

- David