More NFL Net fallout over holding Packers-Cowboys hostage
Greed vs. Greed -- aka, the NFL Network vs. the Cable Operators -- has come down to more of a battle of Arrogance vs. Self Preservation as Thursday's live (and exclusive TV) coverage of 10-1 Green Bay and 10-1 Dallas clicks closer.
The NFL Network wasn't relevant until it decided last year to start showing live regular season games. It then tried to force cable companies to pay an extra 70 cents per month per subscriber to carry their channel. Cable companies, already under pressure from customers to keep rates down as they continue to print money, have stood firm against it, trying to wedge it onto a pay tier with other such channels that aren't in high demand but cost too much to just force onto unwilling participants.
Dallas Cowboys owner/visionary/hostage negotiator Jerry Jones was just installed by commissioner Roger Goodell as the chairman of the TV committee -- and Jones' strong-arm response to those who complain they can't see his team play Thursday: Switch from cable to satellite dish.
"Millions of people won't see this game unless they switch to satellite," Jones said. "Most of our fans have the opportunity to switch. Get off Time Warner and go see the ball game."
The 35 million homes (out of about 111 million) who do have access to the NFL Network are those mostly with either DirecTV or the Dish Network. He's right, but he may not understand the realistic downside to that with consumers who have little option but to pay for cable over a dish.
You're going to read and hear more about the pros and con-jobs each side is trying to spin as the season progresses down to the finale when the NFL Network has New England's final game -- and possible attempt to finish with an undefeated record. Some legislators think they can look good by trying to pass bills; others are trying to push the FCC into making a ruling. It's all nonsense.
Those without the NFL Network Thursday at least have some options here in L.A.
Meanwhile, here's some clips we've enjoyed of recent stories written about the situation this week to help you make a better judgement about who to be most upset with here:
== Hey NFL, Greed Isn't Good (by the New York Post's Phil Mushnick)
== Roughing the Viewer (by Arizona Republic columnist Bob McManaman)
== Sorry, NFL Network, but you're greedier (a blog entry by Kansas City Star's Aaron Barnhardt)
== Since When Does the NFL Care About the Fans (a blog entry by Deron Snyder of the Fort Myers News-Press)
== Hospital's patients, vistors able to watch big game (a story in the Wausau, Wisc., Daily Herald, about how Aspirus Wausau Hospital made a deal with the Dish Network to get the NFL Network at a special one-day rate of $80 so all 266 TVs at the hospital will carry the game.
== Jones Running Hard with NFL Network's Ball (from DallasCowboys.com columist Mickey Spagnola -- consider the source)