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A local cable company rep spoke to the media about why most of the nation's large cable companies are not offering NFL Network, as are E* and D*. They said that so far the NFL Network ratings are almost non-existent, well below a 1.0 from Neilsen.

Despite these extremely low ratings, the NFL Network is asking for a rate increase from 25 cents per month per sub to 72-75 cents per month per sub. They also want to be included in the standard/basic channel package, and not in a special upgraded tier or sports package.

So far less than 45% of all homes that sub to a channel provider have access to NFL Network. The majority of the nation's homes that get the channel are getting it from E* and D*.

In order to drive subscriptions to the channel, the NFL took the 8 Thursday night games off the table during the NFL contract bidding. TV experts say this cost the NFL about $400M in network fees, I think this was over the life of a 3 or 4 year contract.

The NFL has been running ads in dozens of cities criticizing cable companies for not carrying the channel, urging people to write their cable companies to complain. Both E* and D* have been advertising that they have it and have been able to pick up new subs. They are targeting places like several cities in Wisconsin which will not be able to see an upcoming Vikings - Packers game unless they have NFL Network.

The NFL is following the example set by ESPN of demanding higher rates and broad availability. So far they are not backing down on their rates.

Given Charlie's history of resisting these tactics, it leaves me wondering if he was able to cut a sweetheart deal just so the NFL could put the screws on the big cable companies. It isn't normal to see hiim be the first guy on the block to pay a 200% rate increase.