Not there yet. 3 of the top 4 distributors don't have a deal with FS1.
Published today
Fox has "yet to cut carriage deals with three of the country's four biggest distributors, raising the possibility that its August launch of Fox Sports 1 will fall short of the 90 million homes the channel is expected to have," according to John Ourand in this week's SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. DirecTV, Dish Network and Time Warner Cable "still are negotiating to carry FS1 on Aug. 17." The fact that "so many deals are open a month before a network launch is not unusual in the cable industry." Though talks have been described as "amicable for the most part, news that some big deals aren't done runs counter to the widespread belief in the sports industry that FS1 will flip a switch next month and launch to 90 million homes." SNL Kagan data shows that distributors currently "pay around 23 cents per subscriber per month for Speed." Sources said that FS1 is "being offered at 80 cents per subscriber per month at first, with increases that would push the fee to the $1.50 range over the life of a multiyear carriage deal." Distribution execs originally believed that they "would be able to carry FS1 at the same lower rate they pay for Speed until their Speed contracts end." But sources said that Fox has "not made that offer to any distributor that hasn't signed new carriage deals." One of the main issues Fox is facing "concerns the atmosphere around the high cost of sports rights." Several distributors recently have "become emboldened by keeping sports channels off their systems." But FS1 "expects to be different, positioning itself as an alternative that could help distributors keep the high-priced ESPN in check" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/15 issue).
PLANNING A GRAND ENTRANCE: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar wrote Fox is "about to unleash a network to compete with ESPN, and it looks as if Fox won't be outdone on the self-serving front." If the way Fox is "planning to introduce the network to the masses Tuesday night is any indication, the battle between it and ESPN will be waged as much in the hype department as in the ratings game." That Fox went "out of its way to announce how it will announce the start of Fox Sports 1 is in itself breathless." If Fox is "going to this extreme to merely set the stage, one can only imagine what the hype machine will spew out over the coming months and years" (STLTODAY.com, 7/12). In Ft. Lauderdale, Craig Davis writes FS1 will "signal its arrival with trumpets blaring." Even the "hype is being hyped, with videos about the making of the introductory commercial already available on Fox Sports' YouTube channel." Whether FS1 "emerges as a genuine alternative to ESPN or just another pretender remains to be seen." But it "won't be for lack of resources" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 7/15). In Dallas, Barry Horn reported Fox wanted Cowboys QB Tony Romo "to fly to Los Angeles in mid-June for a video shoot" at L.A. Memorial Coliseum, but he "declined because he didn't want anything to interfere with his rehab following back cyst surgery." Ravens QB Joe Flacco instead "appears in the Romo role." Fox Sports Senior VP & Head of Marketing Robert Gottlieb, when asked if Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones was considered, said, "We decided we wanted to focus on players. We thought about DeMarcus Ware, but he couldn't fit into our tight shooting window" (DALLASNEWS.com, 7/12).
PINNING DOWN THE ISSUES: SI.com's Richard Deitsch notes Gottlieb in an interview with Cynopsis.com "highlighted the strategy and brand message of the upcoming network." Gottleib said, "It's not about steroids, Tim Tebow and other BS that keeps getting crammed down our throats." Deitsch wrote those on the "edit side of Fox Sports 1 have pledged they'll be creating a serious sports news unit for the channel." PED use in athletics "is a serious, important topic and an issue in every major sport Fox covers, so if Fox Sports 1 wants to be a respected editorial player, it would be wise not to think of that topic as BS, and follow the thoughtful path set by ESPN -- as well as its own lead baseball reporter -- on this issue" (SI.com 7/15).
GETTING FACE TIME: In DC, Liz Clarke noted retired tennis player Andy Roddick this week will "launch into rehearsals for 'Fox Sports Live,' a three-hour show that he will co-host" with Charissa Thompson each weeknight from 11:00pm-2:00am ET. Fox Sports Exec VP & Exec Producer Scott Ackerson said of Roddick, "It never seemed like he was trying to BS anybody. That's something I find refreshing." He added, "What Andy is going to bring to the show is somebody who has been in the arena a very short time ago, who is intelligent, never was afraid to say exactly what he thought. ... I don't believe Andy is going to be an athlete's apologist. If I thought that, I wouldn't have wanted him." NBC's Mary Carillo said of Roddick, "He has the heart and mind of a true jock and the smarts to translate that into an audience. All of which is to say, this guy will be a good listen" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/14).
Ah. I thought that since I had Speed that I would simply get FS1. I guess I was naive to believe that some sort of rate hike wouldn't be involved.
>Fox has "yet to cut carriage deals with three of the country's four biggest distributors"
Which distributors does it have a deal with? Comcast?
Quote from: EnderWiggen on July 15, 2013, 12:24:15 PM
Which distributors does it have a deal with? Comcast?
That would be my assumption.
Quote from: Terror Skink on July 15, 2013, 12:21:34 PM
Ah. I thought that since I had Speed that I would simply get FS1. I guess I was naive to believe that some sort of rate hike wouldn't be involved.
I've been trying to drop those hints for awhile here without actually saying it, but now that it's out there....correct, it's not "an exchange" because of the rate. What you might actually see is some systems have FS2 and not FS1 at the launch. Fuel is becoming FS2 and because there is no rate change, that's just a rebrand. FS1 is quite a different story, as is FXX (slotting over from Fox Soccer Channel).
Quote from: EnderWiggen on July 15, 2013, 12:24:15 PM
>Fox has "yet to cut carriage deals with three of the country's four biggest distributors"
Which distributors does it have a deal with? Comcast?
Correct. As far as I can tell, no one else other than some really small guys. No FIOS, no UVerse, etc, etc, that I'm aware of...at least not yet. This will get done by most, I'm sure, but these things are complex and involve a lot of money. Factor in that many customers don't care about sports at all but are forced to pay for it (because Fox, ESPN, A&E, MTV, etc, etc) want the eyeballs, and it gets very tricky.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2013, 12:30:48 PM
Correct. As far as I can tell, no one else other than some really small guys. No FIOS, no UVerse, etc, etc, that I'm aware of...at least not yet. This will get done by most, I'm sure, but these things are complex and involve a lot of money. Factor in that many customers don't care about sports at all but are forced to pay for it (because Fox, ESPN, A&E, MTV, etc, etc) want the eyeballs, and it gets very tricky.
Chicos, can you speak to a specific carrier? Namely, RCN in Chicago? RCN would be considered a "small guy" only in a handful of markets...
But they are in a lot of Big East markets: Chicago, Boston, New York, Philly, DC
Wouldn't it be bigger news if TWC, DIRECT and Dish had come to terms 4-5 weeks out?
Quote from: Bleuteaux on July 15, 2013, 01:28:30 PM
Chicos, can you speak to a specific carrier? Namely, RCN in Chicago? RCN would be considered a "small guy" only in a handful of markets...
They would be a small carrier. The biggies are Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH, Time Warner, Charter, Cox, Fios, Uverse, Cablevision, Suddenlink, Mediacom. All those have 1 million plus. Anyone else is considered small.
Don't know what the story is with those guys. Sometimes the small guys get the deals done first, sometimes they are last.
This blows - i know charter comm. doesn't have a deal in place and I don't think they are in any rush to do so.
Unfortunately I don't think there will be enough of a public outcry for these providers to feel the need to air fox sports 1.
Quote from: wyoMUfan on July 15, 2013, 02:46:04 PM
This blows - i know charter comm. doesn't have a deal in place and I don't think they are in any rush to do so.
Unfortunately I don't think there will be enough of a public outcry for these providers to feel the need to air fox sports 1.
Do you seriously think Fox is going to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into this venture and then play hardball with the carriers to the point that it isn't distributed?
As Lens correctly noted, it is not big or surprising news that these deals aren't yet in place. These negotiations often go down to the wire.
Quote from: Pakuni on July 15, 2013, 02:54:30 PM
Do you seriously think Fox is going to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into this venture and then play hardball with the carriers to the point that it isn't distributed?
As Lens correctly noted, it is not big or surprising news that these deals aren't yet in place. These negotiations often go down to the wire.
Don't tell Comcast Houston or Pac 12 Network
Both of them are still not carried by many of the majors and spent millions. I'm not saying that will repeat itself, but sports costs are so out of hand right now that things are changing.
4 page article about it in today's Wall Street Journal (brief mention of FS1, but overall with TV and sports rates).
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323823004578595571950242766.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories#articleTabs%3Dvideo
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2013, 03:06:08 PM
Don't tell Comcast Houston or Pac 12 Network
Both of them are still not carried by many of the majors and spent millions. I'm not saying that will repeat itself, but sports costs are so out of hand right now that things are changing.
4 page article about it in today's Wall Street Journal (brief mention of FS1, but overall with TV and sports rates).
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323823004578595571950242766.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories#articleTabs%3Dvideo
I'm not sure it's fair or accurate to compare what is essentially a regional sports network like the Pac 12 Network to a national undertaking like FS1.
That said, the Pac 12 network is distributed by every significant carrier in its relevant market except for DirecTV, so I'm not sure who these many other majors you speak of are.
Also, the network turned a profit in its first year, so the millions they spent seems to have been invested wisely (at least so far).
Here's the full Sports Business Daily article
FS1 carriage talks sticky a month out
A month before launching its much publicized all-sports network, Fox has yet to cut carriage deals with three of the country's four biggest distributors, raising the possibility that its August launch of Fox Sports 1 will fall short of the 90 million homes the channel is expected to have.
DirecTV, Dish Network and Time Warner Cable — representing more than 46 million subscribers — still are negotiating to carry FS1 on Aug. 17, which is when Fox will turn its motorsports channel, Speed, into a multisport network.
The fact that so many deals are open a month before a network launch is not unusual in the cable industry. Typically, carriage deals like FS1's get finalized in the days leading up to or just after a channel's launch.
Though talks have been described as amicable for the most part, news that some big deals aren't done runs counter to the widespread belief in the sports industry that FS1 will flip a switch next month and launch to 90 million homes. While neither Fox nor distributors would comment about the state of talks, ticklish carriage negotiations and a new FS1 rate fee are slowing the process.
As with other sports TV deals these days, one of the main snags is over price. Distributors currently pay around 23 cents per subscriber per month for Speed, according to SNL Kagan. Sources say FS1 is being offered at 80 cents per subscriber per month at first, with increases that would push the fee to the $1.50 range over the life of a multiyear carriage deal.
Originally, distribution executives believed they would be able to carry FS1 at the same lower rate they pay for Speed until their Speed contracts end, but sources say Fox has not made that offer to any distributor that hasn't signed new carriage deals.
Also complicating matters is the presence of other Fox-owned networks in the talks. For example, Fox also is converting Fox Soccer Channel into an entertainment channel called FXX and has to convince distributors to approve that change, too. Other Fox sports channels are part of the discussions, as well.
Take Time Warner Cable, for example. The cable operator does not carry the Fox-owned regional sports network FS San Diego. Time Warner Cable's deal with YES Network, in which Fox holds an equity stake, ends after this season. Time Warner Cable executives were in Los Angeles last week talking to Fox about all these deals, sources said.
One of the main issues Fox is facing concerns the atmosphere around the high cost of sports rights. Several distributors recently have become emboldened by keeping sports channels off their systems. DirecTV has not reached an agreement for several regional sports networks, like CSN Houston, CSN Portland, Longhorn Network and the Pac-12 Networks. Dish Network has not cut deals with several RSNs, including YES Network and TWC SportsNet.
But FS1 expects to be different, positioning itself as an alternative that could help distributors keep the high-priced ESPN in check. Fox executives have billed the new channel not as a launch but as a rebrand, of Speed, and the new multisport network is seen as the biggest challenge yet to ESPN.
If FS1 launches to less than full distribution, some of the wind could be taken out of its promotional sails at the outset.
One unanswered question is what will happen if a distributor fails to reach an agreement for FS1. Time Warner Cable, DirecTV and Dish Network have contracts that call for carriage of a Fox-produced motorsports channel. If Fox simply goes dark, it could be in violation of those deals, sources said.
It's not clear what Fox will provide distributors that don't cut FS1 deals but still have contracts to carry Speed. Distributors say they've been told that one option is that Fox will provide a watered-down motorsports channel that would run in place of Speed, possibly even keeping the Speed name. There's precedence for such a move: When Fox switched Fox Reality Channel into NatGeo Wild last year, it provided a several-hour loop of reality programming for the distributors that did not sign deals for NatGeo Wild.
The increased distribution and affiliate fees are important to Fox. Its executives have said that they expect FS1 to be profitable in the next two or three years, something that can only be achieved once they work out the affiliate deals.
Fox is counting on the strength of FS1's schedule, which includes 5,000 hours of live-event programming a year, and FS1's TV Everywhere components to convince distributors to cut deals.
Fox's president of distribution, Mike Hopkins, is leading the affiliate negotiations for the broadcaster.
"The fact that so many deals are open a month before a network launch is not unusual in the cable industry. Typically, carriage deals like FS1's get finalized in the days leading up to or just after a channel's launch."
Quote from: Pakuni on July 15, 2013, 03:51:45 PM
"The fact that so many deals are open a month before a network launch is not unusual in the cable industry. Typically, carriage deals like FS1's get finalized in the days leading up to or just after a channel's launch."
There you have it, too early for despair!
This will most likely be the only time I ever say the following six words.
"I am glad I have Comcast"
I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Quote from: Pakuni on July 15, 2013, 03:27:53 PM
I'm not sure it's fair or accurate to compare what is essentially a regional sports network like the Pac 12 Network to a national undertaking like FS1.
That said, the Pac 12 network is distributed by every significant carrier in its relevant market except for DirecTV, so I'm not sure who these many other majors you speak of are.
Also, the network turned a profit in its first year, so the millions they spent seems to have been invested wisely (at least so far).
Pac 12 is a national network, same as the Big Ten Network. Not distributed by AT&T...yet. Verizon Fios. Three of the top 7 no deal as of today, though I do anticipate AT&T will get a deal done...they are close and the media has reported a deal is done (it isn't, but close).
Yes, they are profitable. Larry is a smart guy. They are well below their business plan, but they are profitable in year one.
Quote from: Pakuni on July 15, 2013, 03:51:45 PM
"The fact that so many deals are open a month before a network launch is not unusual in the cable industry. Typically, carriage deals like FS1's get finalized in the days leading up to or just after a channel's launch."
As I said earlier, I expect things to get done, but it's not the slamdunk that many thought it would be...IMO. The world is changing, and with the ACC Channel coming, the SEC channel coming, Dodgers, etc, the expenditure pie isn't getting bigger. With some data showing only 4% of viewers actually care about sports yet having to pay many times that amount for the content that few watch, it's an interesting scenario right now.
Incidentally, a few lines later is the money shot from the article.
"As with other sports TV deals these days, one of the main snags is over price. Distributors currently pay around 23 cents per subscriber per month for Speed, according to SNL Kagan. Sources say FS1 is being offered at 80 cents per subscriber per month at first, with increases that would push the fee to the $1.50 range over the life of a multiyear carriage deal.
Originally, distribution executives believed they would be able to carry FS1 at the same lower rate they pay for Speed until their Speed contracts end, but sources say Fox has not made that offer to any distributor that hasn't signed new carriage deals."
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2013, 04:49:45 PM
Pac 12 is a national network, same as the Big Ten Network. Not distributed by AT&T...yet. Verizon Fios. Three of the top 7 no deal as of today, though I do anticipate AT&T will get a deal done...they are close and the media has reported a deal is done (it isn't, but close).
They may wish to be a national network, but they're not. Their appeal is regional, and their content is regional. Very few outside the West Coast/Pac 12 markets care about Pac 12 athletics. I mean, by these parameters, the Longhorn Network is national, too.
What these two networks provide is very different in scope from what FS1 will carry in terms of truly national programming, i.e. MLB, NASCAR, NFL, UFC, even UEFA and, down the line, World Cup soccer. They simply aren't comparable networks in terms of content, appeal and reach ... not to mention the weight of the company behind it.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2013, 03:28:38 PM
But FS1 expects to be different, positioning itself as an alternative that could help distributors keep the high-priced ESPN in check. Fox executives have billed the new channel not as a launch but as a rebrand, of Speed, and the new multisport network is seen as the biggest challenge yet to ESPN.
And that is why a deal will undoubtedly be cut, in the 11th hour if necessary. DTV, Dish and TWC all have a financial interest in bringing the mouse back to reality... if they have to make a deal with
the devil Rupert in order to do so, then it's a small egg to break.
As long as the Big 10 Network doesn't weasel its way into the West Coast, I'm all good.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2013, 04:54:53 PM
As I said earlier, I expect things to get done, but it's not the slamdunk that many thought it would be...IMO. The world is changing, and with the ACC Channel coming, the SEC channel coming, Dodgers, etc, the expenditure pie isn't getting bigger. With some data showing only 4% of viewers actually care about sports yet having to pay many times that amount for the content that few watch, it's an interesting scenario right now.
Incidentally, a few lines later is the money shot from the article.
"As with other sports TV deals these days, one of the main snags is over price. Distributors currently pay around 23 cents per subscriber per month for Speed, according to SNL Kagan. Sources say FS1 is being offered at 80 cents per subscriber per month at first, with increases that would push the fee to the $1.50 range over the life of a multiyear carriage deal.
Originally, distribution executives believed they would be able to carry FS1 at the same lower rate they pay for Speed until their Speed contracts end, but sources say Fox has not made that offer to any distributor that hasn't signed new carriage deals."
So, everyone agrees that a deal is almost certain to be made, and at this point the two sides are negotiating financial terms, which is pretty much the standard MO in the business.
How is this different from nearly every business negotiation ever, and, if it's not different, why all the drama?
As long as the deal gets done before the start of the College Football season.
:o
Oh wait...
Quote from: Benny B on July 15, 2013, 05:05:37 PM
And that is why a deal will undoubtedly be cut, in the 11th hour if necessary. DTV, Dish and TWC all have a financial interest in bringing the mouse back to reality... if they have to make a deal with the devil Rupert in order to do so, then it's a small egg to break.
ESPN will charge what they charge....there is no reality with them. They are the 800lb gorilla.
Quote from: Pakuni on July 15, 2013, 05:04:10 PM
They may wish to be a national network, but they're not. Their appeal is regional, and their content is regional. Very few outside the West Coast/Pac 12 markets care about Pac 12 athletics. I mean, by these parameters, the Longhorn Network is national, too.
What these two networks provide is very different in scope from what FS1 will carry in terms of truly national programming, i.e. MLB, NASCAR, NFL, UFC, even UEFA and, down the line, World Cup soccer. They simply aren't comparable networks in terms of content, appeal and reach ... not to mention the weight of the company behind it.
We agree wholeheartedly, I'm merely talking about classification. Regional Sports Networks are driven not only by regional interest but by authorization of content, territory, etc. This is why you can't see Prime Ticket in Chicago as part of your basic service and have to purchase it separately.
Big Ten, Pac 12, etc are true national networks by definition, but yes we agree on appeal. I was talking product definition.
Quote from: Pakuni on July 15, 2013, 05:15:49 PM
So, everyone agrees that a deal is almost certain to be made, and at this point the two sides are negotiating financial terms, which is pretty much the standard MO in the business.
How is this different from nearly every business negotiation ever, and, if it's not different, why all the drama?
I don't think everyone agrees the deal is almost certain to be made and would hate to assume that for other providers either. As stated, far from the slamdunk people thought it would be. IMO it gets done, but that is merely my opinion only. Takes two to tango. Whether that is true across the board for all distributors.... I'm not going there.
I don't see where any drama has been created, just reporting what has hit the trades today and sharing with some MU fans.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2013, 07:28:08 PM
ESPN will charge what they charge....there is no reality with them. They are the 800lb gorilla.
You haven't seen Murdoch's trophy room. Heads of much scarier things than 800 lb. gorillas in there.
Granted, many of our games will be on FS1.
Will Fox stream games? Only missed one game, UWGB in two years. Gotta keep it going.
i'd think the advantage of an initial contract would be to gain exposure/viewership and a large following would be essential for the next contract...then when the contract is up, and you have a strong viewership...play hardball and demand a ridiculous amount of money.
Quote from: Benny B on July 15, 2013, 08:35:44 PM
You haven't seen Murdoch's trophy room. Heads of much scarier things than 800 lb. gorillas in there.
He used to own us....then went on record what a terrible mistake he made in selling us. He's made his share of mistakes....I believe most recently in the UK with illegal wire tapping and probably soon coming to a US Federal Court if the reports are correct.
Shrewd man....but the same guy that bought MySpace and traded Mike Piazza for nothing. He's not infallible.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 15, 2013, 09:35:43 PM
Granted, many of our games will be on FS1.
Will Fox stream games? Only missed one game, UWGB in two years. Gotta keep it going.
Yes, if your carrier has FS1, the games will be streamed. The app comes out on August 17th
As a DTV subscriber get it done, Chicos. Or I'll have to start another thread demanding you get banned....again!
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on July 15, 2013, 01:33:43 PM
They would be a small carrier. The biggies are Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH, Time Warner, Charter, Cox, Fios, Uverse, Cablevision, Suddenlink, Mediacom. All those have 1 million plus. Anyone else is considered small.
Don't know what the story is with those guys. Sometimes the small guys get the deals done first, sometimes they are last.
Are you sure no FiOS? I have them and they've already moved the Speed channel right below ESPN...
Quote from: wyoMUfan on July 15, 2013, 04:16:35 PM
There you have it, too early for despair!
(http://barfblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/remaincalm_kevin_bacon.jpg)
Quote from: muwarrior69 on July 16, 2013, 06:02:20 AM
As a DTV subscriber get it done, Chicos. Or I'll have to start another thread demanding you get banned....again!
Trying. Takes two to tango. Plus that issue of most customers don't care about sports and don't want their rates increasing. :-\
Another article today http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/cable-providers-and-sports-networks-rumble-over-rising-programming-costs.html/?ref=YF
2 weeks out. Considering how long it typically takes to put up programming (encoders, decoders, shadow testing, etc) I have to think there will be at least a couple of majors that don't have this at launch. TWC's hardline stance with CBS as of this week is just the latest push back to programmers by distributors that adding another layer of complexity to this.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on August 03, 2013, 08:20:19 PMTWC's hardline stance with CBS as of this week is just the latest push back to programmers by distributors that adding another layer of complexity to this.
TWC is seriously pissing me off as a customer right now. In the past week, we've been without NBC, CBS, and Showtime, and they still don't have a FS1 agreement. As a consolation we were given Starz (and their whopping 2 HD channels) but not Starz On Demand. If I could change carriers, I would in a heartbeat. Being a TWC customer sucks.
I have charter and will try to call them to put the pressure on. But what # or location should I call? Maybe someone could put together a list of all the carriers with the best numbers (and possibly an execs name) to get the phone athon going. And send it to the other big east boards to do the same. Of course it's easy to suggest but someone has to do it.
Quote from: brewcity77 on August 03, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
TWC is seriously pissing me off as a customer right now. In the past week, we've been without NBC, CBS, and Showtime, and they still don't have a FS1 agreement. As a consolation we were given Starz (and their whopping 2 HD channels) but not Starz On Demand. If I could change carriers, I would in a heartbeat. Being a TWC customer sucks.
Direct TV here. (You're welcome Chicos.) Hundred times better than any cable company. I won't complain about FS1 until basketball season.
Quote from: brewcity77 on August 03, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
TWC is seriously pissing me off as a customer right now. In the past week, we've been without NBC, CBS, and Showtime, and they still don't have a FS1 agreement. As a consolation we were given Starz (and their whopping 2 HD channels) but not Starz On Demand. If I could change carriers, I would in a heartbeat. Being a TWC customer sucks.
I am with ya, brew. My wife and I seriously love Dexter, and there's only a couple episodes left to the series. And now, just like that, we don't have Showtime.
I know there are bigger problems in the world. But in my little corner of the world, this blows.
Quote from: muuu on August 03, 2013, 09:23:19 PM
I have charter and will try to call them to put the pressure on. But what # or location should I call? Maybe someone could put together a list of all the carriers with the best numbers (and possibly an execs name) to get the phone athon going. And send it to the other big east boards to do the same. Of course it's easy to suggest but someone has to do it.
The challenge is that for every call they get from you to add it, they'll get calls asking not to add it because they don't care about sports and know it adds cost to their bills. I say do what you feel is right, but that's the dynamic at hand.
Quote from: Terror Skink on August 03, 2013, 09:25:54 PM
Direct TV here. (You're welcome Chicos.) Hundred times better than any cable company. I won't complain about FS1 until basketball season.
Curious why you say that about direct.
I don't have an axe to grind with either.
I am a long term comcast customer. Not by choice. I find my bundled package to perform well. However, I hate the lack of competition for a similarly bundled service with the same features and a better price.
I avoid satellite tv as I believe any service that gets interrupted by a passing shower is frustrating.
My preference is reliability like comcast, with a more
competitive market.
Discuss...
Quote from: brewcity77 on August 03, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
TWC is seriously pissing me off as a customer right now. In the past week, we've been without NBC, CBS, and Showtime, and they still don't have a FS1 agreement. As a consolation we were given Starz (and their whopping 2 HD channels) but not Starz On Demand. If I could change carriers, I would in a heartbeat. Being a TWC customer sucks.
2HD channels for Starz? Yikes. We have 7 I think. I actually support what TMC is doing with CBS \ Showtime (same company), however. We just got done with our CBS Showtime deal last year...I got to spend part of my High School Reunion on the phone during the final piece of negotiation. The broadcasters (over the air guys) asking for $2 per sub for something you can get for free with rabbit years is ballsy.
Why are you missing out on CBS Brew? I thought it was only owned and operated CBS channels like Dallas, LA, NYC, etc that got shut down. Milwaukee isn't an O & O.
Quote from: real chili 83 on August 03, 2013, 09:47:56 PM
Curious why you say that about direct.
I don't have an axe to grind with either.
I am a long term comcast customer. Not by choice. I find my bundled package to perform well. However, I hate the lack of competition for a similarly bundled service with the same features and a better price.
I avoid satellite tv as I believe any service that gets interrupted by a passing shower is frustrating.
My preference is reliability like comcast, with a more
competitive market.
Discuss...
Unless there is a driving rainstorm...or the dish is covered with snow...the service is just fine. The picture for DTV is phenominal. Better than I ever got from my cable company. Furthermore their DVR is great and much cheaper than anything I could get from cable, especially since I can watch it on one of four TVs through my house.
Finally, I pay less for DTV plus cable ISP than I did for a bundled package. Considering the number of channels I get, I find it to be a fantastic deal.
Quote from: real chili 83 on August 03, 2013, 09:47:56 PM
Curious why you say that about direct.
I don't have an axe to grind with either.
I am a long term comcast customer. Not by choice. I find my bundled package to perform well. However, I hate the lack of competition for a similarly bundled service with the same features and a better price.
I avoid satellite tv as I believe any service that gets interrupted by a passing shower is frustrating.
My preference is reliability like comcast, with a more
competitive market.
Discuss...
If your service is interrupted by a "passing shower", usually means the dish isn't properly aligned. Yes, even a perfectly aligned dish can be interrupted, but rarely. I have videos of satellite staying on air during Katrina for example. If it goes out routinely, that's a misaligned dish that should be recalibrated. If signal strength is only in the 70's or low 80's on a clear day, then I would say a repointing is in order.
Chicos, is there a list published somewhere of the smaller carriers that have signed on? I have WideOpenWest (WOW) in the Chicago area, and wonder if they're in yet.
Quote from: MU82 on August 03, 2013, 09:41:04 PM
I am with ya, brew. My wife and I seriously love Dexter, and there's only a couple episodes left to the series. And now, just like that, we don't have Showtime.
I know there are bigger problems in the world. But in my little corner of the world, this blows.
Agree completely - Dexter isn't as good as the first few years, but it's still a Sunday night ritual (wrong word perhaps) for my wife and I.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on August 03, 2013, 09:49:48 PM
2HD channels for Starz? Yikes. We have 7 I think. I actually support what TMC is doing with CBS \ Showtime (same company), however. We just got done with our CBS Showtime deal last year...I got to spend part of my High School Reunion on the phone during the final piece of negotiation. The broadcasters (over the air guys) asking for $2 per sub for something you can get for free with rabbit years is ballsy.
Why are you missing out on CBS Brew? I thought it was only owned and operated CBS channels like Dallas, LA, NYC, etc that got shut down. Milwaukee isn't an O & O.
They sent something out about CBS, and thought we were losing it at the same time as NBC. Still there, apparently...but regardless, TWC is still a let-down. Their start over feature only seems to work for NBC (off the air now) and both Dexter and Ray Donovan are off the menu. And Starz without on demand is a weak replacement.
I might have to look into DirecTV, though I'm not even sure I am eligible to get it. Our condo complex has a contract with TWC that prevents us from using other cable providers, which shuts out AT&T, though I'm not sure if it applies to satellite.
Quote from: brandx on August 03, 2013, 10:38:42 PM
Agree completely - Dexter isn't as good as the first few years, but it's still a Sunday night ritual (wrong word perhaps) for my wife and I.
Ray Donovan on Showtime...very good.
I've been happy with my UVerse bundle, but I've also heard a lot of complaints.
Looking to move in the near future and disappointed I'll have to try something different since they won't service the new area
If you talk to enough people you will find that people hate each and everyone of the options for TV. I've had DTV, comcast, TWC and Fios. I've found Fios to be the most reliable, best picture and similar cost. Had recently re-evaluated switching back to DTV (which I've had horrendous experiences with), cost wise Fios is better for us at least, and it will have FS1.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on August 04, 2013, 03:19:46 PM
Ray Donovan on Showtime...very good.
Yep ... and we can't watch that, either!
As for Dexter not being quite as good, that's probably true. But I still love the Dexter/Deb dynamic. Plus, there's only a few episodes to go and I want to see them, dammit!
Quote from: brewcity77 on August 03, 2013, 11:39:18 PM
They sent something out about CBS, and thought we were losing it at the same time as NBC. Still there, apparently...but regardless, TWC is still a let-down. Their start over feature only seems to work for NBC (off the air now) and both Dexter and Ray Donovan are off the menu. And Starz without on demand is a weak replacement.
I might have to look into DirecTV, though I'm not even sure I am eligible to get it. Our condo complex has a contract with TWC that prevents us from using other cable providers, which shuts out AT&T, though I'm not sure if it applies to satellite.
I believe you are a big soccer fan....not sure if you like the EPL, but we will be carrying at least 368 of the 380 games and quite possibly all 380. No one else will carry as many. Looking forward to it, those games start August 17th as well.
Quote from: MU82 on August 04, 2013, 07:06:00 PM
Yep ... and we can't watch that, either!
As for Dexter not being quite as good, that's probably true. But I still love the Dexter/Deb dynamic. Plus, there's only a few episodes to go and I want to see them, dammit!
Yeah, I realized they pulled down Showtime, but I think your CBS locals are good. I suspect they'll have a deal fairly soon. I would be stunned if TWC isn't willing to do the Showtime part, but CBS is just leveraging that and holding the whole thing hostage. When we did our deal it was Smithsonian (owned by CBS), CBS Sports Network, Showtime and CBS O & O all wrapped into one. I'm sure with TWC they are doing the same thing. Not fun. We have a major one coming up in a few months and a GIGANTIC one coming up middle of next year. Not looking forward to either one.