December 30, 2007
It looks like the NFL Network is attempting the “lose a battle, but win the war” approach.
As everyone is already aware, the network chose to simulcast last nights historical Patriots vs. Giants game between itself, NBC, and CBS. Clearly, for a young network that has been having a couple of “issues” with the major cable companies, historic games like last night’s game would be the thing you would revel in; a game of historical proportions that fans wanted to see, that would be found exclusively on your network. Yet, at some point during last week, the network realized that any disputes between itself and Comcast or Time Warner were not going to be settled before yesterday’s game. So, the NFL “buckled” and decided to simulcast the game for the sake of the fans. Big loss for the network, yes? Giving up exclusivity on arguably the most anticipated game of the season?
The answer is yes…and no. Did the NFL Network give up the only commodity they had? Of course. But there is a bigger story behind losing the game; the NFL made the best of their apparent defeat…They tried to market the hell out of themselves in the process. Let’s recap the game, shall we?
It all started when Rich Eisen did his little spiel about the historic significance of this game, and how it was the first regular season game ever simulcast in NFL history, etc. (my thought: It’s pretty nice of the NFL to take a loss on this one and provide this game to everyone…+1 P.R. point)
Next was Roger Goodell’s interview before the game started. I don’t remember the exact words, but it went something like, “Tonight isn’t about our battle with the cable companies, its about providing a historic, quality football product to as many people as possible.” (my thought: Laying it on pretty thick NFL Network…although fans that don’t have the network have to at least start to think, hey, this NFL network isn’t so bad, why are the cable companies trying to screw me and the network over?…+1 P.R. Point)
Finally, the NFL Network spent many a commercial break showing their “Why wouldn’t anyone not want the NFL network? I can’t believe the cable companies aren’t down with providing this exclusive 24 hour NFL coverage” commercials. (my thought: P.R. Holy Trinity complete!…+10 P.R. points)
So, while the NFL network definitely took a loss with the simulcast of the Patriots/Giants game, they made the best of their situation; they reminded the viewers that they didn’t have to simulcast the game, tried to convince the viewers that they had their best interests at heart, and reminded the viewers, through commercials, to complain to cable companies about not getting the network (see I Want My NFL Network!).Will the network’s efforts be enough? Only time will tell. Cable companies were obviously willing to let fans miss the game, and both sides are still at an impasse over money. Even with the NFL doing its best to save face last night, the only thing they’ve really ensured is that negotiations will be at a stand still (no JaMarcus Russell) until its time for the NFL to show games next season.
On a side note…maybe the NFL Network will be able to sway more viewers to their side if Bryant Gumble wasn’t their play-by-play man? Good Lord, he is horrible.
Sports Business Digest: ESPN and NFL Network hate Cable Companies, Fans
2 comments
I watched the NFL Network coverage on my CBS affiliate, even though I have had the NFL Network (via Comcast) for a couple of years now. Wanted to “experience” the weirdness of seeing it as such, although they really just took a straight feed of all the NFL Network coverage except for putting the CBS “eye” logo on the screen at times. As for Bryant Gumbel being truly awful, if you aren’t aware of a site called Awful Announcing please hit it on my blogroll and check it out. Those guys rip him 24/7 and its a great site for those of us who love playing “tv critic.” Some of the comments are priceless.
If Gumble should definitely find another profession. He’s not as bad as Phil Simms when it comes to getting names wrong (Isaac Holt (Bruce)), but during the Rams/Steelers broadcast he said “Isaac Brass.” Bruce:Brass. Brass:Bruce. Get it right, Gumble! This guy’s a future HOF’er!
I can’t remember which game it was this year (irrelvant to Gumble) but there was one play-by-play announcer (may have been Matt Vasgersian (sp?)) that when Steven Jackson took a hand off from Marc Bulger said, “Faulk takes the ha– oops, looks like I may have seen some ghost playing Marshall Faulk out there! Steven Jackson, yes, takes the handoff, gaining three yards.”