NHL NETWORK NEEDS TO CATCH UP WITH ITS LEAGUE-OWNED BROTHERS

[TMC]

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2013/...-brothers.html

Since launching in 2007 in the United States, the NHL Network has lagged behind in distribution and viewership as compared to its three other league-owned channels. NFL Network originally had difficulty gaining distribution, but now is carried by all of the major cable and satellite providers. MLB Network had the biggest launch for a new channel getting agreements by bundling with its MLB Extra Inings out of market pay per view package. And NBA TV has been able to get a tie-in through Turner Sports and the NBA League Pass package.

For NHL Network, it's been a constant struggle. When it launched in the US, the NHL signed long-term contracts with cable and satellite providers allowing them to place NHLN on sports tiers which hurt growth. According to Sports Business Journal, negotiations with Time Warner Cable are expected to bring NHLN to digital basic putting on an equal footing with its three league-owned brothers. However, that is just one of several major hurdles for the network.

In addition, Sports Business Journal says league partner NBC Sports Network has picked up more live games and shoulder programming than anticipated. And when NBCSN airs live games, NHL Network goes into taped programming which again hurts ratings points.

Since a relaunch in 2010, the channel has improved its production values and increased original programming (NHL Live, NHL Tonight). The network has also hired additional on-air talent and all of this has helped to raise the channel's profile among hardcore fans, but it still has yet to translate into increased viewership.

Also during the lockout, unlike NFL Network and NBA TV which covered their league disputes, NHL Network remained silent and stayed in taped programming until a week before the truncated 2013 season began.

For NHL Network, there's a lot of room for improvement. While it has come out of the dark ages and its studios no longer look as if they're originating from broom closets, the taped programming needs updating. Airing more live games will help and it would behoove the network to carry the entire CBC Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader instead of just one game.

Now that the league is in its offseason, live programming is taking the summer off. This hurts the network compared to its brothers as MLB, NFL and NBA all manage to fill their schedules with live studio programming and original documentaries, features that have been sorely lacking on NHL Network. If the league wants to keep its fans updated, NHL Tonight should be on 52 weeks a year instead of 44.

Plus league officials need to get the channel off the dreaded cable and satellite sports tiers otherwise viewership will remain low. The NHL sees better days ahead with a full season and long-term labor peace it expects to see more eyeballs for its outdoor games in January and March, but again, those contests will be carried on its other broadcast partners.

So NHL Network remains last among its league-owned brethren. It has a long road ahead to catch up. And right now, the other three channels are hundreds of miles ahead.

[robyrob]

for me NHL Network is on 324 and NBCSports Network (formerly Versus) is on 323, so I see what they are airing on NHL network when I am checking out NBCSN's schedule - it really doesn't look like it would be worth it most of the time.

They don't show all of the playoff games, they don't show enough old-timey classic games, they don't show enough out-of-area regular season games.

I live in a crappy area for hockey; the only games I get to see are the Bluejackets on FSN and they really only play the teams I like maybe once or twice a year. You really can't count on NBC to show any games, and NBCSN doesn't show that many games that I want to see either. They need to really step it up if they want anyone to pay a premium for the NHL channel.

[Mr. Television]

Originally Posted by robyrob

for me NHL Network is on 324 and NBCSports Network (formerly Versus) is on 323, so I see what they are airing on NHL network when I am checking out NBCSN's schedule - it really doesn't look like it would be worth it most of the time.

They don't show all of the playoff games, they don't show enough old-timey classic games, they don't show enough out-of-area regular season games.

I live in a crappy area for hockey; the only games I get to see are the Bluejackets on FSN and they really only play the teams I like maybe once or twice a year. You really can't count on NBC to show any games, and NBCSN doesn't show that many games that I want to see either. They need to really step it up if they want anyone to pay a premium for the NHL channel.

I get the NHL Network now but the only reason I do is because I got it with the sports package. I had to get it if I wanted MLB Network, NFL Network, The Redzone Channel, etc.

[Dianne3]

A major irony is that get the NFL Network as part of my cable package but not the NHL Network. I live in Canada.

As you know cable is expensive, so no way would I be paying extra to add the NHL Network.
Even more so with all these labour disputes which made hockey fans vow not to spend extra $$ on anything hockey related.
Speaking of labour disputes, the NHL will have 6 outdoor games next year to make up for lost revenue.

[Dianne3]

Speaking of the NFL Network, since NFL players are always being arrested, that also helps fill the programming.

Two weeks ago when Aaron Hernandez was arrested, I'm thinking that is something you would never see on the NHL Network.

[robyrob]

they could almost add another channel - the NFL Crime network

I am really excited aboout those outdoor games, hopefully they will actually air them somewhere that people actually get to watch them

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/4/1...=articlebottom

* Jan. 1: Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs.

* Jan. 25: Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Kings vs. Ducks.

* Jan. 26: Yankee Stadium in New York, Rangers vs. Devils.

* Jan. 29: Yankee Stadium in New York, Rangers vs. Islanders.

* Mar. 1: Soldier Field in Chicago, Penguins vs. Blackhawks.

* Mar. 2: BC Place in Vancouver, Senators vs. Canucks.

[mets82]

Those outdoor games should be a lot of fun. I hope they just don't kill a good thing like the Winter Classic.

NHL Network needs original programming. They really should invest there time in telling about the importance and history of the league. I'm not the biggest NHL fan by any means, but I do know that the league has been around for a long time and has a very long and rich history that should be acknowledged.