Astros' RSN Not Airing Pregame, Postgame Playoff Coverage

AT&T SportsNet Southwest will be the only RSN affiliated with an AL team in the MLB Postseason that "won't air local pre- and/or post-game shows" during the playoffs, according to David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. A network spokesperson said that the RSN has "no plans for game-day Astros playoff coverage 'as they don't have the rights to broadcast the games.'" Barron notes those same restrictions are not "stopping networks associated with the other four" AL playoff teams -- the Yankees (YES Net), Red Sox (NESN), Indians (SportsTime Ohio) and A's (NBC Sports California) -- from "confirming that they will do live shows surrounding their local team's playoff games." AT&T's sports operation has "consistently failed to provide any measure of local programming beyond regular-season games, pre- and post-game shows and weekly magazine shows." The decision to omit Astros pre- and post-game playoff coverage "wasn't made by the network's on-air talent or its production staff in Houston" (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 9/27).