Check out the memo below from the president of NFL Network, who is adding the latest spin on the fight between cable companies and the league over carrying the network. This is especially timely this week, since Thursday's Bengals-Steelers game won't be available locally to Time Warner cable subscribers.
Here is the memo:
"Memo To Cable Companies: Heed the FCC and Offer NFL Network Now
By Steven M. Bornstein
The Bengals and Steelers have won three of the last four AFC North division titles. This week, the rivalry continues with the 7-3 Steelers looking to stay in first place behind quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had his second 300-yard passing day of the season on Sunday. NFL Network is excited that our next game telecast this Thursday, November 20, features the Bengals at the Steelers.
Unfortunately, Steelers fans who subscribe to Time Warner will be left on the sidelines for this game. Time Warner refuses to negotiate a deal to put NFL Network on its systems.
It is clear that several big cable companies continue to turn a deaf ear to football fans, blocking or charging extra for the most popular programming on TV. We in the NFL have been trying without success for months to negotiate with these companies for broader coverage.
The good news is that our nation's regulators are paying attention and keeping the fans in mind. Just last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau found that Comcast has discriminated against independent networks like NFL Network. The FCC Media Bureau found Time Warner guilty of the same type of anti-competitive behavior in a similar sports case. It is once again a reminder that these cable companies need to negotiate fairly, not discriminate.
Large cable companies discriminate against networks like NFL Network because we are independent. Have you ever wondered why you get the Golf Channel but not NFL Network? The Golf Channel is owned by Comcast, which makes the channel broadly available. Networks like NFL Network, Wealth TV, and a group of other sports and specialty programming options are not owned by the cable giants. Instead of negotiating with independent programmers, the cable giants discriminate against them in favor of their own.
Meanwhile, cable rates continue to go up. In the past decade, cable rates have increased significantly even though viewers are blocked from much independent programming. Despite what cable operators may say, the amount they pay for the channels you want to watch is not what determines the size of your cable bill.
The recent FCC Media Bureau rulings that Comcast and Time Warner Cable discriminated against NFL Network and other independent networks should be a big step forward for consumers and NFL fans. The FCC ordered additional proceedings for the case. But the cable companies continue to drag their feet and are now trying to delay the proceedings, virtually guaranteeing that yet another NFL season will pass before fans get TV they really want, like Thursday night's Steelers game.
You can take a stand. Contact your elected officials today. Tell them cable should stop the discrimination and give you NFL Network.
(The author is President & CEO of NFL Network)"