WKMG-CBS in Orlando yesterday "issued an on-screen apology to its viewers for having to show" Jaguars-Raiders in the late afternoon window instead of Broncos-Giants, according to Mike Bianchi of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. WKMG is "forced by the NFL to show" all Jaguars road games because Orlando has been deemed a "secondary TV market for the Jags." The apology, which ran on the bottom of the screen during the 1:00pm ET Dolphins-Colts game, stated, "In accordance with NFL policy, WKMG must carry all Jacksonville Jaguars away games. We apologize for any inconvenience" (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 9/15). The AP noted viewers "took to Twitter to remark on what many saw as an apology from the station." However, WKMG VP & GM Skip Valet said that the set-up "is nothing new," as Orlando has been "designated the secondary Jaguars market" since the team came into the NFL in '95. He said, "I know it's frustrating, but as a CBS station in this market you have to carry the away games" (AP, 9/15). ESPN's Adam Schefter asked, "Have you ever heard of a local station doing that? Very strange story, very interesting story. I guess it speaks to how much Jacksonville is struggling right now and how much people wanted to see the Mannings" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 9/16). ESPN's Mike Greenberg asked, "Can you imagine a television station in Green Bay apologizing for showing a Packers game? That's when you've sunk to a really new level." Greenberg said when the station apologizes for airing your games, "you've gone beyond being even bad" ("Mike & Mike," ESPN Radio, 9/16).
