They could negotiate increased rights fees with Fox in exchange for control of the network. Fox would love to expand their already struggling FS1/FS2/FSN brand with control of another RSN that already is up and running, and they've already got carriage deals with all the other networks. FSSW in the Houston area gets absorbed with CSN-H in the process, and FSN-Houston is reborn... this time with a better studio, bigger staff, and better programming.
If DirecTV gets in on this I'll be a happy guy, except on days like this where my signal goes in and out cause its raining.
Me too. I have no way of getting Comcast in the Beaumont area and from all the bad things I read about them, I am not 100% sure I would if I could. Although watching the Rockets would be a very tempting reason to switch.
I hate Fox Sports. Last year when I posted the Q&A I attended with Tad Brown, he said Fox offered the most money, but they felt neglected by them and were impressed by Comcast and everything they offered (new studio, original programming, better broadcast, etc.). If they go anywhere, I hope it's DirecTV, which will likely end up being ROOT Sports Houston. They already have ROOT Rocky Mountain, which broadcasts Jazz and Colorado Rockies games, ROOT Pittsburgh, and the new ROOT Northwest for the Mariners/Sounders.
FSN offered the most guaranteed money but the Astros/Rox weren't going to get a significant ownership stake (if any at all.) I'm rooting for ROOT.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>NBC/Comcast statement on Judge Isgur's ruling is as follows:</p>— David Barron (@dfbarron) <a href="https://twitter.com/dfbarron/statuses/395660406850473985">October 30, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>"Comcast/NBCUniversal and its affiliates are pleased with Judge Isgur's order, and believe that it preserves CSN Houston's assets ...</p>— David Barron (@dfbarron) <a href="https://twitter.com/dfbarron/statuses/395660526228762624">October 30, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>"and ability to provide its valuable programming. We welcome the Astros' efforts as lead negotiator to serve the Network's best interests...</p>— David Barron (@dfbarron) <a href="https://twitter.com/dfbarron/statuses/395660703622635520">October 30, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>"and look forward to an improved future for all partners."</p>— David Barron (@dfbarron) <a href="https://twitter.com/dfbarron/statuses/395660771394199552">October 30, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Anyone thinking that Comcast is just going to go silently into the night is in for a rude awakening. Someone's going to have to offer a lot of cash to get rid of the C in CSN. They want their long term profits just like Crane.
You are correct they will go kicking and screaming but the Judge holds the cards. They kind of shot themselves in the foot by declaring bankruptcy. Of course there are always appeals that could drag this on for months, years, etc.......
The judge isn't going to approve a deal that Comcast opposes where Comcast gets screwed. They have a legit business interest. The judge isn't just going to waive them off. And if he did, Comcast would appeal and probably get an order to prevent the transition while the appeal is heard.
Crane likely trades possible future profits for guaranteed increased cash now... and Fox would likely outbid DTV to get control of the network. It all will come down to who would be the biggest bidder... and I could see Fox winning that battle easily.
They didn't offer an ownership stake, thus why they went with Comcast. I think if Fox offers the most money now, they get the rights.
They likely agree... but right in line with their role in this so far, they'll announce it 2 weeks later.
I agree, but I do think the Astros have leverage here if the alternative is that the Judge allows the Astros to walk, leading the Rockets to walk, and CSN-H to actually go under. In that scenario, Comcast gets little to nothing. So it may be a matter of just giving something reasonable to Comcast to walk away.
Comcast strikes me as the type that gets exactly what they want, and if not they'll litigate to the end. They don't strike me as the type of organization that will realistically reevaluate the situation, and accept being pushed out for a cash payment. The whole bankruptcy gambit seems to me to indicate a preference for rolling the dice. According to google, the company repurchased $500 mil in stock last quarter. Recouping part of their $100 mil investment doesn't seem like it would weigh much next to giving away a significant market to their competition.
some people will never get directv because of their placement next to a mountain. that just trips me out
Charlie Palilo said earlier that he feels the ruling means the Astros have until December 12 and if nothing gets done, the Astros have to take the DirecTv carriage deal that is on the table
before this thread i would have said no way directv buys in. i've learned a lot in here. i hope that happens
