The Pirates “opted for certainty and continuity over the unknown” by joining forces with the Penguins on SportsNet Pittsburgh “instead of a proposed TV deal offered by MLB to replace the regional sports network model,” according to Kevin Gorman of TRIBLIVE. The partnership, which begins Jan. 1, will continue to make Pirates games available by the "same cable, satellite and streaming services -- using the same broadcast teams -- that carried their games in previous seasons." Pirates President Travis Williams said that MLB “saw no conflict of interest with the crossover between the Pirates and Red Sox on NESN.” Williams: “We were really pleased with NESN’s launch of SportsNet Pittsburgh and the production quality and how they approached presenting the Penguins games. All of that certainly stood out to us. I wouldn’t say the league’s product or proposal was bad. There was a quick, direct route of high quality, one that our fans would expect from us.” The Pirates ranked sixth in the MLB in television ratings this year with a "71.8% ratings increase." Williams "anticipates the new television deal to make an impact on the industry," but he said that it “wouldn’t make an impact on the club’s major-league payroll next season.” While the partnership with the Penguins is expected to be a multiyear contract, the Pirates "could leave the door open for a future television deal with MLB once it sees how it replaces the RSN market" (TRIBLIVE, 12/14).
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE NEW: In Pittsburgh, Jason Mackey cited sources as saying that the Pirates' sideline reporter for the past 11 years, Robby Incmikoski, “won’t be retained in the club’s new regional sports network model.” SportsNet Pittsburgh is "expected to hire for the role." Mackey: “Whether it involved an on-air zip line race, doggedly tracking down players’ parents in the stands or being at the center of some emotional moments after wins, Incmikoski has been an integral -- and often fun -- part of Pirates broadcasts” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 12/14).
