Kerry presses NFL
Massachusetts Senator John Kerry has appealed to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to take action to ensure that all Patriots fans in New England, and across the country, will have the chance to view the team's season finale against the Giants.
The game is scheduled to be broadcast on NFL Network. WCVB in Boston (Channel 5) will also carry the game, but that still means parts of New England won't be able to see it.
“In just five days, the Patriots will try to become the first team since Don Shula’s legendary ‘72 Dolphins to finish the regular season undefeated, but huge numbers of Pats fans today wouldn’t be able to see the game. Unless immediate action is taken, thousands of fans outside the Boston area will not even have access to the broadcast,” Kerry said in a press release.
“If this isn’t fixed in a hurry, it speaks volumes about how some big interests see the fans. I hope the NFL sees the error of its ways and allows every ‘twelfth man’ to see this unprecedented event.”
Full text of Kerry's letter can be found by clicking the link below.
December 24, 2007Mr. Roger Goodell
Commissioner
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Dear Commissioner Goodell,As a Bostonian, I couldn't be more pleased that in just five days, the New England Patriots will attempt to become the first NFL team in 35 years to finish the regular season with an undefeated record. But as someone who represents all of Massachusetts and not just those in the Boston media market, I remain deeply troubled that today as many as 250,000 Massachusetts households, and millions of Patriots fans nationwide, may be denied access to this historic sporting event.
Despite an unwillingness by both sides to strike a compromise that best meets the interest of the fans, there remain several options for making this game widely available. One option is found in what is referred to as the NFL's "flex schedule", which permits the League to switch the currently scheduled Sunday night NBC game for a game of broader public appeal. Electing to air the game on NBC would ensure that every television in America has access to such a historic game. Throughout the season, the NFL has made this decision with respect to other games of high importance and broad national interest.
For a game of this significance to be used as a bargaining chip or point of leverage between corporations locked in a dispute would say a great deal about the esteem in which America's football fans are held by the big interests. Under the unfortunate circumstance that this matter remains unresolved, leaving 60 percent of households across the country - including thousands in Massachusetts - without access to Saturday's game, I will ask the Senate Commerce Committee to hold hearings on how the emergence of premium sports channels are impacting the consumer, and I will consider what legislative measures may be necessary to ensure that consumers are more than bystanders in this process.
I hope very much to see a satisfactory solution achieved. I've offered - and my offer stands - to convene a meeting of all parties with the goal of reaching an 11th hour solution. I hope it is not too late to get something done for fans everywhere. Thank you for consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
John F. Kerry
United States Senate
cc: Brian Roberts, President, Comcast Corporation
Glenn Britt, President, Time Warner, Inc.
Ref. Sen. Kerry's remarks to the NFL. "Greed" is the name of the decision to deny access to the Pats/Giants game. The Pats have link entitled "Community". Clearly there is no community where viewership if limited to only those who can afford it.
A well written letter. I hope it works because I don't want to miss this game. (A Bostonian living in CT)
Kerry is lobbying on behalf of the Cable industry here. In reality, they are as much to blame as the NFL. This letter smells of special interests (ie. the wildly profitable and politically influential Cable monopoly). If Kerry wants to make a serious push to resolve the issue, he needs to admonish both sides, not just the NFL.
This "letter" should be seen for what it is -- blatant pandering on behalf of the Cable industry.
Kerry and his pals should take away the NFL's anti-trust exemption. That's the only thing Congress has any business in and not any private business battles. If the NFL and its network cave on this one, they can say goodbye to NFL Network and any value they hope to get out of it. The NFL wants it both ways on this one. They want to be able sell the Monday Night package for huge amounts and also want to force their little network which shows 8 games onto cable basic tiers and force cable companies to charge every household, football fans or not, rich or poor, to pay 60 cents per month for it. It makes no sense. But Kerry and Congress should stay out of this. If they want to take away the anti-trust exemption, that's something that makes sense.
"blatant pandering on behalf of the Cable industry."
Not if he manages to push the NFL to put it on broadcast television.
This is obviosuly a touch issue.
I live in Canada and the NFL Network is part of our simple sports package with our cable companies and thus all the Pats fans North of the Border get to watch the game, hassle free.
Make the game available !
The NFL Network cost 3.99 per month. Just order it.
If you really want to see the game call comcast right now and order the channel it takes about 30 seconds. Stop being a Democrat and accept the fact sometimes handouts are not available.
NFL Network broadcasts its Saturday Night Football games live for free online, on their official website
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork
Not placing a historic game like this is just plain foolish on the part of the NFL. Then NFL Network is in its infancy still and with the number of viewers they would be giving up nationally, it would be dumb at best and a black eye to the reputation of the league and new network.
The NFL should think about whether or not they want to be looked at in the same light as MLB, turning the other eye out of greed and selfishness. It breaks my heart what has happened to MLB and not being able to watch the game in Maine would be a crushing blow to a big Pats fan like myself.
Didn't take long for the trolls to show up.
"Stop being a Democrat and accept the fact sometimes handouts are not available."
What does that have to do with anything?
Anyone who says "Just order NFL network" has obviously not listened to the pathetic excuse for announcers on that station. Bryant has no football knowledge whatsoever and brings down the minimal skills Collinsworth brings to the table.
The cable company doesn't wwant the NFL to be part of basic like ESPN.... F*** the cable companies.
"Handouts are not available?"
Oh, puh-leeze! So, I guess Aaron wants us all to bow down and cough up even more money to the robber barons of corporate America, in this case, the NFL.
Just like boxing during the '80s, for which enormous PPV sums were realized, and the English Premiere League (EPL) of British football, where key matchups are on PPV and nowhere near the BBC networks, it looks like the NFL is headed in this direction, as well.
With all the money flowing into the league, it's really no surprise. But for a game that touts itself as America's Team Sport, and one which was on free TV for many years before ESPN came along, you would think the league would think the better of it and have its network offer the game to willing local stations, nationwide, where interest will spur ratings.
Shame.
"The NFL Network cost 3.99 per month. Just order it. "
For Comcast subscribers, sure. But cable companies like Charter (Worcester) haven't had the NFLN since December 2005, when it was available for an extra fee, but then Charter pulled it citing a contract breach.
I resent the comment saying that it is only $3.99 - so order it! I don't have Comcast, nor is it available to me where I live. I have Charter cable - and they don't even offer it as an option - otherwise I would order it. Look outside your little Comcastic world before you comment next time.
In my mind, it would be a coup for the NFL if they showed the game on broadcast TV. People already hate their cable providers. Only airlines rank worse in industry customer satisfaction. The NFL has an opportunity to forgoe revenue on its own network and "come to the resuce" on this.
Regardless of the truths of this negotiation, it is public perception that matters. One big problem...advertisers. They've already paid and would be screwed if the NFL dumped this game.
Where's Kerry's letter to Comcast, demanding it provide the NFL Network for Free?
Probably because Kerry is in bed with the cable industry lobbyists. Just follow the money.
Kerry could care less about the peasants who don't want to fork over the whopping $3.99 for the NFL Network.
Kerry is simply providing cable industry lobbying with this obvious pandering.
How do we know Kerry will not flip-flop on this??
See the big picture. This year it's the 16th game. In future years it will be the first round of the playoffs. How long until the Super Bowl is PPV? It's all about the $$$. It might not happen in a year or two, but ten years from now you WILL be paying more to see the NFL.
The real problem now is that NFLN is not available to a large portion of the country for ANY price.
Hey Mike , you windbag, cough up $3.99/month for my subscription, whats the big deal !!
I have Directv and the NFL network is free, just like the NFL meant it to be.
It used to be free on ALL cable companies who provide the channel.
The cable companies who provide the channel for a fee are the one's who are greedy. Just like every other nickel and dime item they charge you for. I don't buy their answer for the charge either.
Lou
Not for nothing, I order NFL network on Comcast at the start of the season and then cancel it when the season is over. That being said, Bryant Mumble has to be the worst sportscaster in the world. Believe me, you are not missing a whole lot.
"Rick Romo", a "one yard gain" on an 11 yard run! They guy is not worth the few cents they pay him.
If anyone bothered to read my earlier post, none of this complaining and arguing would be taking place.
You can watch Saturday Night Football LIVE and FREE online. Nfl Network broadcasts the games on their official site
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork
"blatant pandering on behalf of the Cable industry."
Not if he manages to push the NFL to put it on broadcast television.
"The NFL Network cost 3.99 per month. Just order it."
Talk about an uneducated consumer. You are so missing the boat on this one and you're one of those people who ruin it for everyone when you "Just order it". Fact is we are all being asked to pay for something that we've always had for free. You pay $3.99 now then the NFL network steels a few more free games and puts them on the NFL network... price goes up to $8.99. We'll only have you to blame.
I say fight this... I'm a die hard pats fan but if they put it on the NFL network I won't go out of my way to watch it. As a matter of fact no one should watch it. Make the ratings for the broadcase near to zero... then maybe we'll get out free football back.
Doesn't the NFL want the channel to be free? I thought it was the cable companies who wanted to charge for the channel by either making you buy the sports package or on it own for extra cash. I get it free with Verizon and I know RCn give it free to thier customers. Its not the NFL it is the cable companies. By the way you are not missing much Brynt Gumball is god aweful
The NFL Network cost 3.99 per month. Just order it. " from where??? the stratosphere???
I live in Florida, the only pkg I get with my cable company is Tampa Bay Buccaneers! UGH!
This is a very simple matter. The reason the cable companies moved the NFLN to a pay plan was because they were trying to strong-arm the NFL to move their exclusive-rights "Sunday-Ticket" from DirecTv. The NFL makes too much money from DirecTv to make that move. DirectV attributes a large portion of their subscribers to the fact that they are the only ones with the "Sunday Ticket." Although the source of the issue is simple the resolution is not. Do you make the NFL lose its "monopoly" (read:Anti-trust exemption) and provide the Sunday ticket to every potential bidder (other sat providers and cable companies) thus potentially reducing DirecTv's subscriber base, but potentially satisfying the cable providers so they will make the NFLN free? This is not a black and white issue.
Not everything has to be political. At the same time, this is America and in America businesses have the right to make as much money as possible. If you don't have the money for the channel, don't have access to the channel, don't have the internet, or whatever other reason there is, then listen to the game on the radio, which is free and can be heard pretty much everywhere in NE. Not everything has to be so complicated. If you are a fan and want to follow the game be resourceful. You will be able to follow it some how.
What a shame...We folks in Florida..and there are many of us Pat's fans here have no access to NFL network...Looks like the computor .com will have to do....They broadcast it but NOT in it's entirety....While in Ma for several years it was a part of Comcast but not any more...One must pay...Not us!!!
How about the radio. It's free......
Don't forget you can watch the game on Channel 5 in MA and Channel 9 in NH.
Greed and exploitation of the fans is exactly what this is about. This will undoubtedly backfire on the league.
The NFL has traditional been one of the best run professional sports leagues as it has kept labor costs / guaranteed contracts in check and provided the fans with an exceptional and accessible product. The attempt to monetize Thursday and Saturday nights with a blatant disregard for the fans is not the direction the league should be heading.
Commissioner Goodell stands at a crossroads with professional football as the league experiences rapid growth. The need for experienced leadership has probably never been more important and Goodell’s behavior is not comforting to many NFL insiders that have been watching him closely since narrowly being elected to his post.
Could someone please remind Goodell that these are the same fans that allowed the NFL to ink the following contacts? (This is a partial list):
CBS - $622.5 million for the SFC package
FOX - $712.5 million for the NFC package
NBC - $650.0 million for Sunday night
ESPN - $1.1 billion for Monday night
Shutting off fans does not help to build a fan base. This behavior is similar to that of professional boxing and pay per view. How many sports fans can name the heavyweight champion? How many even care? A far cry from the 1970’s……
John Kerry received $300,000 in contributions from Comcast this year.
Repeat:
John Kerry received $300,000 in contributions from Comcast this year.
ok in case you missed it the first time:
John Kerry received $300,000 in contributions from Comcast this year.
ED Pats, they do broadcast the whole game...what are you talking about? I've been watching Saturday Night Football since the beginning of the season of NFL Network.com and they they show the whole game
Kerry is not the only legislator seeking a solution. Maybe it will be different now that this IS an historic game as the Pats ARE 15-0 not might be.
News reports of others in the fray as well:
Rep. Joe Courtney and the Connecticut delegation: http://www.broadcastingcable.c...
Reps Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes of NH: http://www.wcax.com/Global/sto...
Sen Daniel Leahy (D-VT) http://www.burlingtonfreepress...
Sen Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Leahy and Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT):
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/ne...
I dont like being held hostage by the NFL or Comcast.
Our cable bills are out of control as it it.
another $4 isnt going to break the bank, but it keeps going up and up.
a letter from John Kerry isnt going to rattle the NFL. only the collective voice of the fans can do that.
Check this link out... Time Warner (the cable company that is holding the hardest line with the NFL) is Kerry's FOURTH-LARGEST DONOR.
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00000245&cycle=2008
Kerry is furthering the interests of his donors. If he really wanted to resolve the issue, he would put pressure on BOTH parties -- the NFL and Cable -- since they are BOTH to blame here.
It would be nice to see some balanced coverage on Kerry's involvement in this dispute instead of the Globe and other media outlets simply re-printing Kerry's press releases.
It looks like John Kerry is voting for a la cart Cable before he votes against it!
He is a disgrace to our state!
Stu-- Do a little research on the politicians you named. I will vitrually guarantee that they all have received significant campaign contributions from cable companies. Like Kerry, they are putting all of the blame on the NFL... coincidence?
Kerry and the rest are forgetting one fact: everyone can in fact see the game! Just pay your $4! What is the problem and why is my senator wasting his time again??? The game is available; buy the package for $4 and keep your mouth shut! How hard can it be? You already pay about $100/mo for cable, what is another $4. By the way, for that $4, I've found you also get two more movie channels, one is FXM and shows directors cut versions and all movies in letterboxing. This station alone is worth $4 and you get the NFL channel for the rest of the free, looking at it that way. My senator and everyone on this board are looking for the boogeyman when they should be looking for al Quaeda. Get your priorities right Kerry, no wonder why you lost....
We're flying from Boston to Arizona for the holiday week and meeting up with my family from NY. I know many of us will want to watch this game from our hotel in Arizona and if it's not on regular cable TV, we're sunk!!
Some of the kids are underage, so we can't go find a bar that's showing it.
I hope Sen Kerry's initiative works!
I wish the government would keep its hands off the free enterprise - capitalistic markets. Its called supply and demand...every person in America has access to purchase a means to see the game...it is not, however a right or an entitlement. If the NFL or the cable companies want to restrict the ability of viewers to only those who subscribe or who have satellite, then so be it. Each consumer has the option of firing their cable company, or turning its backs on the NFL.
I wish those people who keepinsisting on the relevance of Kerry's ties to the cable lobby would instead discuss how those links impact the merit of his argument. This ad hominem, swift boating approach to the discussion adds heat but not light. It is a red herring that has nothing to do with the substance of Kerry's comments.
While his proposed solution might be untenable, he is arguing, ultimately, to put the game on NBC, and thus I'm not certain how this in any way, shape, or form serves to bolster the cable industry. It seems to me that the burden of proof is on those accusing Kerry of acting untowardly. But of course based on his arguments they cannot do so. It seems to me that he is not only gloriously right on this issue, but that he has his finer on the pulse of an issue that should have been addressed a long time ago.
As for why this is the government's business, the airwaves are public property. They are, fundementally, ours. And in any case, given its anti-trust exemption, the NFL cannot choose when it wants to suckle at the teat of government and then decide when the government has no place.
As for those proferring the shallow and simplistic "just pay for it!" argument, that is hardly viable for the majority of Americans for whom that is not a possibility. Between the NFL Network and the DirectTV situation, many cannot access the games on television even if they are willing to fork over cash. And what if you are a father who wants to share the Pats record with your young son? It hardly seems reasonable to expect parents to tote their kids to sports bars. And what about those fans in cities and states that have publicly funded the facilities in which the teams are playing? Don't they have a claim to be able to access the games?
Some people's knees are jerking so hard because of the meesenger that they cannot be bothered to address the message.
It's private business. Let the NFL and Cable companies battle it out and make themselves look like asses. It's not a government concern.
Kerry should get on to doing the people's business, not acting like some Roman Senator trying to put on some better spectacle in the Forum.
The entire game is NOT broadcast on the internet. They selectively ALLOW look-ins during game play.
I presume that Sen. Kerry was in favor of airing the game exclusively on the NFL Network before he was against it.
I ordered the NFL Network a couple weeks ago. It took 30 seconds, and cost a whopping $2.99 per month. It also came with the NBA Network. C'mon guys...three bucks a month.
Being a fan of the Patriots living in Arizona I think the NFL should move the game from Saturday night to Sunday late afternnon or make it theSunday night game.
the entire game IS broadcast on the internet, I have been watching saturday night football LIVE online all this season. Stop complaining. Either pay the $4 bucks or watch online. Enough with these handouts.
ITS SO SAD THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN NEW ENGLAND WONT GET TO SEE THE GAME. I'M CURRENTLY IN IRAQ AND AFN WILL BROADCAST THE GAME FOR US HERE. I CANT WAIT!
Forget Comcast, time warner etc.... I love the golf channle, and especiallu UNIVISION. But when COMCAST refused to carry the Big ten network, and the NFL Network, Raised my rates by 4% to boot... I gave them the boot..... Wana see the game GO here they will have it installed by saturday.
http://www.directv.com
Free enterprise??? How much public money does the NFL extort for stadium building? When the NFL gives back all the public money it has taken (that would be BILIIONS of dollars) then I would agree that it is free enterprise and they can do as they wish.
yes for some people it is only 2.99 or 3.99 a month, which is not a big deal, but what these people fail to realize is that not all cable companies carry the NFL network. There is a battle going on. If all cable companies carried it, then I dont think you would see this many people complaining. They are complaining they do not even have the option to order it. Here in Austin Tx it was the same thing going on when the NFL network carried the Dallas/ Packers game. People had to go to bars to see the game. And the bars got greedy, and had cover charges to get in to them, when normally there was not charges to get in to these sports bars. So before you make as statement like its only 3.99 a month, know the whole story first
Hey Kerry,
What about Heinz Field......Is your 2nd billionaire wife giving your permission to write this letter. I can see this "pitch" is as about as good as the one you threw out at Fenway. Your a phony, and trying to lobby for the Cable Companies. Just order it or go out and watch the game somewhere.....Quit Complaining.
Alex, stop spreading incorrect information. The nfl network does not show complete gameplay online in real time. If they did that then there would be no point in purchasing the NFL channel.
During the look-in's you get red zone play and selective drives depending on the game situation but you also get alot more of the talking morons. I watch both at the same time. Try it sometime and you might become enlightened on the subject.
Kerry is simply pandering to his constituents, the voters of Massachusetts. It's a no-brainer for him. The problem is that he has no business telling private companies what to make avialable for free and to whom. If you have cable, and you subscribe to the NFL network, you can watch it (or anything else on cable for that matter) - if you don't have it, then you can't. It's no different than not being able to watch a certain movie, or concert, or sporting event on a cable channel you don't subscribe to. This is how networks get new customers - they offer programming no one else has to encourage you to subscribe. What does he expect the Commissioner of football to do?
Not everyone has cable..so paying $100 plus $4 a month for one game is blasphemy
Not everyone has internet access....and some have dial up
at least he said something even though he's a democrat
Read this article for better perspective before you start heaving mud Comcast or NFL. Clearly they are both looking for dominance ..
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20071121_NFL-Comcast_dispute_heats_up.html
So, if comcast really want to be seen sympathetic to it's audience, they should replace the golf channel with NFL-Network. Golf Channel is currently part of their digital package (included in the basic service). After all golf viewers are more likely to be in mid/upper class who can afford the extra fee all year long. NFL was mean to be for everyone including the folks who can barely afford food on the table. (my 2 cents)
In many places, the option to purchase NFLN isn't even an option. NFL..com does NOT show the entire game live. It shows 5 minute chunks then goes to the NFLN studios where they talk about the game for 5 minutes.
amazing how a sporting letter can bring out so many Repukblicans....simply astounding!
eea, I have been watching the games simultaneously ALL SEASON LONG. Maybe where you live they don't show the whole game, but in Boston I have watched every single Saturday Night Football game LIVE and in its entirety. If the talking morons bother you enough to misinform people, then you are the one that has some kind of issue with NFL Network. As for the "no point in buying the channel", they only broadcast a live game once a week. There are other things on the channel besides one live game a week. How about football 24/7 and replays of games commercial free and analysis, and sirius satellite NFL football audio broadcasts during game day? You have no idea what you're talking about and stop misinforming people.
not everyone has a telephone either and you don't hear congressmen writing to the telephone companies complaining about free phone access. watching sports on tv is not a right. It's not a basic need like eating or clothing, or hygiene. If you don't have cable or the internet, that is your fault for not living in 2007, not anyone elses. And anywhere else around the world, including Europe, you have all the sports on pay channels. people pay hundreds of dollars to go and watch a live game, including gas, tickets, concessions..why should the people staying at home watch for free? It's inevitable that games will eventually be on pay channels, so get used to it...and it will cost a lot more than $3.99/month. This is the reality. I wish it was free, but nothing is free in this life...
Sure the package costs $3.99, but you also have to have the stupid dish and the whole crappy service which comes along with it. As to the "Pandering" comments, could you lunatic political conspiricy therorists for a minute come down off your high horse and think maybe for once a high ranking public official is looking out for us regulars as a fan not a lackey for all you think is wrong!!! Go Pats!!! Go John!!! Score one for us for a change and all you naysayers probably arent Pats fans anyways so jump!!!!
Bobby, NFL Network shows the whole games.
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork
Go there and look at the list on the right.
You're talking about other games which aren't shown live...and replayed after, with announcer analysis in between plays.
I'm only talking about SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL games (which they air live once a week, on saturdays at 8pm EST), which are live and broadcast whole on the TV channel and online.
Another example of political grandstanding by a Kennedy what to be. Private business is just that Private. Polticians should stay out of this one. Anti-Trust exemption!! Congress should revisit this one.
If john kerry is a fan of the patriots as much as he is a fan of the red sox, then we are in trouble haha.
TOO BAD Kerry....Typical Democrat against Capitalism........The schedule has ONLY been out since June........In addition, people could have bought the NFL Package half price around week 9..... But these same people like when the Kraft's go out and sign players like Randy Moss, Assante samuel, and Wes Walker.....Where do you think that CASH come from you idiot, your welfare program...
Let's put this in perspective, I think Heinz charges too much for their ketchup, thus alot of Americans can not taste the best ketchup out there.....So, I think we should all write our US SEnators and demand they drop each bottle by $1.....Ouch ! There goes John's allowance from Teresa Heinz, Kerry's "sugar mama" BIG LOL
I wish that some of you would at least frame your arguments honestly. This is not simply a matter of private business. The NFL has long fought to maintain its anti-trust exemption precisely because it has pled the case that it is more than just a private endeavor. Countless billions of public dollars have gone to multibillionaire owners to build stadia and the like, and those airwaves over which the games are broadcast are public property. Most of you who are taking the anti-Kerry line are substituting ad hominem attacks and Grover Norquist talking points for actual argumentation.
It is not just a matter of some people not being able to afford the cost for the NFL Network (though frankly that is a problem), but rather that for millions of Americans, it does not matter if they can afford it --even if they can, they cannot currently get the NFL Network even if they want it. Why is that so hard to grasp? And if it is not hard to grasp, why sre so many people blithely reasserting that this is merely a matter of ponying up four bucks a month?
[Some of ] You people are so pathetic.
You want it so much you are willing to cry and scream to the government, but not enough to pay for it.
[You pathetic people whine again:] But the cable company wants us to subscribe to an entire sports tier! We just want this one game [for free].
Oh you poor and pathric whining babies. You can't get it for free on basic cable. Your lives are ruined. Go get a radio and LISTEN to the game. Or go to a bar or restaurant that has cable or Direct TV.
Alex T. why are you giving out false info? The NFL doesn't broadcast the enitire game live for free on the internet.
I take it you DO NOT SUBSCRIBE to the NFL Network..........I guess everything should be for free, right? I'll even bet your a democrat!! It's only ONE game!
Go to a local bar and support your local business!
The NFL is a proprietary product. Networks pay 100's of Million dollars to the NFL just for the right to broadcast games on their network. Why is it any different for the cable companies? It is the cable companies who are choosing not to include the NFL Network in their Basic package. They are instead offering the package ala cart, meaning you can pay $3.99 per month if you choose. An additional $.60 a month to have the NFL Network as a basic option is not enormous considering what you get. I switched from cable to Direct TV at less cost per month than what I was paying for cable and get more. Senator Kerry is going after the wrong corporation. He should be going after the cable companies.
Ed --
Look, are you being wilfully obtuse? Lots of people who would be more than willing to pay for it cannot pay any price, no matter how mch, because it is not available. millions of people cannot buy DirectTV for football because no matter what, they don't have the right technological access, or they live in apartments tht do not allow them to get satellite.
As for going to a bar, thats a great option. Unless you are twelvee and you want to watch the game with your father. And radio is a great option as well. Unless you don't live within radio range.
Furthermore, believe it or not, some of us are "whining" not for ourselves, but for others. My cabe company in Texas did pay for the games on NFL Network. So I've seen all of the Thursday and now Saturday games. But millions of people don't have that option.
Once again, intellecual dishonesty rules the day. Why would a sensible person even bother?
dc
Post #4 reads: "Kerry and his pals should take away the NFL's anti-trust exemption." It has no exemption--baseball does.
Bottom line, this is the cable CEO's leaning on Kerry. The NFL should decline and move on.
Do you want to see future games for free, and see ticket prices and salaries come back down to reasonable levels for all sports?
Boycott one game, and let the players play to an empty stadium or arena.
The fans have the power, but they just talk and talk, and allow this foolishnes to go on.
When it comes time to put up or shut up. fans just fold like a house of cards.
The average fan will continue to be exploited until they show they're not going to put up with this greed anymore. Until fans are willing to give up something, nothing will change.
Talk is cheap.
Common Commissioner it's Christmas.
Don't be a Scrouge.
We Patriot Fans and NFL Fans deserve better treatment.
We know that you can deliver the game nationally - we believe that you too are a Gentlemen, a Statesman, and an effective Commissioner.
Merry Christmas.
David Roth
Scituate, MA.
PS: I'm also an old Gints fan from NYC and New Yorkers always take care of the little guys and girls.
Russo, it does. Have you watched any of the Saturday Night Football Games online before making that ignorant statement? I have seen EVERY SINGLE GAME since the beginning of the season and they air them in their entirety. Stop misleading people. Thanks
Some great comments,however the bottom line to this whole SNAFU is that a large portion of the country CAN NOT get the game even if they wanted it. I live in but one more bottom line Florida and can not get the game. I am a long time Pat fan and went to their games when they played at B.U. field,Fenway park and Harvard stadiumThe fans deserve better than they are getting.The NFL made it because they generated a large fan base by giving their product away free. The stadiums are packed now,in the past and into the future. Check the waiting list to become a season ticket holderI said the bottom line earlier GREED enuf sauid
Yeah, I can't "just order it" either. I'm a Mass. native with Time Warner out here in LA.
Some great comments,however the bottom line to this whole SNAFU is that a large portion of the country CAN NOT get the game even if they wanted it. I live in but one more bottom line Florida and can not get the game. I am a long time Pat fan and went to their games when they played at B.U. field,Fenway park and Harvard stadiumThe fans deserve better than they are getting.The NFL made it because they generated a large fan base by giving their product away free. The stadiums are packed now,in the past and into the future. Check the waiting list to become a season ticket holderI said the bottom line earlier GREED enuf sauid
It's good to know the country is doing so well that this is the most important thing the senator can find to work on.
I enjoyed reading all of the comments, which seem to fall into two categories. One category consists of people who use logic in their arguments. The other category consists of people who have a strong belief in something and refuse to allow facts to interfer with their ideology.
First off, anyone who claims authority by claiming that they have watched "every single" Saturday night game on NFL Network "since the beginning of the season" is sjowing that they are full of it. The NFL network just started broadcasting games live on Saturday nights in the last two weeks. It began its Thursday night broadcasts at the season's midway point. So while I agree that someone is misleading people, it is not Russo.
As for anti-trust? Yeah, the NFL has it as well. That is a simple fact. Which is why Senator Leahy spearheaded the effort to tell the NFL that its antitrust exemption might be in danger without a resolution to this conflict.
John Kerry is a true patriot. Gee, if I have a problem with my boss I know he’ll be right there to write a letter on my behalf…
Wake up and realize he’s snowing us so we will think he cares about us. The NFL certainly won’t listen to him because they see the letter for what it is - a ploy to get votes with the constituency of Massachusetts.
Kerry probably can’t name half of the Patriots starters. He told us during his presidential campaign that he enjoyed watching Sox players (as a kid) who never played for a day for the Sox. If the guy was serious about getting everyone NFL games he would have done something in the U.S. Senate in order to get the NFL to listen.
Direct TV has the NFL Network and the cable companies charge $4.00 a month for the NFL Network. It isn’t that much sacrifice if you are truly a fan. I used to go to bars to watch the games before I got Direct TV. $4.00 a month is cheaper than going to a bar for one game.
I’m a transplanted New Englander and wish my Senators in Virginia cared as much as Kerry… The real question for Kerry should be what Congress is doing. He, and the other 99 Senators, should send a letter of apology to their constituency for the lack of progress on everything that IS their real job in the Senate. They should stop wasting time and energy on things that aren’t their job. Maybe then the American people could get Congress to do things like pass the federal budget sooner than 3 months into a fiscal year.
It's blatantly clear it's all due to the greed of Time Warner and Comcast. Roger Goodell offered an Arbitration hearing between the NFL & the cable companies where the decision would be binding. The arbitration hearing would not take place before Saturday, but Goodell said if they agree to the arbitration, he'd let all of cable show the game for free.
Of course the cable companies will refuse, because they want to give us the golf channel (which they have a financial interest in) or all the other stupid channels that we pay for. I'm fully behind the NFL at this point. Dish & DirecTV offer the NFL network and they DIDN'T increase the rates of the consumer.
Go Pats!
Dane, try doing a little research before saying something stupid. Pete Rozelle went before Congress (look it up) in 1961 and got permission for the NFL owners to pool revenues which enabled them to get huge national television contracts. That was an exemption from Sherman Anti-Trust Act that is still good today. It may not be as strong as MLB's exemption. But it has proven to be a bigger moneymaker for the NFL than for baseball. By the way, Dane, Arlen Specter wouldn't be so stupid to threaten the remove this anti-trust exemption if it weren't real. I just love people like you Dane who don't bother to the slightest bit of research (would a wikipedia search have taken you two minutes?) before specifically rebuking posts on a thread.
Dane, this is from Footballoutsiders.com and extremely relevant:
All that minutia aside, there’s a larger issue in play which has politicians jumping into the fray. In early December of last year, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) said he would introduce legislation in the next session aimed at eliminating the NFL’s freedom from antitrust laws over how NFL Sunday Ticket is only available via DirecTV. If you’re scratching your head saying, “I thought only MLB had an antitrust exemption,” you’re not alone. Specter’s bill would repeal the NFL’s antitrust exemption under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. Currently, the NFL negotiates the broadcast rights for all of its 32 teams. Specter’s bill would repeal that ability and set up a scenario in which teams would negotiate television deals separately. If it were to become law, wave bye-bye to one of the strongest methods for creating parity in the NFL: centralized television revenues. There’s a lot at stake here, as the Sports Business Journal reports that there are 2 million Sunday Ticket subscribers and DirecTV pays the NFL about $700 million for a seven-year package beginning in 2007.
to go go pats,
Channel 5in Boston or channel 9 in Maine?? I live in Orlando. Send me a plane ticket to Boston or Portland
to go go pats,
Channel 5in Boston or channel 9 in Maine?? I live in Orlando. Send me a plane ticket to Boston or Portland
you know it is a saturday night and im sure just about every bar in the nation will have it on tv, so if you cant order it go out to your neighborhood bar and just be happy they don't charge you to see it (you might have to drink a few beers though).
Would have made a great President, don't ya' think?
Contrary to previous posts; I can afford the NFL network and enjoyed it prior to my relocation. Unfortunately my present 890,000 condominium is located in a geographical area with a cable service that does not offer the NFL NETWORK juxtaposed with the fact satellite service is not possible due to installation issues not being capable acquiring a signal. The NFL NETWORK obviously has work ahead....
As a season ticket holder and life long fan of football, it would be nice to see this commissioner get his act together moving forward enabling all fans to enjoy any game as it's played live...
I think that it is outrageous that the majority of patriots nation isn't going to be able to watch our team on the cusp of making history all because the nfl wants to get a couple more millions in the revenue by shortchanging the fans. And thats what sports are here for, the fans.
Where was the cry from Kerry last year when none of the games that were on the NFL Network were worth watching. Just because this game is important, capitalism should be thrown out the window? Order the channel, then drop it if you need.
As a Pats fan in North Carolina, there's no way for me to see the game. Time Warner has not worked out an agreement with the NFL, so I don't even have the option of ordering it. The NFL refuses to allow TWC carry the network on a "Pay-per-View" basis is well. So, even I was willing to pay 4.99 for 24-hour access (which I am), I can't.
I' don't like big cable companies, but the NFL is being pretty greedy here.
I think Kerry is an idiot and I'm fairly certain his actions have nothing to do with the fans and everything to do with money. However, I don't have Comcast (Time Warner since I moved to NC) and do not have the channel available to me. If not for a 2 year old daughter, I would go to a local bar and watch, but again, circumstances don't allow for that. Why does the NFL network care if the cable company charges me for it? It's not their business if Time Warner pays them their fee for having it. On the other hand, why do I get the spanish channels, BET, at least 4 home shopping networks and a whole bunch of other channels that I have less than no interest in, for free, but you need to charge me for the NFL Network and tell me that I can't have it because of that? I think all sides involved are wrong here. All I want is the game!
What no one has yet mentioned, in the public vs. private discussion, is that both the NFL and the Cable industry are government sanctioned monopolies. Neither of the industries would exist if they were not monopolies as true competition would either drive their cost structure up to much (see USFL) or prices down (see phone companies).
Even though both industries owe there existence to their monopoly status and the politicians and the electorate that allows them to be monopolies, they are both greedy that we get this holier then thou spat between them, in which the only looser is the people who watch the games on through there services.
IMHO, if they can't stop screwing the public, congress should do the right thing and revoke their protected status. Which is basicly the point of Kerry's letter.
I have several problems with this crap. First, I used to get the NFL Network as a part of the $160.00 a month package I pay to Comcast fir TV and Internet access. The NFL Network is so bad, I have no interest in watching anything there except an occasional game. However, with no notice, Comcast took it away.
Next, I live in an apartment and so Comcast is my only choice for TV service. I can't have a dish installed.
Next, I'm already getting probably 100 stations I pay for, but never watch. I don't need to pay for six more useless stations for the purpose of watching one game.
Finally, I was thinking the main source of revenue for any network is advertising. Seems to me that advertising for Saturday's game would be worth a lot more if sponsors knew 30 million people were going to watch vice the 2 million that will watch now. Why don't they just shoot themselves in the foot?
This is just another tool by the NFL to extract more money for their product. Just like the ad packed games that break for commerical every five minutes. I believe this diminishes the legimacy of the game. To be a fan you should not be held hostage by the NFL or the cable companies. I pay my fair share just to get the FREE channels. Any other time of the year the NFLN is not worth watching anyhow, who wants to watch colts reruns in June? Boycott the NFLN and their attempt to make us pay more, I'll be listening to my beloved Pats on the radio.
This is just another tool by the NFL to extract more money for their product. Just like the ad packed games that break for commerical every five minutes. I believe this diminishes the legimacy of the game. To be a fan you should not be held hostage by the NFL or the cable companies. I pay my fair share just to get the FREE channels. Any other time of the year the NFLN is not worth watching anyhow, who wants to watch colts reruns in June? Boycott the NFLN and their attempt to make us pay more, I'll be listening to my beloved Pats on the radio.
I live in Maine and the last time I checked the Pats were the New England Patriots. Not every place in New England even has the option to order the NFL Network if they wanted to!!! Some cable companies have opted not to even offer the opportunity to order it for any price. The same goes for parts of MA, NH, VT, RI, & CT. Before making uneducated statements about "just pay the $3.99 and shut up", do some research!! I'm glad the option is there for some....but not all.
I see alot of typical right wing republican comments "yeah pay more for history" "yeah accept it you have to pay" I hope i don't get to see any of you living below the poverty line and trying to pay insane amount of money for cable channels..cheers to you rich people may you see all your games on the NFL network..but rememeber this you are the minority :-D and go for it Mr Kerry fight the good fight ...GO PATS GO!!!
Ps ooh and yeah some building won't allow for the dish because of cable companies paying under the table so that landlords won't allow the dish, so stop taking shots at Kerry for atlest doing something but I bet you wouldn't be saying all this crap if a republican would be doing that.but then again when did a republican ever care for the poor masses?..ooh wait there was one i think he was name Abe Lincoln hahaha
NFL NETWORK SUCKS...
Have you watched any games on it? They spend more camera time on lousy analysts than the actual game.
I already pay 65 bucks a month for tv. I should be able to watch anything.
Greedy bastards!
It is us the TV audience that made the NFL the billions of dollars they have. They sell tons of ads and make tons of cash. Everyone from ballboys to the commissioner. The cable companies also make billions. Give me a friggin break here. This is no handout you putz, everyone paid for this game years ago. The NFL network should be banned by the Supreme court for gouging consumers on this.
This is CRAZY..... NFL can do whatever they want with their product, even if they are stupid and alienate their cheap segment of customers. Kerry is a "pile jumper" on this one, what has he done lately to help the USA out of its real problems? Cheap people will always complain about paying for anything.... how about I show up where they work and ask for free stuff?
Its a 2-fer for Kerry....panders to Cable, panders to Pats fans....
Lets hope the fans get sometime out of this...such as being to WATCH !!
If Mr Kerry would have been this assertive 8 years ago I may have voted for him. NOT.......
Too post 72, ED. Where you been. You can not get this game on the radio unless you pay the radio station. For TV you have must have Comcast. They only broadcast in NE. This is the straw on the camels back story. The fact that Kerry is using this to get some press is irrelevant. I hope the cable companies thumb their nose at the NFL network. Then NFL will drop it. Maybe Bob Kraft should not let the NFL network broadcast the game. Humm.
HERE IS A PERFECT REASON why you need to all get DIRECT TV!!!!!!!
Yes Satelite TV......We get the NFL N'work as standard here in NY.......ThaT's why the NFL went with 1 communications source not 500 greedy ass cable companies throughout the US........Thank You NFL execs. Merry Xmass
Get Direct TV ! The NFL Network is part of the entire sports pack......Think, why did the NFL execs go with just one source than 500 greedy cable nitwits????
Certain NFL games like this one and the Green Bay/Dallas game should be watched by the widest possible audience and not doing so will hurt the NFL more than help it.
As most of the previous posts have stated-Kerry is only in this for his own gain. It sure seems like there is something he could be doing that would be time better spent. After all he probably couldn't even name the starting QB or coach for the Pats.
even though i live in maine, my cable company picks up channel 5 out of boston.
it looks like i'm going to be able to watch the game if this is true about 5 being able to show the game.
Make no mistake the cable companies are the nemey. Have ever wondered why you have to pay for so many channels that you never watch? The answer is simple -- th cable company owns the network -- e.g., Comcast owns the Golf Channel. If consumers are evr going to be treated fairly then the monopolistic hold of the cable companies needs to be broken.
I blame the cable companies. The NFL already offered the game FREE to any and all cable companies IF they would agree to binding arbitration. But all the cable companies said, ahhhh no, this is a private matter and we will not agree to binding arbitration. So, they can't have it both ways, if it is a private matter, then why ask Kerry to pressure the NFL?????
Kerry is a Democrat who, by in large don't agree with Capitalism, the engine that runs this country's economy. He doesn't understand that this IS business, the business of entertainment. I love the Patriots, and live in NH, but even if I lived in Arizona, I, as a consumer, would need to purchase the game. Guess what? I'm a consumer of a business's product, and if they say I need to pay for it, I can CHOOSE to do so or not.
People, give it a rest. This is football, not a life-or-or-death decision. If you can't view it at home, find a place where you can view it, or open your own business of broadcasting football games for a fee. Stop complaining that you're not given everything for free, or that you actually have to DO something to get what you want.
Godell is trying:
http://www.iwantmynflnetwork.com/news/Letter_to_Glenn_Britt_12-20-07.pdf
Hey. It;s Christmas. And lets do as Jesus would do. Lets's think about the elderly shutins. You know the ones on a fixed income. You know the ones that Romney cut their book mobile. They are often not mobile and can not even afford cable. How about getting the game back on (ready Republicans) the FREE airwaves (i.e. rebbit ears) Lets do as Jesus would do and get them the game in the twilight of their lives. The truly the FREE Market. You know advertisers (i.e, competition) pays for all of us to see the game. We would make Jesus happy on his (or her) birthday.. Have a blessed game and a happy New Year. Here's hoping all of us have some joy when we get to our twilight years. (note: Do you know when I Republican becomes a democrate --- when they get in trouble (and they do) and needs social services.......Merry Christmas.
NFL vs cable TV -- it is a business issue but the consumers are the pawns. Here is how it works.
The cable company offers a basic package that includes ESPN -- and as result ESPN receives a fee from every subscriber, not just the sports fans. The NFL wants to be part of the basic package so that they collect a fee from every subscriber, including your Aunt Nellie who has no interest in sports. If the NFL is included in thebasic package, then the cost must be passed on to "all " subscribers as a monthly increase.
The cable companies are stuck with ESPN because consumers in large numbers would react negatively (drop the cable service) if ESPN became a premium service (not in basic package any more). Comcast is taking a hard stand because they don't want to set a precedent and be forced to add every new network to basic package and to continually increase the costs for every subscriber.