Comcast is dropping NFL Network

My husband refuses to join Facebook, blogger, or twitter based on the grounds that it is 'a waste of his time'. However, he is so peeved about Comcast canceling the NFL Network channel that he asked me to post this rant to my blog. I have no knowledge on this subject, so read at your own leisure.

Most of you may or may not have heard about the dispute over the NFL Network. Comcast has decided to discontinue this channel after May 1st. This argument between Comcast and the NFL is ridiculous and only hurts the consumer, or the fan, in the end…

I have heard rumors about Comcast being upset that they were not given rights to carry games on its own Versus network and they also want a shot at carrying the NFL Ticket (exclusive rights are owned by DirecTV through 2014 – which is a joke I don’t have time to discuss). The NFL is upset that Comcast is charging consumers a premium to view the NFL Network as part of a Sports Tier package (read: extra money).

Neither Comcast, nor the NFL for that matter, is thinking about me. In the end, I am the one that is hurt. I am a self proclaimed sports geek that loves watching the NFL Network. As a matter of fact it is on right now in the background as I write this.

I guess I have to place most of the blame on Comcast. Just go ahead and agree to the NFL’s terms. Put this channel in your basic digital package and hide the extra $0.70 per customer in there somewhere. It is not like anyone is going to notice (most cable bills approach $150-$200 anyway - which is another joke I don’t have time to discuss). C’mon, you carry the Golf Channel in the basic digital package!

Or is it that Comcast fears that many customers will drop their $4.95 Sports Tier Package without the NFL Network. That is more likely. I know I would. Honestly, who cares about the MLB Network, soccer, the NHL Network, tennis (well maybe some people do but they have the right to pay for it if they want).

With that said, some of the blame should go to the NFL Network as well. I really don’t care that Comcast puts the NFL Network in a package. I am more than willing to pay the extra $4.95 a month. Again, how much does $5.00 affect my $150+ bill anyway.

C’mon kids, work this out. Think about who you are hurting in the end… Thanks for reading my rant.

Thanks,
Ryan