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Chron: 60 Rockets Games Not on Local TV Next Season Outside Houston

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Jeff, Apr 20, 2005.

  1. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    This was just slipped into the story about the Astros broadcast schedule this year but it will effect the Rockets next season unless they fix it, which sounds unlikely. If you live just outside the Houston area, this will definitely effect you.

    http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3143905

    Astros fans are caught in middle
    40 games won't be shown because of dispute between cable systems, FSN
    By DAVID BARRON
    Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

    About 150,000 cable subscribers in Conroe, Huntsville, Bryan-College Station and a dozen other towns will not receive about 40 Astros games this season, beginning tonight, and 60 Rockets games next season from FSN Houston because of a fee dispute.

    The Astros' games tonight and Thursday night against the Brewers, Friday and Sunday against the Cardinals and, Monday and Tuesday against the Pirates are the first games that will not be seen by subscribers to Cox, Northland, Cable One and Charter cable companies.

    FSN Houston added the games to its previous schedule of 90 Astros games under its new contract with the Rockets and Astros, which could total $600 million over the next 12 years, and assessed cable companies a fee. Industry sources estimate the fee at 45 cents per subscriber per month.

    "We're asking our distributors to help us absorb the costs," FSN Houston spokesman Ramon Alvarez said. "Some operators have elected to take the games, and some have not. That's their decision, and we respect it."

    Cox systems affected are in Conroe; Huntsville; Livingston; Bryan-College Station; Corrigan; De Ridder, La.; Hearne; Lake Charles, La.; Lufkin; Nacogdoches; Victoria; and Sulphur, La. Also affected are Northland systems in Brenham, New Caney, Navasota and Brookshire; Cable One in Port Lavaca; and Charter in Centerville, Palacios, Manvel, Montgomery County, Wharton and Iowa, La.

    Rather than pass on the cost to subscribers, Cox Communications spokeswoman Stacey Rugh said the company declined to pay the fee.

    "When we make decisions based on programming, we look at the greatest common interest for our customers," Rugh said. "(The Astros and Rockets) appeal to only a small percentage of the population."
     
  2. Severe Rockets Fan

    Severe Rockets Fan Takin it one stage at a time...

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    I have a feeling this will be straightened out. There's plenty of time to fix the dispute, plus, they'd have to open up a new customer service dept. to handle the fury of complaints that would be thrown their way. :)
     
  3. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Contributing Member

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  4. DaDakota

    DaDakota If you want to know, just ask!

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    Thank God for league pass.
     
  5. solid

    solid Contributing Member

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    This is horrible timing for the fans; who wants to hear this as the team enters the playoffs. Those responsible for the business side of things are so focused on greed that they are missing life. How demotivating. Many of us (probably 1000's) have enjoyed the FSSW broadcasts and to hear that next year we won't get to see them is too frustrating. If all parties don't settle this quickly, they are going to pay a price in fan support. Those out of Houston may not be able to attend as many games as those who live there, but we do make a few per season, and we buy Rocket-related products, and we do look at the commercials during the broadcasts. To cut us out of the loop reminds me of an old adage, "out of sight, out of mind."
     
  6. Faos

    Faos Contributing Member

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    Talk about a slap in the face:

    Of what population?

    Oh, that's right. I'm sure there on NO Rockets fans in Conroe; Huntsville; Livingston; Bryan-College Station; Corrigan; De Ridder, La.; Hearne; Lake Charles, La.; Lufkin; Nacogdoches; Victoria; and Sulphur, La. Also affected are Northland systems in Brenham, New Caney, Navasota and Brookshire; Cable One in Port Lavaca; and Charter in Centerville, Palacios, Manvel, Montgomery County, Wharton and Iowa, La
     
  7. Willis25

    Willis25 Contributing Member

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    OK CONROE... (as Rome would say) its time to bang your MONKEY


    [​IMG]
     
  8. SoSoDef76

    SoSoDef76 Contributing Member

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    There's a major cable dispute going on in NY between Time Warner and Cablevision (which owns the rights to broadcast Knicks, Mets and Rangers games). People here have been complaining for months.
     
  9. Rockets34Legend

    Rockets34Legend Contributing Member

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    Ditto that. Can't stand watching this Mavericks crap in Dallas.
     
  10. rrj_gamz

    rrj_gamz Contributing Member

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    Me too...FSN is all about the Mavs and that sux...
     
  11. MrRolo

    MrRolo Contributing Member

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    No!! I watch games both here in Houston and out in Conroe...... This sucks! I have only missed 5 games in 4 years! :( :( :(
     
  12. WizzyWig

    WizzyWig Member

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    Try living in San Antonio, if you thought seeing/hearing Mavs all the time was bad...


    Does this new deal affect Astros broadcasts in San Antonio?
     

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