Goodell Looking At Ways To Limit Playoff-Ticket Scalping

Goodell Discusses League Issues With L.A.-Area Media

NETWORK NEWS: Goodell, when asked what it will take for the NFL Network to gain more carriage, said, "The expectation may have been higher in some people's minds, but the reality is, this is a very successful network and I think the reality of how we get there is to continue the quality, expand our programming and eventually we'll get that distribution because I think viewers will demand it." Goodell added of feedback about the net's carriage during last Thursday night's Jets-Patriots game on the net, "A number of fans called my personal line and left voice mails -- and I called them back. We talked about why they weren't getting it and they appreciated it and understood. ... (Callers) asked questions, 'Why am I not seeing the game?' and we went through it very methodically, I was watching the game as I was doing it. They had good questions and I think they went away at least better informed on the issues" (INSIDESOCAL.com, 11/18). When asked if the net is "open to a partnership route" to resolve the dispute over carriage, Goodell said, "We are open to negotiations and we've openly said, and privately said, this will come to a negotiated settlement at some point in time. I believe that's what it should be and we encourage those negotiations." When asked if the net could gain carriage by not broadcasting games over-the-air in local markets, Goodell said, "The NFL always made itself available on free TV in the two competing markets. We won't abandon that policy. There are people encouraging us to do that. We're in for the long term and our fans interest is important. It would bring things to a head" (INSIDESOCAL.com, 11/19).

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