CBS does not have rights to put NFL programming on its All Access service, and CBS President & CEO Les Moonves said that "gaining football rights could mean a change in the price" from its current $5.99 monthly figure. The net currently is "focused on renewing its 'Thursday Night Football' franchise." Moonves said that the league’s decision "will come some time before the end of the current football season" (VARIETY.com, 12/9).
STILL IN THE CARDS? Cardinals Chair & CEO Bill Dewitt yesterday said that the team and FS Midwest "continue to negotiate their the next broadcast rights deal for the team." He described the conversations "as progressing." In St. Louis, Derrick Goold notes both sides "intend to have a deal in place, possibly before the start" of the '15 season, that will start when the current deal expires, after '17 (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 12/10).
FOR THE WIN: MULTICHANNEL NEWS' R. Thomas Umstead reports ESPN "posted a 24% primetime ratings increase during the month of November to lead all cable networks." The net "averaged 3.7 million viewers during the period" of Oct. 27-Nov. 30. ESPN has "won the last three monthly primetime ratings races and is poised to finish as the most-watched network during" Q4. ESPN also was the "top choice among viewers in several other key demos including adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and adults 18-49" (MULTICHANNEL NEWS, 12/8 issue).
RATINGS SPIKE: In DC, Dan Steinberg reported through 20 games this season, Wizards broadcasts on CSN Washington "have averaged a 1.30 household rating." That is up 46% "from last year’s average rating at this time," and up 26% "over last year’s final average rating for Wizards broadcasts." The rating is also up 60% from the '12-13 season, which "began with a 12-game losing streak" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/9).
