There's been a request that I update everyone on the status of MLB Extra Innings and the possibility that it might only be offered on DIRECTV in the future. There was a press release a couple of weeks ago from MLB that said this:
"Additionally, in keeping with MLB's desire to provide as much MLB programming to as many baseball fans as possible, MLB and DIRECTV have agreed to include a provision that allows MLB EXTRA INNINGS to be offered to other incumbents - In Demand and DISH Network - at consistent rates and carriage requirements with a deal to be concluded before the baseball season begins. The provision also requires the incumbents to agree to carriage rights to the MLB Channel proportionally equivalent to DIRECTV's commitment. Should the incumbents decide not to match DIRECTV's commitment, the MLB EXTRA INNINGS package will be exclusive to DIRECTV. All out of market games continue to be available on MLB.com. "
Basically, it means that unless In Demand and DISH Network agree to match DIRECTV's contributions for the new MLB Channel, then they will no longer be allowed to carry the MLB Extra Innings package. The MLB Channel isn't set to unveil until 2009, so this isn't an issue yet. I would imagine that In Demand and DISH Network will cough up the money to support this new MLB Channel. I'm sure they bring in enough money from subscriptions to MLB Extra Innings that it makes good economic sense to support this new endeavor to keep their rights to the package. Plus, they've got to be counting all the subscribers they'd lose who'd jump ship to DIRECTV just to keep MLB Extra Innings.
My prediction is that In Demand and DISH Network will step up to the plate and help fund this new MLB Channel and we can all continue to enjoy MLB Extra Innings through whichever provider we choose.
Side note: There's no real word on what this new MLB Channel will provide as far as programming. Apparently DIRECTV will be working with MLB to develop it for 2009.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Thanks for the update--great info!! Not certain, but inDemand is the cable broadcast marketing name, right? Independent of service provider? Of course, I'm in LA where my "choices" for cable include Time Warner...and well, we all know how stellar that corporation is.
They may push me to DirecTV yet. Oh well, at least we can still hear nasally Skip on XM.
Yes, inDemand is the service you can get through cable providers. Pete is my favorite, so I'm going to have to listen to radio if I want to hear him. Sad to know that the old broadcast team is all split up and probably won't be around much longer.
Post a Comment