Location: I'm very Happy to be here. Las Vegas Via Buffalo N.Y. Joined: 02.17.2007
Apr 26 @ 7:25 PM ET
Pierre LeBrun‏
@PierreVLeBrun
Hearing that Bill Guerin has interviewed for the Sabres GM job. Obviously several other candidates have as well or will. It's a process. - Risto55
I still have yet to receive the answer to this question: what logical reason is there to promote the NHL when the network doesn't even have a TV contract with them?
That being said, I thought I read they are paying $3.3 billion total annually for their NFL and NBA TV contracts. Sportsnet's NHL deal is worth $5 billion (CAD) in total over 12 years. NBC's is worth $2 billion over 10 years. And both are for exclusive TV rights (whereas the NBA and NFL are not). ESPN treats the NHL like small time because it is small time. - buffalofan19
I agree in part of this argument, however there are a lot of things to consider. First off, I never watch ESPN except for highly questionable and around the horn. As soon as PTI comes on I change the channel (don't get me started on that show getting nominated for a Emmy).
I do have the NHL Network where I can catch up on the scores from the night before. Many people do not have access to this channel. Now if I don't have access to the NHL Network, where do I go to get the scores and news I'm looking for?
I do not watch baseball or basketball unless maybe during the playoffs if it's something that seems interesting. Now if you are trying to get more viewers would it not make sense to draw viewers who normally don't watch your channel by offering something that may draw them in just to get exposure to what else you are offering?
I understand not wanting to make a big deal with the NHL because the draw is not as big, but you may get more daily traffic by at least covering the daily games.
Kind of reminds me of the fact that I pay Time Warner (Spectrum) over $100 month, but see commercials for dish network, direct TV and FiOS all the time.
Location: Wonderful things can happen when you sow seeds of distrust in a garden full of (bum)holes Joined: 07.01.2007
Apr 26 @ 8:13 PM ET
I agree in part of this argument, however there are a lot of things to consider. First off, I never watch ESPN except for highly questionable and around the horn. As soon as PTI comes on I change the channel (don't get me started on that show getting nominated for a Emmy).
I do have the NHL Network where I can catch up on the scores from the night before. Many people do not have access to this channel. Now if I don't have access to the NHL Network, where do I go to get the scores and news I'm looking for?
I do not watch baseball or basketball unless maybe during the playoffs if it's something that seems interesting. Now if you are trying to get more viewers would it not make sense to draw viewers who normally don't watch your channel by offering something that may draw them in just to get exposure to what else you are offering?
I understand not wanting to make a big deal with the NHL because the draw is not as big, but you may get more daily traffic by at least covering the daily games.
Kind of reminds me of the fact that I pay Time Warner (Spectrum) over $100 month, but see commercials for dish network, direct TV and FiOS all the time. - adambuffalo
They do cover games and show highlights on Sportscenter. They just rarely do any in depth analysis, except bringing on Barry Melrose every once in a while.
Their issue stems from losing subscribers to cord cutters altogether. ESPN promoted the NHL pretty heavily while it had the contract. It resulted in them hemorrhaging money.
