Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

Good read on real reason cable will not carry NFL channel.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/200...doublestandard

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

Give me a break, that's an Op Ed written by the head of NFL Network. In other words, it's exactly half true.

Is cable trying to shut out competition? Yup.

Is the NFL Network trying to do the same thing? You bet. This is a network that competes with the existing networks which currently carry games. They want to shut out the middle man and become their own broadcaster.

This is a fight between two giants, both interested in their profits. Us consumers - of both cable TV and the NFL's product - are put in the middle while one side tries to rile us up against the other. Neither side has our interest in mind.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

Written by the unbiased CEO of NFL network who 'forgot' to mention that he charges Comcrap etc. a premium to carry his network.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

The NFL vs. Big Cable is the ultimate greed olympics, but I think the cable folks are closer to the side of angels in this one. The NFL is doing the equivalent of taking hostages: "Broadcast our network on OUR terms or I'll shoot the fans!!!" They're using us as pawns, intentionally creating situations where we'll miss big games and be miserable in hopes of forcing a sweetheart business deal.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

Most people have access to DirecTV or Dish Network, both of which carry NFL Network. Yes, some people live in apartments or condos where they absolutely CANNOT use a dish. Which is unfortunate. But short of those people, everyone can get a dish if they choose. At least where I live, neither of the Dish companies is more expensive than our local cable.

Do I love DirecTV ? No. I would prefer cable where I don't have to deal with a receiver per room, etc. I lose some capability, flexibity and simplicity with DirecTV. But the plusses (NFL Network, Sunday Ticket) outweigh the minuses - for me. Most people are simply making a choice. It's too bad that we all don't have a perfect option - but that's life.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

I am so glad I have Comcast on my side - looking out for and protecting me the consumer.

I used to get the NFL network in my package. Comcast has since protected me from the evil NFL network which they said was going to force them to raise my cable rates.

They took the channel away from me and charged me the same amount. The same price for less programming which is not raising my rates I guess.

But if I want to pay a lot more a month, I can get the NFL Network back. Again this would not be raising my rates because I've now upgraded my subscription - you know upgraded to the package I used to have.

I don't know how I would survive if Comcast didn't look out for me.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

The difference between what you're paying now, as opposed to what you paid before NFL Network went premium, would just be spread out among all cable subscribers, not just the ones who want NFL network. Obviously Comcast isn't going to cut into their profits to give you a good deal, the only options are to charge the people who use it, or spread it out to everyone. I'd rather just the people who use it pay for it.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

Cable however has been screwing me longer so I'm all for NFLN holding their ground. The Cable giants have never had consumer interest at heart, and the basic and digital portions of my cable bill can attest to that. I don't mind paying the extra $8 bucks a month that is truly NFLN. I get way more enjoyment and quality programming from that 25 cents a day than I get from the buck and a half a day I pay for the drivel that unfortunately accompanies it.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

I moved recently, switched cable companies, and I get NFL Network. I don't know how and I don't want to jinx it, all I know is, it shows up on my TV and I don't think I pay for it. Good stuff.

Re: Why you may not be able to see Cowboys Packers tonight
 

My basic cable bill has more than doubled since I first subscribed, and it had nothing to do with NFLN. Comcast hit me up for digital and first tier just to get something that on it's own represented at the time an additional $5.95/mo two years ago. Now it's another $7.95. And yet I stay with Comcast ONLY because I want my NFLN. If the idiots at Verizon or RCN which are also available here offered it, they might inherit my teltphone, internet and cable business since absent bundling they offer less expensive alternatives for those other services. Making it available grows a Cable companies base, and they make money on every base customer.

I only watch a half dozen stations on my TV. I wish cable wasn't lumping me in on all the Golf Channel and Tennis and Extreme Sports and NBA programming, but such is life.