How long will DirecTV keep Versus in the penalty box?
So when exactly is it time to start getting worried? It has now been a week since DirecTV dropped Versus as a channel option to all customers. The satellite provider is in a dispute with Comcast - their main rival and owner of the Versus cable network.
DirecTV argues that it's about money and fairness. Comcast is concerned that DirecTV will move Versus into another a tier of channel offerings therefore reducing the overall viewers of the fledgling sports channel. I could care less who's right or wrong. I just want access to hockey games.
DirecTV has approximately 18 million subscribers. 14 million of their customers subscribe to the Total Choice Xtra package which, until last week, included Versus. I have been a relatively happy DirecTV customer for the past five years. Sure, a thunderstorm may knock out service every once in a while. But, really, it's not that often. Plus, DirecTV offers the best sports options of any cable or satellite provider on the market. Well, at least until now.
Will the situation clear itself up in time for the Blackhawks season opener in Helsinki? I will assume the answer is yes. As the NHL season approaches, I would expect the pressure on both parties will increase. If not, I may be found climbing a ladder, sledgehammer in hand, mumbling expletives as I approach the otherwise reliable dish on my roof.
The Blackhawks will be televised nine times on Versus this year including the season opener on October 2 in Finland. If you think a subscription to the NHL season pass will save you, think again. All of Versus' NHL broadcasts carry exclusive broadcast rights. That also means numerous other NHL contests will be unavailable to DirecTV customers.
So what's a guy to do? Right now sit and wait hoping the big kuhanas quit their petty squabbles before October. I really don't want to change cable providers, if, for no other reason than it is a pain in the ass. For five years, I haven't had a cable guy to my house. I'd like to keep it that way.
For you Comcast subscribers, you may not feel our pain now, but you have in the past. Comcast most recently had the dispute with the NFL Network. In that case, the shoe was on the other foot and Comcast eventually knelt before the sports behemoth.
In the end, I can not imagine that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will allow over 14 million households to be blocked from NHL games. He may not hold the power of the NFL, but Comcast has aspirations to build Versus into a sports network that will rival ESPN. Those lofty goals have no chance of being reached without the DirectTV customer base. In turn, DirecTV has built a strong customer base by providing the best sports programming. While an exodus of NHL fans will not bring down the company, they operate in a very competitive market where every demographic is coveted.
Let's hope both parties quickly realize that it is in their best interests to resolve the dispute. I sure hope they do. And so does my satellite dish.
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3 Comments
Forklift said:
So, since Bettman has already told us to not stay in hotels that don't have Versus, does that mean you have to move if you don't have it in your house?
AZBLACKHAWK said:
This off season has been an utter fiasco. without going thru the obvious again this most recent situation just seems to fit. I have been with DIRECTV since 1996 just so I could watch the Hawks. Unfortunately I have been a displaced fan since the mid 80's, I need my connection thru Direct TV or I else I am left reading what happened the previous day. Will the NHL have the influence that the NFL had as you mention, we can only hope so. It is amazing how bright it all looked at the end of May. Well I guess we can hope the NHL does have the influence and that Comcast DOES want to be the next ESPN or those of who watch the 4th sport may be without. Hopefully when we hit the ice this will all just be a bad dream. Keep the posts coming, I look forward to your sharp tongue daily!
Sailor said:
I called DirecTV this morning complaining about not having Versus and they gave me $10.00 off for the next 6 months. I still can't see the Hawks and I am not happy.
Maybe if everyone complains and gets a $10.00 refund for 6 months that may his DirecTV were it hurts.
Lets see, 10 X 14,000,000 = $140,000,000. That might wake DirecTV up.
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