Comcast SportsNet President Williams Talks About RSNs

In a Q&A with MULTICHANNEL NEWS’ R. Thomas Umstead, Comcast SportsNet President Jack Williams said the company will not launch more RSNs “at this particular stage. You know we’re going to be involved” in the launch of the Mets RSN with Time Warner Cable in ‘06. Williams, on whether the NFL has talked to him about its directive to teams “not to launch [RSNs] until the league can figure out how such services can benefit” all teams and the league itself: “I have not spoken to anyone, and I will also tell you that I was not involved in creating [Cowboys and Falcons RSNs]. That was done through the cable divisions. I don’t think it hurts the [NFL’s] plans. ... In all probability, you’ll find a way where we can all accomplish what we want to accomplish and work to everyone’s best interest.” When asked what Comcast SportsNet will look like in 2-3 years, Williams responded, “We would be interested in expanding as the opportunities present themselves. The first priority would be markets where we are the predominant cable operator. As those possibilities occur, we will be exploring every avenue to be able to expand the product” (MULTICHANNEL NEWS, 12/20 issue).