Comments on: Reality Check: Garth Snow’s Summer “To Do” List

By: Michael McEnaney

Michael McEnaney — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:27 +0000

Good points about the ratings and the I didn’t realize that FIOS doesn’t get the local teams in HD – another winning play by Dolan, I’m sure.

While it’s probably good news that the league is at least back on the ESPN/ABC radar for a contract after next season, it’s hard not to like the current set up with VERSUS, which took over the telecasts in 2005, the year after the lockout. The network was there when ESPN essentially turned their back on the NHL. I can’t imagine that at least some of the advertisers might not feel that a move to ESPN will see the hockey telecasts get lost amid the a sea of other sports ESPN broadcasts. On VERSUS advertisers have a chance to stand out during the hockey games.

Add to this the potential completion of the Comcast-NBC deal that would make a joint NBC/VERSUS hockey buy just as potent as an ABC/ESPN buy and I for one am rooting for VERSUS to retain the NHL contract. They do a great job with hockey.

By: Ray

Ray — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:42:58 +0000

Good article Mike. One overlooked area in the media is the current package the Isles are locked into with Cablevision. I, like everyone else, have at least one HDTV in the house. I have Verizon FIOS and Cablevision refuses to distribute their local teams in HD. So whether it’s the Isles, Rangers, or Devils, it’s an annoyance watching the Isles on non-HDTV. Cablevision’s service is so bad, I would never go back and others I know don’t get too hyped watching hockey these days when it’s not HD. Wang should adjust the contract with Cable or look to get out of it. It would probably increase local viewing

By: 7th woman

7th woman — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:53:17 +0000

Yep, sounds about right Mike. But, as you know, I have complete faith in Mr. Snow and feel he’ll make some excellent decisions this off-season.
As far as the TV Ratings go, I found it interesting that when I turned on the playoff game yesterday, my hockey loving husband was surprised it was on NBC. Uh Oh. That only tells me that NBC is doing a pretty poor job of getting the AVERAGE (i.e., not totally emotionally involved every minute of every day with NHL.com) hockey fan excited enough to stop what they’re doing on a sat or sunday afternoon in spring!