TW not carrying the NFL Network. NFL fights back.
 

I don't understand this? Why won't Time Warner get the NFL Network?

Every time there is a new cable channel they always say its too expensive. MTV, ESPN even TNT they said cost too much. Why?

so what if they think its too expensive. Pass whatever they are asking on to the consumer. Let the consumer decide if its too expensive

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...-network_x.htm

NFL pushes NFL Network on cable operatorsUpdated 7/28/2006 9:02 AM ET By Michael McCarthy, USA TODAY
The NFL is preparing to launch a $100 million attack ad campaign over the next six months in an attempt to force cable TV operators to carry its NFL Network channel, which will begin airing regular-season games in November.

If the cable providers don't sign up, the NFL will urge consumers to switch to satellite TV operators that carry the channel, NFL Network spokesman Seth Palansky says.

The 2½-year-old channel also has basic cable and/or digital distribution deals with at least 75 cable operators, including Comcast, the nation's top cable provider, and reaches 41 million homes. With the NFL Network airing regular-season games beginning Thanksgiving night, the league thinks it has the leverage to force its way into 25 million more homes this season. The TV, radio, print and magazine ads, which will target cable operators by name, could begin as early as next week, Palansky says.
"We think it's asinine that Time Warner (the nation's No. 2 cable provider) carries 12 shopping channels and 50 other channels you don't want — but can't find room for one dedicated to the most popular sport in this country," Palansky says. "We're replacing the kid gloves with bare knuckles."
One ad aimed at Time Warner says, "Don't let Time Warner ruin your football season. You'll miss NFL games if you don't call and demand NFL Network now." Another targeting Cablevision, a provider in metro New York, warns, "Don't let Cablevision shut you out." The ad lists the channel's games and a toll-free number for NFL Network.
Time Warner Cable spokesman Mark Harrad says it "is still having discussions with the NFL Network." Cablevision's Marie Stenberg declined to comment.

NFL, cable operators square off
Posted 7/27/2006 10:17 PM ET

Leave it to the NFL to take on the most stubborn, monopolistic sector of the media world: cable TV operators.

The NFL's plan to try to force cable providers such as Time Warner and Cablevision to carry its NFL Network channel — by going over their heads to their customers with a $100 million ad campaign — sets up a clash of superpowers.The TV, print and radio ads will name cable operators who've refused to carry the NFL Network.

They'll urge football fans in those markets to either force their cable company to air the 24/7 football channel or get themselves a satellite dish.Cable companies control the pipes and are used to getting their way. When there are disputes with programmers, they flip the off button until the beef is settled.

The NFL also enters this fight without the leverage of media giants Viacom and News Corp., which can offer package deals.But the league, which has expanded NFL Network into 41 million homes in only 32 months, is used to getting its own way, too, and usually does. This season NFL Network will air a package of eight Thursday/Saturday night games. It hopes football fans in markets such as New York, Tampa, Green Bay, Houston and St. Louis will go ballistic when they realize their cable company isn't playing ball."People will go nuts on Thanksgiving when there's a game on and they can't watch it," says Seth Palansky of the NFL Network.

Forcing its way into another 25 million homes this season will bring NFL Network two-thirds of the way toward its goal of matching ESPN's distribution of 91 million homes.Can the NFL pull it off? Don't bet against the country's most powerful and popular league, says cable TV expert Jimmy Schaeffler, a senior analyst with the Carmel Group consultancy. "They don't have leverage with individual operators, but they have leverage where it counts the most. With consumers. Who else gets in so many homes in less than three years? They're a one-of-kind entity."Sure, NFL Network will tick off people it may have to do business with in the future. But as the old saying goes, if they can't earn respect out of love, they'll earn it out of fear. Nothing scares cable companies more than customers heading for the door. This should be one of the best matchups of the new season.

Truer words have never been spoken.
:clap:

Thank God I have Dish Network. :)

I for one would be willing to pay more, and give up the 20 womens channels that I never watch to get NFL Network. Screw Time Warner.

But where else can I find jewlery with a retail value of $299.95 for 3 easy payments of $19.99?

This is why we need to be able to buy cable by the channel.

I hate cable and have for years, but I've got to say that Comcast has been pretty fair about putting up decent channels. Comcast actually has the NFL channel on two separate channels on my digital box...Im not sure why, but I get one better than the other (less pixelization).

I dont know if Comcast has 12 shopping channels, but I for one would be royally pissed if they did but didnt have the NFL network.

Our little cable system here in s.w. kansas just added the n.f.l. network along with 3 other channels but it only raised rates about 30 cents a month

Time Warner can suck the sweaty underside of my nutsack

I got the NFL network from COX here where I live and when I called the sales rep she had to put me on hold for 15 minutes because she had to get a supervisor to check my account for accuracy on her part.

When I asked to get the NFL network she put me in a package deal that crossed with another deal that I had gotten into 2 months prior. When she recalculated the cost I was actually SAVING $10 a month and I got the NFL network. Talk about an easy way of convincing the WU that it was a good thing! :thumb:

.

This sucks, even though NFL Network is offered by Comcast you have to buy their Digital package, which is $20 dollars a month more than the basic package.

And mines too...

















If I had one! :cuss:

Time Warner is good for internet service and things like that........

I laugh at their call Time Warner and complain line, they basically laugh and tell you that isn't their call they don't run the company.

Cox here in central Texas doesn't have it yet. :sulk:

Time Warner doesn't care enough to give you good customer service, why would they care that you don't like the fact that they aren't carrying the NFL Network?

Just another reason why I love DirecTV....

mmaddog
*******

I live in North Carolina and I have Time Warner Cable. The internet is ok but I won't be getting the Thanksgiving game on the NFL Network as I understand it. This sucks ass.