Comcast, NFL Reach Carriage Deal For NFL Network
Network To Be Moved From Sports Tier To Digital Classic Service
John Eggerton -- Multichannel News, 5/19/2009 12:11:27 PM
Comcast and the NFL have reached a deal for carriage of The NFL Network, as well as VOD and carriage of the NFL's proposed RedZone channel.That means an end to their program carriage dispute currently before an FCC judge, and legal action in New York State, the two said in announcing the deal.
Comcast will move the network from a sports tier to its Digital Classic service by Aug. 1. Digital Classic reaches approximately two-thirds of the top operator's digital customers.
"Our goal has always been to provide our digital customers with access to the NFL's unique content," said Comcast chairman Brian Roberts in announcing the deal. "Working together we have struck the right balance between value and distribution on a variety of viewing platforms. We are looking forward to bringing the NFL's programming to our customers just in time for the start of the NFL season."
The companies said they would take "immediate action to discontinue pending legal actions before the Federal Communications Commission and a New York state court."
The per-sub price appears to be considerably lower than the 70 cents the NFL had been seeking, but higher than the 25 cents Comcast had cited. Sources vary, putting the monthly license fee somewhere in the 40-50 cent range.
The deal runs for 10 years according to a source.
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