Bob Johnson to Start new Regional Sports Network for CLT NBA Team?

It looks like he is going to take a page out of Shinnridge's book; Start his own regional sports network for his new NBA vs. simply airing the games on FOX SPORTS SOUTH . . . I can see how in a market where if you own multiple teams (i.e. YES Network in NY owns the Nets, Yankees, & Devils) you could make it work. But what would you program on non-game nights ? ? WOuld it just be generic programming? What does that COX SPORTS TV in Nola show on non-Hornets game nights? Only thing I could see happening is if this new network shows Southern Conference hoops/football games and other small college games. It would work better if the Carolina Hurricanes would move to the network, but they already have a new 5 year contract with FOX SPORTS SOUTH so they aren't moving anytime soon . . .


If Bob does decide to do it, he might have an easier time getting cable companies to sign up. TIME WARNER CABLE have cable outlets in the major markets in NC (Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Winston Salem-Greensboro). But as we've seen with COX SPORTS TV in Nola & the YES Network in NY, the sticky part would be coming to an agreement with other cable companies to carry their new RSN (some folks in NY still can't get YES Network because of a dispute with Cablevision while COX in Nola still can't reach an agreement with other area cable companies to carry their new Hornets themed regional sports network). But at least if Bob can get this thing going quickly, they would have at least a year to reach an agreement with the other cable companies to carry the channel . .



Bob Johnson to Start New Regional Sports Network for our new NBA Team

 

Bump . . . The first employee would be . . . JIM NOBLE !!!!! He's not doing much for FOX SPORTS SOUTH now . . He could anchor the nightly wrapup show, wouldn't you agree ? ? ? ?

 

The thing you must remember....

...about Mr. Johnson, is that when he started BET, it was a 2 hour a day network. The only showed videos for 2 HOURS A DAY....and look at BET today...a VERY SUCCESSFUL cable channel that he was able to turn a MONTROUS profit on. Mr. Johnson doesn't get involved in losing ventures, so if he was to start a regional network, I would have to give it a chance and let it run before I passed judgment on it. Just my .02......

 

Re: The thing you must remember....

Mike: I see where your coming from, but I would think Mr. Johnson would still have to convince smaller cable companies throughout the Carolinas to carry a network that might only have a few hours of original programming each night at the beginning. Hooking up with TIME WARNER CABLE would give him a good start, but to get the most exposure for the new NBA team he would have to be on as many cable outlets as possible. Look at the problem COX SPORTS TV/Hornets are having in Louisana (COX CABLE and the other cable outlets in the Nola area can't agree on the right amount they should be charged to carry this new network, thus Hornets fans in outlaying fans suffer) and with YES NETWORK & Cablevision in NY-NJ-CT area (Same problem above). If Mr. Johnson wants to start this network, he needs to go ahead and start planning for it now; Will it be a basic or pay channel, compensation fees, programming schedule, etc. so by November 2004 when __________ debuts for NBA Team #2, there won't be any problems (i.e. fans in select markets can't see the games).

 

there is a precedent for a joint-venture

Comcast SportsNet in the Washington/Baltimore & Philadelphia areas are joint ventures with Fox Sports Net/National Sports Partners.

Comcast does have the majority and uses Fox Sports Net programming outside of it's own.

Comcast has been in the game a while and is carried on virtually all cable systems in its market, irregardless of company. Keep in mind that in it's market, it's the Mac Daddy of Multiple System Operators. TimeWarner, Cox, Charter, Adelphia, and RCN are represented.

As for Cox Sports Television, I have family on a Cox system in lower alabama (NW Florida) that cannot receive this channel. It's possible there could be territorial restrictions, possibly the Orlando Magic NBA market/Sunshine Network {btw, another joint venture}.

When the Hornets are not on, CST uses ESPN News, ESPN Regional Television (ESPN +) games, and ESPN Outdoors to help fill time.

www.coxsportstelevision.com
www.comcastsportsnet.com {choose washington or philly with a browser cookie}

 

Well, I'll say this...

...if Mr. Johnson does start up a network (regional and the like), he will find MANY on air people ready and willing to help it launch, so his thirst for programming may be quenched with local shows, local wrap up shows, call in talk format, NASCAR related programming...it's all out there, just looking for a (or another) home. I think he would probably try to land Canes pucks, and other Fox regional programming too, and hey let's not overlook the CIAA....Johnson founded BET, and the CIAA is a predominantly black college league that gets little or no pub or respect. Again, just my .02

 

Solarte is right on the money because there are a lot potential sporting events that could be available. Imagine state highschool championships on air, lots and lots of small college sports, football, basketball and maybe even some basement and non=revenue sports. The possibilities are endless.

 

Bump . . . . More info from this Friday's CLT DISTURBER Sports Biz column on Bob Johnson's proposal to start a new regional sports network for his new NBA team . . . Perhaps this could work after all . .



More details on Bob Johnson's Proposed Regional Sports Network