Fox Sports is pushing a Nielsen report that shows the importance of RSNs to pay-TV providers. The report, which was commissioned by Fox Sports and released this morning, asked 1,500 pay-TV subscribers who identify as sports fans to list the TV channels they consider most essential. On average, RSNs finished fifth behind the four biggest broadcast networks but ahead of national sports channels like ESPN, FS1 and NBCSN. FS Midwest was deemed the most essential network in St. Louis, while FS Detroit finished second in that market. Fox Sports Regional Networks President Jeff Krolik pointed to MLB ratings in particular and said, “We think this is a story that hasn't been reported anywhere. It is overlooked because it is a local story, not a national story.” The message is that RSNs should have a place on distributors’ lower cost “skinny bundles” even though they are among the most expensive channels on cable systems. “The aggregated power of our RSN network has a really powerful reach,” said Fox Sports Senior VP/Strategy & Consumer Insights Ben Valenta (John Ourand, Staff Writer).
LOVE & CARRIAGE: CABLEFAX DAILY cited sources as saying that Comcast and Fox are in the "middle of negotiations" for carriage of Fox News and the Fox RSNs, including FS Ohio and FS Southeast. Comcast has a history of "negotiating deals without any interruption, and there are no signs of fireworks at this point." However, it does "look like Comcast will at least lower the number of Fox Sports channels it carries." Comcast has told customers it plans to "no longer distribute Fox College Sports" as of Dec. 31. That is made up of Fox College Sports Atlantic, Fox College Sports Central and Fox College Sports Pacific, a "trio of small, nationally distributed nets." One thing to monitor is how these negotiations "may result in YES Network returning to Comcast's lineup" (CABLEFAX DAILY, 12/13).
