Kukla's Korner Hockey
Next entry: Igniting Their Teams
Previous entry: The New NHL “Game”
Why OLN
by Paul on 10/20/05 at 07:49 AM ET
Comments (6)
The frustration of NHL fans grows daily and I receive about 10-15 emails a day asking if anything is being done about the problems fans have trying to watch the OLN broadcasts.
from the NY Times,
If you’re a Cablevision or a DISH Network satellite subscriber who looked forward to watching National Hockey League games on OLN, you’ve fallen victim to an anti-fan policy that boggles the mind.
The games you’ve expected to see since last Monday have been replaced by other programs on OLN - which, until making its deal with the N.H.L., was known largely for carrying the Tour de France - because its parent company, Comcast, wants to boost the number of its own subscribers.
But do you deprive Cablevision and DISH viewers of what they were expecting so you can pursue the goal of rapidly increasing the number of subscribers?
Filed in: | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
“We’ve given them exactly what’s in the contract. It never contemplated hockey.” He added, “We don’t have an obligation to add hockey unless they agree to our terms.”
Sounds like Comast is playing hardball as usual, but honestly did we not see this coming.
They will blab and blab, some of it is cablevisions’ fault, but Comcast is doing what is does best… screw it to the consumer.. It is nothing more than that.
Eh.. I was nervous from the start way back when I saw ya first post about them taking over ESNPs spot. I know how they do business here in Pittsburgh.. they have us all by the balls.
I get the OLN games and feel bad for those who do not. They really need to do something about the audio quality and the insense zoom camera angle.
Other than the games that half of us can’t even see… they are lacking some real NHL programming.. There is nothing on non-game nights… which really blows..
okay i’ve rambled…
Going to the Pens game tonight.. will we ever win??? ha!
GO PENS!!!
Posted by Tony from Pittsburgh, PA on 10/20/05 at 08:39 AM ET
“We’ve given them exactly what’s in the contract. It never contemplated hockey.” He added, “We don’t have an obligation to add hockey unless they agree to our terms.”
OLN is correct, I’ve obtained a copy of their contract and here is the line that gives them this power.
“OLN will show programing that is interesting to no more then 10 of your subscribers. If we ever show something that 11 or more people want to see we will black it out unless you put the channel on expanded basic.”
End Sarcasm
Posted by Rob on 10/20/05 at 09:54 AM ET
You know, I’m going to be the only one to side with OLN here. While it sucks people don’t see games for a little while, the NHL and OLN would benefit long-term if OLN can get into a better tier on most systems. Not everyone is going to go out of their way to get OLN to watch hockey, but a good number may watch if it was readily available, which is what OLN is trying to do (and why the NHL is supporting them). OLN should try and nail one of those other league deals they want to help their cause.
Posted by David from NY on 10/20/05 at 11:06 AM ET
I agree that it’s good for hockey if OLN was available to more people but in the meantime don’t screw those of us who are paying for OLN by not letting us see the games. Also, Cablevision, as a NHL team owner, should want OLN available to more people, but they don’t always think straight. The NHL has the market cornered when it comes to ways we can screw our fans.
BTW, this would never happen to another league. There is no way MLB, the NBA or the NFL would let this happen to their games.
Posted by Rob on 10/20/05 at 12:42 PM ET
But if OLN just broadcasts the games, there’s no customer outrage and no pressure on local systems and it stays in the upper tier for any system that currently has it there. It sucks, but it’s a must.
As I said, OLN will be in a better position when/if they sign another deal with a major league.
Only blackout rule for the other leagues that screws over some fans is the NFL blacks out any game that’s not sold out (to the home market).
Posted by David from NY on 10/20/05 at 12:59 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Video- Kari Lehtonen With The Save Of The Night
The New Trade Deadline Strategy
The NHL Gets The 2013 Winter Classic Location Wrong
About KK Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When learning from experts it’s best to learn personally from them, or from their blog. We can provide that with poker lessons blog, your home to learn poker personally.
Do you get shocked from the luck in the game of poker? Stop getting shocked and start being a Poker Shoker
Make extra cash while playing online poker. Rakeback is free and comes with rake races.
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.
Hopefully now that the New York Times has exposed this, maybe the two sides will get off their butts.
Glac to see you are back Paul, hope everything is fine with your computer.
Posted by Kenny on 10/20/05 at 08:30 AM ET