Dodgers' TV deal guaranteed exclusive local broadcast rights to Charter, not only for TV but for streamingGETTY IMAGES
As the Dodgers' local TV blackout extends through a fifth consecutive season, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said that the league has "explored ways to make broadcasts available to all fans via the internet," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. MLB "looked into the possibility of streaming SportsNet LA broadcasts" throughout the L.A. market, perhaps on its MLB.tv service. However, the Dodgers' record $8.35B television deal "guaranteed exclusive local broadcast rights to Charter Communications, not only for television but for streaming." Manfred said, "You can't just go in and ignore those local rights that belong to someone else. You'd have to figure out a way around it." Shaikin noted MLB has so far been "unable to resolve that issue with Charter," which is one of a "handful of regional sports networks that does not offer streaming of games, even to its cable subscribers." Manfred has said that the Dodgers' blackout is "bad for the team and for the league." But he added that his "influence is limited because the league does not have 'a seat at the table' at what is fundamentally a dispute between Charter and DirecTV." Manfred also said that the streaming option was "first explored last winter," and would be "discussed again in the coming winter" (LATIMES.com, 7/17). Manfred said that MLB has "offered to use their 'assets,' such as MLB Network," to broadcast games. In L.A., Jeff Fletcher writes the problem is that "essentially infringes on the exclusivity that Spectrum pays the Dodgers to maintain" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 7/18).
CAUGHT IN A NETWORK: In Baltimore, Peter Schmuck notes Manfred "clearly is sick and tired of the TV rights fee dispute" between the Orioles and Nationals over MASN. Manfred addressed the issue with MASN's TV rights yesterday, only to "counter the notion that he has sided with the Nationals." Schmuck: "It certainly sounded like Manfred was saying that he has options at his disposal that would force the Orioles to be more submissive to the authority of the commissioner's office." Manfred has the "power to act in the 'best interests of baseball,' but has not tried to force either side into a settlement." Manfred "repeated his frequent assertion that he prefers teams come to a compromise." He said, "I'm a big guy on agreements. If you live up to your agreements, you go a long way in life" (BALTIMORE SUN, 7/18). Also in Baltimore, Eduardo Encina noted Manfred "sharply denied" that the ongoing MASN dispute over TV rights fees and ownership in the Orioles-operated network has "affected Baltimore's chances of hosting the All-Star Game" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 7/17).
