Small Markets Get no Love from Versus
by Bob Wage on Aug 20, 2009 11:00 AM EDT
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Versus recently released their broadcast schedule for the coming season and of course the Carolina Hurricanes were nowhere to be found. As we discussed last week, Carolina is one of the smallest markets in the NHL and the snub comes as no surprise. But shouldn't Versus and the NHL get on the same page?
Gary Bettman and the thinking tanks of the league have been working diligently to grow the sport in non-traditional, smaller markets. They are putting a lot of money, (including millions in revenue sharing), into making their effort a success. Yet their partner, Versus, has done very little if anything to help in the effort.
Not only are the Hurricanes void from the schedule, but other small markets like Atlanta (0), Florida (1), Phoenix (0), Nashville (1), and Tampa Bay (2) are ignored as well. One of the largest markets, (but untraditional), is also snubbed in that the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks only have one broadcast between them. How does this help to grow the game?
I asked John Forslund about this last year, and he said it was simply a numbers game. The markets with the largest audiences get the most games.
The funny thing is, they love doing games here. If they had their way, they would do more here. Raleigh is one of the places they like to come, from a professional standpoint. The crews that they get to work here are great. The atmosphere in the building is great. The weather is nice. They really like coming here. But the way they schedule their games is based strictly on a local ratings basis. For instance, it wouldn't matter if the Hurricanes were better than the Sabres, Buffalo does a huge number. I believe they have put Versus in more cable homes over the past two years than any other market. We need to get to the point where the local numbers justify them doing more games here.
But that's it. You know, Pittsburgh is on because they are Pittsburgh and Detroit is on because they are Detroit. Even a market like Colorado. They do a very good job locally for Versus, so they are going to get more games.
But if Versus and the NHL are truly partners, shouldn't they work together? Shouldn't they have the same objectives and goals regarding growing the game? How does showing a small grouping of teams multiple times and some teams zero times help to achieve any progress in this area?
And if Versus is truly the "exclusive cable network of the NHL", shouldn't they be required to broadcast at least one game per each NHL franchise? Come on NHL. It's time to stop allowing "partners" to call all the shots and to put your foot down on some matters. It makes you wonder sometimes who is running the league, Bettman or the head honchos at Versus and NBC?
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Excellently put Bubba. I was extremely disappointed, althought not really surprised, to find that we weren’t on the schedule at all especially when you take into account our playoff run last season and some of the postseason accolades. If they want to ensure that there is a large enough market for each game, then why not broadcast us playing Washington which we do 6 times a year? Or us playing Pittsburgh or Buffalo which we do 2 times a year? It just seems to me you can’t really call yourself the official network of the NHL if you don’t show all of the teams in the NHL.
Next year when Versus comes begging for me to post their “Watch the Playoffs on Versus” banner on my blog I’ll have to remember to email them a link to this column.
All things Thrashers + stats: www.birdwatchersanonymous.com
I did something similar last year during the playoffs...
…when the initial first round schedule ignored the Canes. I’m off the promo list now as far as I can tell. Really, all that’s changed is less Versus swag cluttering up my home office.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
@joshcvt / blog / photography
When we are giving VS some feedback here are some games they might want to re-consider:
Monday Nov 30: Caps at Canes instead of Buffalo at Toronto (hard to believe that choice)
Mon, Dec 7: Canes at Pittsburgh (Staal v Staal pt 1) instead of NJD at BUF
Mon, Dec 21: Rangers at Canes (Staal v Staal pt 2) VS’s choice: Buffalo at Toronto (AGAIN!??? that’s unbelievable)
Mon, Dec 28: Cane at Caps (Detroit at Columbus – Ovechkin should be a better draw than Rick Nash – ya’d think)
Tues, Mar 16: Boston at Canes (Puck Daddy’s suggestion) Vs’s choice: Montreal at NYR
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 20, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions
Hoped you would!
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 20, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I couldn’t let this one go, especially when there were some really good options they overlooked. I’ll post my email to them and any response I get just in case other people want to see it.
In case others would like to help get a virtual angry mob-thing going, here are the links again:
Versus Contact info (they’re based in Philadelphia, which explains a lot)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 20, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
That does explain the infatuation with the Flyers…..
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Versus is owned by Comcast Cable. Are the Flyers as well?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 21, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I sent them a respectful feedback note thru the link above – referring them to Puck Daddy’s site as well as providing the list of possible games above.
Maybe they’ll be embarrassed by Wysh’s criticism. Or not.
Offering them specific alternate games to consider (without the snarky comments I put in) might help if there is someone within the VS organization who might be on “our” side, but needs external back up against the Flyer-luvin’ muckity-mucks.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 20, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I am putting the finishing touches on my email. I don’t want to be too sarcastic, or angry, since I figure they probably get a lot of that daily. I really just hope that they will at least acknowledge that there are more than 10 teams in the NHL whose fans would like some national recognition (even if it is just in their own minds). I am sending them the alternative games you posted, not really thinking it will change, but just as proof of the points I raised in my email. The two games between Toronto and Buffalo within a month serves as a perfect example of one of the issues I raised.
Jeez. Buf @ Tor twice is stupid. WHO CARES ABOUT THE LEAFS IN AMERICA????
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Can you show your disappointment with the schedule without demonstrating your ignorance of the popularity of the Leafs?
A Nation of Masochists I can't believe "Stay Truculent!!!1" replaced goodbye.
With everyone having NHL Network these days, viewers in the U.S. can see HNIC each week. Let’s not act like there’s a blackout on the Leafs.
by Cory Lavalette on Aug 21, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just pointing out that this
WHO CARES ABOUT THE LEAFS IN AMERICA????
is ludicrous.
A Nation of Masochists I can't believe "Stay Truculent!!!1" replaced goodbye.
LOL
Nice!
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 21, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
emailed them
I used the list too and just emailed them at feedback@vs.com
We should approach this like we have politics lately and let them know our opinion. I encourage an email feedback campaign to show them our viewing opinion and hopefully strength in mumbers. Should we call ACORN for help or will true opinions and beliefs get the job done?
It really is amazing that the NHL hasn’t fallen apart because of Gary Becktard. The guy could grow and cultivate the NHL here and in the rest of America, but just doesn’t want to do it.
Why doesn’t Versus and NBC just rename themselves the Northern Hockey Broadcasting network. All they show are the flyers, penguinos, wings and rangers. I have rarely seen anyone else on their networks, unless it is a playoff game (and rarely then too).
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I don’t think Bettman gets enough credit due to the fact he is a douche because let’s face it, he has helped the sport to grow despite additional douchebagery from a lot of hockey fans and pundits: both north and south of the border. Let’s also remember that Bettman is just the face of the Board of Governors.
HOWEVER, what I think this ammounts to is that if the NHL is going to be all cozy in bed with Versus, the NHL should be on top, if you’ll pardon the metaphor.
True, the teams you mentioned dominate not only Versus broadcasts but also NBC broadcasts. Thank God for FSN.
my email
HI there!
I’m writing this little note hoping the Versus brain trust will somehow find out how extremely annoyed, upset, and thoroughly displeased I am that the network has chosen not to air one single solitary Carolina Hurricanes game during the entire 2009-2010 NHL season. Since a long-winded rant full of colourful adjectives about my frustration will undoubtedly accomplish very little, I’m actually going to help you folks out – so pay close attention! This is what’s called a “vicious cycle”:
1. New team in “non-traditional hockey market” enters NHL.
2. With new team unfamiliar to national audiences, TV Network decides not to air games of said team.
3. Since team’s games not shown on national TV, public remains unfamiliar with team.
4. TV network decides not to air team’s games, since less established team = lower ratings.
5. Rinse & repeat.
This appears to be the thought process of those in charge of network programming, not only at Versus but throughout the TV industry.
It’s not surprising television is dying a slow death to the internet.
Best,
ME
Raleigh, NC (this is the city the Carolina Hurricanes play in)
LOL nice ending.
Are Hurricanes fans the only ones that know that this team has played in 3 of of the 8 eastern conference finals this decade.(or nine depending on how you luck at it).
Two Stanley Cup appearances and one Stanley Cup Victory.
Which one of their beloved hockey teams on the East Coast can say the same????
*Crickets chirping *
by CarolinaCanes on Aug 20, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Hate to break that bubble, but you can consider the penguinos in that category.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I wasn’t saying that we were the only team. Or even that we are the best team in the east or have been this decade. What I meant was that the respect the organization gets as to what it has earned are not quite on par with one another.
I have no illusions about this team or organization. I just think that their play on the ice warrants a bit more respect on the national stage.
by CarolinaCanes on Aug 20, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you whole-heartedly! We are a fun team to watch, and these stupid people at versus and nbc just want to show crosby and now pronger every single week!!!!! So trust me I agree with you.
I couldn’t take it last year when every time for instance during a flyers-penguinos game on nbc, they would come on with a commercial saying “Watch for our game of the week between the penguins and flyers next weekend on nbc!!!”
Good lord their game of the week needs to be called the penguins game of the week. I agree that the Canes are a great team for the national stage, especially this year. Better than the leaves at least!
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Don't forget
In your comments to VS, be sure to mention small markets in general. My thought is, that people watch Versus to see out of market teams (much like Center Ice). If you’re vying for an out-of-market team, you likely don’t give a hoot if it’s a perenial, big-market choker like Philly or NYR or an over-exposed team like the Penguins or Wings.
My email (sorry it's a little long)
I was rather disappointed, but unfortunately not surprised, to see that the Carolina Hurricanes will not be making a regular season appearance on VS. It seems to me that when one combines the outstanding playoff run and a top ranking among NHL franchises (and teams in all sports), they have earned at least one nationally broadcast game. But perhaps what is even more disappointing is the scant representation of non-traditional market teams in comparison to the more traditional franchises, especially when some of those teams appear on the schedule up to 9 times each.
I understand that TV is all about ratings and that better ratings come from the more popular, and well known, teams. However, I know that I don’t speak just for myself when I say that people tire of watching the same teams play each other constantly. The relentless attention paid to two, or three, "celebrity" teams wears on fans of not just the teams that are ignored, but of the sport in general. I’m not suggesting that traditional markets be cast aside in favor of non-traditional ones, but merely want to point out that a little variety might be nice. I personally enjoy seeing some of the lesser publicized teams, especially those of the opposing conference, and this station is one of the only opportunities to do so.
If a big name team is a must, then why not broadcast a Canes/Washington game? Those teams play each other 6 teams a season and are consistently the two best teams in the Southeast Division. Washington has one of the faces of the NHL and a widespread fan base. Carolina has perhaps a smaller, but equally passionate fan base, and a few stars of its own. Or, if a more universally appealing team is necessary, maybe a Canes/Penguins game could be an option? I’ve included a list of potential games that would allow a smaller market (in this case, Carolina) to gain much needed exposure, while still ensuring a large viewing audience based on the opponent. I’m not trying to get the schedule changed, but rather point out that some good alternatives were overlooked in favor of repeated exposure to the same teams. In my opinion, the 11/30 and 12/21 games are especially good options since multiple games between the same two teams are scheduled in the course of less than a month.
Mon, Nov 30: Caps at Canes rather than Buffalo at Toronto
Mon, Dec 7: Canes at Pittsburgh rather than New Jersey at Buffalo
Mon, Dec 21: Rangers at Canes rather than Buffalo at Toronto
Mon, Dec 28: Canes at Caps rather than Detroit at Columbus
Tues, Mar 16: Boston at Canes rather than Montreal at New York Rangers
As the "exclusive cable network of the NHL" it amazes me that your broadcast schedule doesn’t match up with some of the league’s main objectives, specifically the attention paid to smaller markets. Your apparent reluctance to broadcast smaller market teams directly contradicts the league’s efforts to grow the game in non-traditional places, such as the south, and is frankly a disappointment considering that hockey fans in the US have very few options for coverage.
Signed,
A concerned fan
Raleigh, NC
Well- written, well-argued. Wouldn’t it be interesting if they changed even one game? (probably about 1% chance of happening)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 20, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Well argued
Good job. It’s probably too late for them to change it this year but if enough of you write well thought out letters like this it may give someone there something to think about for next season.
Best of luck.
A Nation of Masochists I can't believe "Stay Truculent!!!1" replaced goodbye.
They’ll definitely appreciate getting a reasonable e-mail with well-thought out arguments.
Everyone that’s a member here should send a version of that in to Versus.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Unfortunately for us advertisers for Verses or NBC only care about "large market" audiences, that's what pays their bills.
Not defending the Versus network, but just seeing it as it is. We are a small market with small audience on a national TV rating level. Advertisers are tight with their money and want to pay for a large viewing audience that will see their product, they aren’t going to get that with a Canes vs Rangers game like they would a Rangers vs Boston game. I hate it like the rest, but the economy is what it is no matter the reasons. Versus could care less about small markets trying to make it in the NHL, they only care about the large audience of the larger veteran markets that bring in more advertisers. which is what pays their bills. Sorry, we’re screwed when it comes to National TV coverage. Thank God we do have Fox Sports or we would never see a Canes game on TV unless you had Center Ice (which I do and is worth every penny for it!). Sometimes it sucks to be a Caniac, but worth it in the end—-always!
C
Naive?
I agree with what you’re saying, but I think the ‘Canes have an underdog appeal (see HM avatar) that might draw in audiences from other markets (like other small markets combined). Maybe I’m being naive… does anyone else see this potential? I, personally, would love to watch the Ducks play… and Edmonton… over watching the same old teams over and over…
I’m with you. I would much rather see teams that are relatively unknown to me (like Edmonton and Anaheim) than Pittsburgh for the 7th time.
I think Edmonton being left off the schedule is a product of two things.
A)They stunk on ice last year and probably will this year (literally, ha!)
B)The Oilers fanbase is about as far from the USA as possible in this league, and they already have broadcasts of all the games.
Why make nationally broadcasted games IN AMERICA include a team FROM CANADA? Who cares here in the States about canadian teams? Very few people compared to the rest of the group.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Lots of Canadian ex-pats live in America, and not to be rude but Toronto and Montreal are probably bigger TV draws than Carolina even in the States.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Seriously. Just watch a Leafs game when they play away from home. Please.
A Nation of Masochists I can't believe "Stay Truculent!!!1" replaced goodbye.
Of course there are Leafs and Habs fans here
And as long as that’s all that is boradcast, it will remain that way. I think the argument made through-out here is that if we’re trying to grow the NHL in the US, new fans are more likely to be attracted to US-based teams. Maybe this isn’t Versus’ primary goal (duh), but it is the goal of their “partner” the NHL.
(I realize this is a complicated assertion in Canada as the Balsillie and Mirtle drama demonstrates so plainly.)
For example, we have several Canes fans who come to this site all the time (posting several times each week in the off-season) from around the country – Arkansas, New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oklahoma, California (and the world: UK and Brazil) who have found the Canes to be a likeable and exciting, having never lived here. Perhaps showing this promising “up-tempo” young team on national TV might make it easier to find and hook more NEW fans. Higher ratings and more money for everyone. (yippee!)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 21, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Nobody's denying that
We just disagree with Ivan’s ridiculous assertion that nobody cares about Canadian teams.
Caniacgirl’s letter was beautiful.
A Nation of Masochists I can't believe "Stay Truculent!!!1" replaced goodbye.
I didn’t say nobody cares about Canadian teams. I am saying that people here in America probably want to watch American teams. Canadians are going to go for Canadian teams; that is obvious. Many Americans in the States are going to go for American teams. Versus is an American sports broadcasting station. I don’t think it is fair or right for them to disregard a team that made it to the ECF last year, and put games on of a team that has not made the playoffs since the 03-04 season.
I apologize for being blunt, but the Leafs have not done much in recent memory. I would think that the major networks would include teams that did well the previous year. The Canes have games on the same night the Leafs play on Versus that would be just as good or better than the Leafs matchups.
Now this is all my opinion, and I know it means nothing to you and I know you are going to rebuttal this, but it wrong for Versus to pass on the Canes who have done much more than the Leafs this decade in terms of national coverage.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Although your original statement was taken literally- and I do not agree with that,
I agree with you.
How often does TSN or any other Canadian based broadcast, show US teams(outside the obvious Pitt, Wash, Det, Chi, Bos, Phi) playing other US teams? I did not look this up… because I am “that lazy guy” but I cannot imagine there being that many- IF any at all. I understand the “ratings” argument to some point… but then again how many ALL US exclusive games are there? It goes both ways…
Someone PLEASE prove me wrong… I will be glad to admit I am.
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 22, 2009 3:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually, I thought the same as you, that TSN would show pretty much games involving Canadian teams exclusively. Which they do tend to show more of those, but they do show many games between US teams.
Here’s a link to the TSN schedule of NHL games: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=684
I think a better way to put it with Versus, though, is why do they show two games each for Toronto and Montreal and none at all for Carolina, Atlanta, etc.
by Pirate Caniac on Aug 22, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
By my math(wich is horrible btw)...
There are 6 games televised by TSN between US teams that do not include Pitt, Det, Was, Phi, or Boston. 4 of the six involve the Rangers in some way, the other two are between Minn and Dallas.
One of my major gripes(aside from no Canes games EVER getting televised) with VS is that they only play 1-2 games a week… and follow those games with a crappy rerun of Holy S($*, Sports Soup, or some stupid boxing match or something.
Why not do more double headers? Allows for more games per team.. Keeps people watching after the first game… the West Conf fans might tune in early and watch some of the East teams…
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 22, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, you’re right. I think the biggest culprit is that there really aren’t that many games carried to begin with. Simply adding double-headers like you said would increase the coverage dramatically, and more easily allow for all teams to be shown at least once.
Though really, the thing that upsets me the most in all this is the blackouts during Versus games. If you want to snub us by not putting on any Canes games at all, fine. But don’t keep us from watching our game on our local channel then.
by Pirate Caniac on Aug 22, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
So by your math the NHL features games with Pitt, Det, Was, Phi, Boston, the 6 Canadian teams, and 6 other random games?
That seems pretty balanced.
A Nation of Masochists I can't believe "Stay Truculent!!!1" replaced goodbye.
I agreed with your argument completely until I saw which games/markets were selected over Carolina. We weren’t ever scheduled against Rangers vs Boston. Or Washington vs Pittsburgh. Or Chicago vs Detroit. Or the Flyers at all. I’ll give ’em those as better ratings draws than any game involving the Hurricanes.
But look at what they had to choose from. Using your formula (which is the standard reasoning we’ve been told), Versus determined that accounting for all households (and hotels and sportsbars) in the US that have Versus available:
1 – Buffalo > DC + Carolina (Toronto = 0, since Canada doesn’t count)
2 – Buffalo > New York Rangers + Carolina (wow!)
3 – New York > Boston + Carolina (but wait, that means that Buffalo > NYRangers> Boston for national ratings. Huh?)
4 – Detroit + Columbus (as in Ohio State and may well be focused on college bowl games Dec 28) > DC + Carolina
I guess I could agree with:
5 – Buffalo + NJDevils > Pittsburgh + Carolina
Naah, I don’t agree with that one either. The Devils fans do not include the Rangers fans. Pittsburgh is the mother-lode.
Apparently Sabre fans and Versus are joined at the hip (according to Forslund in Bubba’s story above).Since my most recent experience with Buffalo featured a 60-ish cab-driver with broken glasses, I don’t feel qualified to explain why this is. I know for a fact that the fans are the most extreme that come to games at the RBC. That’s the only opponent where they put secuirty on the rooftop with binoculars, walkie-talkies and tranquilizer guns. (JK) Bubba – perhaps you have some insight to the Buffalo hockey market that I’m missing?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 20, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
But how does a nationally televised game help to grow the game in smaller markets? Whether the game is on FSN or VS, the opportunity is still there to watch for anyone in the market. If Ovechkin was on the Canes they would have just as many games as the Caps have televised this year. Im not sure it has to do with our market size anymore than the Canes team just doesnt have that star appeal to it, like it or not.
One of the ways to grow the game is to attract fans and their money; that can come at the local and national level through television exposure. For example, Pittsburgh has fans throughout both the US and Canada. Now I will admit that part of that is due to the talent they have on that team. But a star player needs publicity and national exposure in order to become a true league star. Take Kovalchuk for example. He is an extremely talented player, but his team gets almost no attention at the league level and therefore he’s not known outside of certain groups. If he played in Toronto (even if the team was bad) he would get more attention than he does playing in Atlanta. In regards to the Canes, compared to say Buffalo, I would say that we probably have more “star power” and definitely more recent success. However, they carry a much larger fan base that will watch a national game (and purchase advertisers’ products) and that’s why they got the nod multiple times over teams like us.
Im not sure the advertisers have anything to do with growing the game in smaller markets. It may have an impact on corporate sponsers if that is an implied part of the ‘growth’.
I guess I really didn’t explain what I meant by that part; it’s kind of a vicious cycle. The reason larger markets get more national games is because they carry more people who will watch the game and see the ads that companies pay for. That money companies shell out is what the networks are after so they (the networks) are going to do everything in their power to keep the companies happy. Companies like big ratings and so do networks for that reason. Teams that don’t carry large fanbases (i.e. the smaller markets) won’t be selected because the ads won’t be seen by enough people. That limits the number of people exposed to the smaller market teams, limiting their growth outside of their immediate area. Whew…I think that makes sense. If not…I blame it on lack of sleep on my part. :)
The most effective response would be to organize a group of fans to be anti-VS at any game they may be FORCED to televise next season. Signs, chants, etc. Fans in Raleigh are somewhat thought of as trendsetters in the hockey world, nothing would be greater than watching a game on VS and hearing the crowd chant ‘VS sucks’ in the background.
I dunno about that. My grandmother (born Kathleen Daughtry in Albany GA in 1894) used to say you’ll win more arguments with sugar than vinegar.
Perhaps we should them an generous platter of barbeque and some Carolina Ale and invite them to come early for the next tailgate event?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 20, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Or we could get some Canes fans to show up at some games that Vs. will televise in other markets wearing their Canes gear and holding a sign that says something to the effect of “This is the only way you’ll see a Canes jersey on Vs.”
by Pirate Caniac on Aug 20, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
If you really want to get their attention..
Get your local Cable company to remove them from the channel line up, or at least move them in favor of Fox sports south HD (does such exist?). Boycott the station (except for the first three weeks in July). Send letters to advertisers telling them about why you are boycotting the station and those that advertise on it.
But really, as disappointing as this is in general, why are we mad about not hearing the crappy Versus announcers instead of Trip and John?
Anyone know how often we will be on Canadian national television?
Zero appearances on Hockey Night in Canada, no idea about TSN and Sportsnet.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Twice on TSN
March 31st Carolina @ Montreal
April 8th Montreal @ Carolina
A Nation of Masochists I can't believe "Stay Truculent!!!1" replaced goodbye.
Why do I care if Hurricanes games are on VS.? I’d rather watch John and Tripp on FSN, and I’d rather watch a Canes-centered intermission than those doofuses on VS. Plus the FSN HD feed is much more reliable than the VS. HD feed.
I do agree with you on Forslund and his sidekick – but FS Carolinas hasn’t been very generous with broadcasting HD that I remember (maybe 6-8 games last regular season?). Maybe this year will be an improvement.
Do you think FSN might do all 82 games (wasn’t last year around 64)? Maybe we can start an email campaign there too.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 21, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s what I would really like to see: all 82 games on FSN.
by nomadologist on Aug 21, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I put the link to tell them exactly that below – I asked for all HD while I was at it. =D
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 21, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought i remember reading somewhere near the end of last season that all the games would be HD on FSN this season. Barring an important Bobcats game or something obviously….I hate FSN sometimes.
by Iggy Reilly on Aug 21, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
ACC Women's Vollyball
I swear to god, one year they missed the 1st period of a game for it…..not even MEN’S Vollyball!
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
feedback@vs.com
emailed them I used the list too and just emailed them at feedback@vs.com
We should approach this like we have politics lately and let them know our opinion. I encourage an email feedback campaign to show them our viewing opinion and hopefully strength in mumbers. Should we call ACORN for help or will true opinions and beliefs get the job done?
Versus
why would anyone watch Versus when there is FSN. I mean FSN is Hurricanes Hockey. Screw Versus and NBC when it comes to Hockey. Even the couple of times the Cane’s were on those 2 networks the commentators didn’t have enough knowledge or no how to broadcast the game anyway.
As long as we can have FSN to continue broadcasting our games we are a ok John an Tripper do a great Job.
robert
It’s not just the Canes’ absence that bothers me. I’m tired of the same teams being on every other week. There’s only so many Pitt/Detroit re-matches one person can take. In order for VS to really be the cable network of the NHL, they need to represent all of the teams more equally.
this doesnt bother me too much
i just hope that fsn will carry even more games this season. i would much rather watch john and trip than the versus telecast. i have never cared for their style of broadcast, or their love affairs with certain teams. in my opinion, fsn does a much better job.
by brass bonanza on Aug 21, 2009 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Fox Sports Network feedback
I sent them a message requesting all 82 games in HD. I mentioned that VS cut us out and we were looking for someone to love (I phrased it a little differently).
Worth trying
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 21, 2009 9:03 AM EDT reply actions
I think some folks are missing one of the points here...
The main point is not who would rather watch the canes on Vs. or FSN (I think most canes fans would rather watch Forslund & Tripp). The main point is that without nationally televised games, it’s much harder for the Hurricanes’ brand to sell itself to potential fans across the nation. Couple that with being in a non-traditional market, it’s even more unlikely that we “win” over a potential fan from Maine, or Arizona (somewhere not in the carolinas). Think about how many of your favorite teams you’ve NEVER seen play on national TV. I’m guessing not many.
Look – the franchise did not start making money on this past season until the eastern conference finals. We filled the arena pretty well throughout the playoffs (albeit, with some lower ticket prices) so its not that there is a lack of canes fans in the area willing to support their team. It’s that the Hurricanes brand across the country is relatively unknown. A large portion of professional sport franchises’ money comes from merchandising, and we simply need more fans, outside of the Carolinas, to spend money on the Canes.
Why do you think we are ALWAYS overlooked and underestimated? No one knows that much about the Hurricanes. Whose fault is that? Well the team has pulled their weight by winning a cup and being in 2 other conference finals. Some of the blame does fall on the out-of-market marketing folks with the Canes. Mainly though, no one knows who the hell we are, and Vs. isn’t putting us on national TV
Versus sucks anyway. I’m sick of listening to doc emerick all the time. John Forslund is the best out there. We are lucky to have both him and Chuck K.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
glad to hear others aren’t big on Emerick … I alwyas find him to be more of a color guy than play-by-play … I can’t walk to the kitchen to get a drink and still know what’s going on if he’s announcing. He’ll get on a tangent about something and not talk about the play for a minute of ice time.
by Cory Lavalette on Aug 21, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
This is why my idea above of Canes fans going to other games that are televised on Vs and wearing their Canes gear is probably one of the best ways to counter this. There are Canes fans all over the US and Canada. Maybe not as many as other teams, but they are there. It’s just a matter of them making a point to wear their Canes stuff as a protest to the Canes not being on. After all, they are the ones who suffer most. Those of us who get Fox Sports Carolinas can see most of the games.
Or imagine if some Canes fans could organize a trip to one of these games. The camera pans the audience of a Wings-Pens game and there’s a pocket of Canes fans there. Would be priceless! Not to mention drive home the point more to the suits at Vs and NBC than any amount of letters would that there are Canes fans out there.
by Pirate Caniac on Aug 21, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
how can the league spend so much time, energy, and money convincing the world that Phoenix is a hockey hotbed, and yet, its television partner is planning to air exactly zero Coyotes games?
Are the games still going to be broadcast locally? Because I would think that helps build the local market more than being on Versus once a year.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
locals are not the problem
Yeah a majority (~65) of the games were broadcasted locally last year, but the problem is not with the local fanbase. We have a (IMO) great local following for a SMALL market team. I think Cory or Bubba posted the numbers one time, but Raleigh is one of the smallest (if not THE smallest) city population-wise that is home to an NHL team. Knowing that, having the games being broadcasted locally is nice for us folks in Carolina, but a lack of national coverage makes it extremely hard for us to expand our fanbase.
Last year they broadcast about 60 games on the local channel (Fox Sports Carolina). Maybe 8 in HD (Fox Sports has a shortage of trucks with the HD equipment)
For the other 22 games, we were out of luck unless we subscribe to the cable-premium called “Center Ice” which is about $180 for the year, available if you have the local cable service – or some dish providers (?). It provides as many as a dozen out-of-market games every night. Many people don’t spring for that – or don’t have the option.
The “Center Ice” package would provide the broadcast from the opposing city if FSN didnt’ cary it.. There was a time or 2 last season that neither team broadcast it and we had to rely on the radio.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 21, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
FORSLUND IS THE MAN.
I would rather watch fs carolinas than vs, but god i wish ever game was in HD.SD just does not hold a candle to HD.That’s who we all really need to email fs carolinas, vote HD for president.
Versus vs. Local
I think all teams should get national coverage at least once in the season. I sent an email to both Versus and the NHL. But….why should Versus give us national coverage when we can barely get local coverage as far as radio?
I travel a lot in the state, if the motel doesn’t carry FSN on TV, I listen online. But in the car…foget it. 99.9 (and I’ve talked to Mike M.) coverage is weak. I lose the station before I get to Burlington. Going east, it’s even worse. If we can’t even get decent radio coverage locally, why should we expect any national coverage?
I agree with all of your points, especially the 99.9 coverage. Living past the I-95 corridor means I get very weak coverage out here, and this 99.9 The Fan always interferes with some other 99.9 station in Wilmington. They do need to amp up their coverage outside of the Triangle. I do think that we deserve some facet of national coverage from Versus. We definitely earned it from last season.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
FYI - Facebook Group
FYI A poster on some of the other Canes boards (thought he might be here but didn’t see it posted already) just created a Facebook group as another outlet for gathering information and for making concerns heard.
Facebook group on VERSUS snub.
Yes, that’s me, I’ve got 45 members now on my Facebook group at
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121673712021
I’m sending out an action alert each day to members on suggested positive tactics concerning protesting the VERSUS scheduling
Alternate Viewing
Not to sound overly pluggish, but NHL Network is a fantastic alternative to VS and rediculously cheaper than center ice (on DirectTV, it comes in the same package as FSN and VS). Despite repetative non-game programming, it is what it is: several games each week and highlights running all night long. Even HNIC feeds on the weekends, sometimes (if you’re into Don Cherry. When I’m lying in bed at 11:30pm during the season, i’m watching this channel if the TV’s on.
Yahoo.com usually has one or more broadcasts from local networks every night. It’s not anything near HD, but it’s fun to watch if nothing else is doing it for ya. Just need a free yahoo ID.
I’d like to hear any other cost effective viewing options you guys have.
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