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 will be released later today, 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.
