cabernetjunkie
Rookie
Dont know if this has been posted or not
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2559868
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2559868
Tennis Channel buys cable rights to French Open
- Thread starter cabernetjunkie
- Start date
maverick66
Hall of Fame
that sucks i dont get the tennis channel
Neither do I. Comcast Denver hasn't started offering it yet. I don't understand some of these deals. I mean, TTC has about 40 million viewers, compared to over 90 million for ESPN. It's like when the NHL signed with Outdoor Channel over ESPN last year; why would you want to significantly cut the number of viewers?
OTOH, maybe now more cable and sat providers will pick up TTC. Here's hoping.
OTOH, maybe now more cable and sat providers will pick up TTC. Here's hoping.
cabernetjunkie
Rookie
Yea, I think its great. Now if they could just get the other 2 that espn2 has I wont ever have anything to complain about.
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
I dont need to see long ass rallies and nadal biting everything in site anyway.....
yes I do!! damn you tennis channel!
yes I do!! damn you tennis channel!
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
BiGGieStuFF said:
Don't be bitter, dude.
This means we'll probably see the Euro coverage on TTC which IMO is great. It also means we'll see doubles and mixed doubles and we'll see more than just the Williams or Roddick or Federer. All in all....a good thing if you're a TTC subscriber.
correction in text of link posted above
I believe this is not accurate. How can TTC just purchase broadcast rights and then say that NBC owns the rights? Something is not right here. Maybe the press release meant to say the USO, not FO?
And the laugh of the day...
personal commentary unnecessary
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2559868 said:
I believe this is not accurate. How can TTC just purchase broadcast rights and then say that NBC owns the rights? Something is not right here. Maybe the press release meant to say the USO, not FO?
And the laugh of the day...
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2559868 said:
personal commentary unnecessary
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
MasterTS said:
At least i'll be able to watch something for free. I guess those low low ratings from the last 2 years just killed them. What was it? like 2.2 and 2.3?
Mr.Federer
Hall of Fame
This really sucks for people who don't have TTC...SCREW YOU TTC!!!! RAWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
cabernetjunkie
Rookie
This is just my opinion, but i'm thinking that TTC will start being offered in more places. Just look when they started out until now. They are offered in alot more places and will continue to grow.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Arafel said:
Correction: TTC currently has only 10 million viewers, whereas, ESPN currently has 91 million viewers.
"The Tennis Channel went on the air in 2003 and is in nearly 10 million households; it's available in another 40 million that don't subscribe. ESPN2, which aired the French Open from 1986-93 and 2002-06, is seen in 90.6 million homes."
Those other 40 million don't get TTC because they don't subscribe to it probably because they couldn't care less about tennis. It's like all the people that don't watch HBO because they don't subscribe to it, even though it's available to them through their cable/satellite service.
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
cabernetjunkie said:
They offer it on my service but it just means additional money. ESPN is already packaged with the basic service. I'm just not willing to dish out more money. Maybe for that month alone. I wonder if I can do that then.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
simi said:
That's because TTC only purchased the cable rights to the French Open, not the broadcast rights. Broadcast means over-the-air (VHF, UHF), no cable service required. Therefore NBC retains the broadcast or over-the-air rights to the FO.
"The Tennis Channel is buying the U.S. cable TV rights to the French Open previously held by ESPN2, giving the fledgling network a Grand Slam tournament for the first time and an event it hopes will help increase its reach."
cabernetjunkie
Rookie
Arafel said:
I did!! :mrgreen:
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
I have DirecTV which STILL doesn't offer TTC, even though TTC has been saying for 3 years that they are on the "verge" of signing DirecTV. Well, it's been on the "verge" forever, and I wonder if they will EVER close the deal with DirecTV.
Yeah, so this sucks for me, too. No more Roland Garros for me.
Yeah, so this sucks for me, too. No more Roland Garros for me.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Fedubai said:
Did you read my post #17 above?
rfprse
Professional
Finally, I have a good reason to get TTC. I shouldn't miss one of the majors, right?
Other than the extra money I need to pay, it's a great news: I don't need to suffer the greasy, arrogant comments of Fowler and ridiculous programming. I hope they just get the feed from the europe coverage. Then I can actually watch tennis instead of a talk show that they do in the name of tennis broadcast.
Other than the extra money I need to pay, it's a great news: I don't need to suffer the greasy, arrogant comments of Fowler and ridiculous programming. I hope they just get the feed from the europe coverage. Then I can actually watch tennis instead of a talk show that they do in the name of tennis broadcast.
dubsplayer
Semi-Pro
BiGGieStuFF said:
You can. I use to do it every year for Wimby when it was on HBO. I'd just call my cable company, have them add it and then cancel it right after Wimby was over.
You will most likely need to get a digibox (I had to) if you don't already have one. But that's no big deal either. Just make sure you call early enough to have someone come out an install it before RG starts.
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
BreakPoint said:I have DirecTV which STILL doesn't offer TTC, even though TTC has been saying for 3 years that they are on the "verge" of signing DirecTV. Well, it's been on the "verge" forever, and I wonder if they will EVER close the deal with DirecTV.
Yeah, so this sucks for me, too. No more Roland Garros for me.
what DirecTV doesn't offer it? Aw man I thought they did. Now i'm in the same boat as you, and it stinks.
.Guess no one month subscribe and run for me.
TTC is expensive and doesn't have HD
ESPN2 broadcasts now in HD (you have to have HD feed), so the quality is superior over TTC. Plus, since they use HD cameras, even standard ESPN2 broadcasts have improved (they downsample to feed the old 30i channel).
TTC is "expensive" for cable companies, and provides very few viewers (I think its something like 47 cents per subscriber which is a lot more expensive than others). Therefore, when DishTV started offering TTC they only provide it on their highest tier programming package, 50 a month. Their other two tiers, 30 and 40 a month, do NOT get TTC.
For me, it was not worth an extra $20 a month JUST TO GET TTC. I don't watch a lot of the other stuff, so it would have been a premium for me that would only give me TTC. That's way too expensive just to get TTC (although it does get you other normal channels if you like to channel surf).
I also don't think the commentary was very good when I did view during the trial month when DishTV offered it free. Maybe they say less, but what they do say is pretty inane. I would much prefer a Macenroe (either one) or a Mary Joe Fernandaz, who all are now professional broadcasters with a professional background in tennis and for the most part provide good insight into the games. Even though TTC charges cable companies more than anyone else, they apparently don't have the budget to get high profile, pro tennis players who have developed the skills of a professional broadcaster.
So, between the high cost, lack of High Def, and lame announcers on TTC, it is a shame that TTC was able to obtain the rights to the French Open. I'd much prefer it on ESPN2.
ESPN2 broadcasts now in HD (you have to have HD feed), so the quality is superior over TTC. Plus, since they use HD cameras, even standard ESPN2 broadcasts have improved (they downsample to feed the old 30i channel).
TTC is "expensive" for cable companies, and provides very few viewers (I think its something like 47 cents per subscriber which is a lot more expensive than others). Therefore, when DishTV started offering TTC they only provide it on their highest tier programming package, 50 a month. Their other two tiers, 30 and 40 a month, do NOT get TTC.
For me, it was not worth an extra $20 a month JUST TO GET TTC. I don't watch a lot of the other stuff, so it would have been a premium for me that would only give me TTC. That's way too expensive just to get TTC (although it does get you other normal channels if you like to channel surf).
I also don't think the commentary was very good when I did view during the trial month when DishTV offered it free. Maybe they say less, but what they do say is pretty inane. I would much prefer a Macenroe (either one) or a Mary Joe Fernandaz, who all are now professional broadcasters with a professional background in tennis and for the most part provide good insight into the games. Even though TTC charges cable companies more than anyone else, they apparently don't have the budget to get high profile, pro tennis players who have developed the skills of a professional broadcaster.
So, between the high cost, lack of High Def, and lame announcers on TTC, it is a shame that TTC was able to obtain the rights to the French Open. I'd much prefer it on ESPN2.
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
So does that mean no p.mac mary carillo, fowler, and mary joe?
Babblelot
Professional
e-mail your cable company... and your friends, too:
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) and The Tennis Channel today announced a broad, ground-breaking multi-year agreement that gives the media brand exclusive U.S. non-broadcast network rights to Roland Garros (commonly referred to as the French Open), the world’s most prestigious clay-court championship and one of professional tennis’ four “Grand Slam” tournaments, beginning in 2007.
Presently, Comcast in my area does not carry The Tennis Channel, thus thousand will be left in the dark. In effect, the new deal means that The Tennis Channel will have exclusive rights to what had historically been covered by ESPN2.
Like The Golf Channel, which Comcast does carry, The Tennis Channel covers events that networks would not otherwise televise. Further, the acquisition of a Grand Slam event bolsters The Tennis Channel’s standing among the elite sports networks.
As there are thousands of pro, club and casual tennis players throughout the city of Chicago, it's imperative that Comcast pick up The Tennis Channel.
Sincerely,
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) and The Tennis Channel today announced a broad, ground-breaking multi-year agreement that gives the media brand exclusive U.S. non-broadcast network rights to Roland Garros (commonly referred to as the French Open), the world’s most prestigious clay-court championship and one of professional tennis’ four “Grand Slam” tournaments, beginning in 2007.
Presently, Comcast in my area does not carry The Tennis Channel, thus thousand will be left in the dark. In effect, the new deal means that The Tennis Channel will have exclusive rights to what had historically been covered by ESPN2.
Like The Golf Channel, which Comcast does carry, The Tennis Channel covers events that networks would not otherwise televise. Further, the acquisition of a Grand Slam event bolsters The Tennis Channel’s standing among the elite sports networks.
As there are thousands of pro, club and casual tennis players throughout the city of Chicago, it's imperative that Comcast pick up The Tennis Channel.
Sincerely,
Moose Malloy
G.O.A.T.
The boards will be funny next summer as all the posters who criticize espn's tennis coverage non stop start crying because they can't watch the French Open anymore.
I have the TTC so I think this is great. Finally live tennis will be shown on the TTC and the French Open is one of the most fun grand slams to watch on TV so I think this is a great deal for TTC. ESPN2 always have done a subpar job of covering Tennis so it’s great that TTC, a station that dedicates and actually cares about tennis now has rights to the French Open.
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
Moose Malloy said:
Yeah I guess they figured the low ratings and the complaints and hate mails just worth it. See what ya'll did
Babblelot
Professional
Edith cares
Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding your programming choice(s).
It is our desire to provide our customers with a product that suits
their needs. We have a diverse channel lineup to meet the interests of
many of our customers. Although we do not currently provide the channels
you requested but we will certainly consider it. I will add your e-mail
comments to our programming database, which is used to measure customer
satisfaction and channel request.
Thank you for choosing Comcast.
Sincerely,
Edith
Comcast Customer Care Specialist
Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding your programming choice(s).
It is our desire to provide our customers with a product that suits
their needs. We have a diverse channel lineup to meet the interests of
many of our customers. Although we do not currently provide the channels
you requested but we will certainly consider it. I will add your e-mail
comments to our programming database, which is used to measure customer
satisfaction and channel request.
Thank you for choosing Comcast.
Sincerely,
Edith
Comcast Customer Care Specialist
Babblelot
Professional
Better idea...
Many are pointing out the obvious--it takes more than one voice. Fortunately, I live in a part of Chicago with the highest concentration of tennis players. Nearby are 20 courts with USTA sponsored events, pro lessons--actually, they are quite difficult to get on. So, on my company's dime (overhead), I going to crank out flyers post/pass them out.
Many are pointing out the obvious--it takes more than one voice. Fortunately, I live in a part of Chicago with the highest concentration of tennis players. Nearby are 20 courts with USTA sponsored events, pro lessons--actually, they are quite difficult to get on. So, on my company's dime (overhead), I going to crank out flyers post/pass them out.
Topaz
Legend
If there are some of you that don't get TTC, but it is offered...think twice about saying "I don't want to pay more just for one channel." Where I am, I pay only $5 more a month to Comcast for a group of channels that includes TTC. Make sure you find out, because it may not be very much at all.
And, of course, as a TTC receiver, I think this is great news! Like some others have said, I think it will help TTC become more widely available. Here's hoping, anyway!
And, of course, as a TTC receiver, I think this is great news! Like some others have said, I think it will help TTC become more widely available. Here's hoping, anyway!
Moose Malloy
G.O.A.T.
I'm impressed. I get the sense though, that most (or many) tennis players don't really watch all that much tennis. Hope it works out.
Andy Hewitt
Professional
Recreation Dr.? Only place I know of in Chicago that has anything like that.Babblelot said:
I guess I wont be watching Nadal winning on clay again...
TXKiteboarder
Rookie
i think its great. they will select the best matches to show, doesnt matter if the players are americans or not or sharopimpolova...
plus, most of the commentors on espn sucks...
plus, if you read the article it also states that TTC has rights to let espn2 broadcast some of their games. so, i am assuming that espn2 will buy number of matches to show and refer to TTC for other matches. this way TTC could possibly increase their viewership.
THINK ABOUT THIS: how bad must espn2 coverage must have been to deny them rights by the French tourney? THINK !!
I was astounded by the quoted committee member that said "we want someone who will be dedicated 200% to tennis."
plus, most of the commentors on espn sucks...
plus, if you read the article it also states that TTC has rights to let espn2 broadcast some of their games. so, i am assuming that espn2 will buy number of matches to show and refer to TTC for other matches. this way TTC could possibly increase their viewership.
THINK ABOUT THIS: how bad must espn2 coverage must have been to deny them rights by the French tourney? THINK !!
I was astounded by the quoted committee member that said "we want someone who will be dedicated 200% to tennis."
lynnlovestennis
Rookie
"Own a camp ground membership or time share? Sell it for caaash!"
I'm convinced that this is all part of ESPN's devious plot to ruin tennis.
Regardless, all this is going to do is drive more people to the Interwebs. We'll all spend countless hours pirating Eurosport streams. I'll also venture to guess that MediaZone gets into the French Stream game too. They'd be stupid not to.
Just buy a bigger monitor. It will be O-K. Ca va?
I'm convinced that this is all part of ESPN's devious plot to ruin tennis.
Regardless, all this is going to do is drive more people to the Interwebs. We'll all spend countless hours pirating Eurosport streams. I'll also venture to guess that MediaZone gets into the French Stream game too. They'd be stupid not to.
Just buy a bigger monitor. It will be O-K. Ca va?
BigServer1
Legend
If comcast starts offering it, then I'll be fine. I called them, they don't seem to care, but maybe they will change their minds. Dish sucks. I like the digital better, so COME ON COMCAST!!!!!!!!
Andy Hewitt
Professional
Only been there a few times seein as there's 2 courts like a block away from my house in West Lawn. Well I can stop calling it "Recreation" nowBabblelot said:
. Nice place to live I'd bet.
alienhamster
Hall of Fame
Can y'all Tennis-Channel-less folks use this as fodder to get even more people to demand TTC in your area? You all MUST have tennis fans and tennis playin' friends who would like to watch the French Open . . .
Get more political. Call local clubs, force your friends to send separate e-mails to your cable provider. Supposedly an *aggregate* demand in an area does make a pretty big difference.
Get more political. Call local clubs, force your friends to send separate e-mails to your cable provider. Supposedly an *aggregate* demand in an area does make a pretty big difference.
The tennis guy
Hall of Fame
For those who have TTC, it is great. They cover tennis tournament better than espn.
