The NFL Network will have a tough time convincing cable operators to carry the channel before its Nov. 4 launch, sources said.
But the NFL said it is confident that operators will come to recognize the value and strong brand of its network as well as the advantage of partnering with the league in advance of being able to bid on the long sought-after NFL Sunday Ticket subscription package of out-of-market games.
With a DirecTV deal in hand, the NFL Network has been wooing operators to become charter members with such incentives as free video-on-demand content and a slew of high-definition TV programming. The league's formal proposal reached operators Sept. 19, days after network chieftains entertained cable executives at New York Giants and Jets games at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
http://tv.yahoo.com/news/va/20030926/106456390600.html
But the NFL said it is confident that operators will come to recognize the value and strong brand of its network as well as the advantage of partnering with the league in advance of being able to bid on the long sought-after NFL Sunday Ticket subscription package of out-of-market games.
With a DirecTV deal in hand, the NFL Network has been wooing operators to become charter members with such incentives as free video-on-demand content and a slew of high-definition TV programming. The league's formal proposal reached operators Sept. 19, days after network chieftains entertained cable executives at New York Giants and Jets games at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
http://tv.yahoo.com/news/va/20030926/106456390600.html
