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Collapse of Time Warner-Comcast merger could extend Dodgers TV impasse indefinitely
Orange County Register ^ | April 23, 2015 | Michael Lev

Posted on 04/24/2015 1:25:36 PM PDT by EveningStar

It appears the long, frustrating wait for Dodgers fans hoping to see their team on TV will continue indefinitely.

Multiple reports Thursday indicated the proposed merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable – distributor of the Dodgers-owned SportsNet LA – was on the verge of collapsing. The merger between the companies had been viewed as a potential solution to the distribution impasse that has prevented about 70 percent of the local market from seeing the majority of Dodgers games since the start of last season.

The collapse of that deal means "the status quo remains in place," said sports-media consultant Lee Berke, president and CEO of LHB Sports, Entertainment & Media Inc. "It's not something Dodgers fans want to hear. You're still going to have Time Warner Cable negotiating with distributors, and distributors resisting."

(Excerpt) Read more at ocregister.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Sports; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: california; comcast; comcasttwcmerger; dodgers; losangeles; southerncalifornia; sportsnetla; timewarner; timewarnercable

1 posted on 04/24/2015 1:25:36 PM PDT by EveningStar
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To: 5th MEB; AgThorn; al baby; BAW; bboop; BenLurkin; Bob J; Bon of Babble; BunnySlippers; bunster; ...
SoCal Ping!

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2 posted on 04/24/2015 1:26:03 PM PDT by EveningStar
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To: EveningStar

How about we few Dodger fans on the East Coast? The only time I get to watch my beloved Dodgers is when they are beating the Nats...


3 posted on 04/24/2015 1:28:26 PM PDT by rjsimmon (The Tree of Liberty Thirsts)
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To: rjsimmon

Look into MLB-TV. I think it’s terrific.


4 posted on 04/24/2015 1:32:53 PM PDT by JennysCool (My hypocrisy goes only so far)
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To: EveningStar
I think the Dodgers may have to completely redo their TV contract so it is way less onerous to DirecTV, Dish Network and other southern California cable companies. I wouldn't be surprised that under pressure from MLB offices, this change will come to pass.

After all, when the Yankees' YES Network first started, Cablevision refused to carry it; it was only enormous pressure from the MLB league offices that finally forced Cablevision owner James Dolan to back down.

5 posted on 04/24/2015 1:36:50 PM PDT by RayChuang88 (FairTax: America's economic cure)
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To: EveningStar

I want FCC investigate this I hear story they going to do it investgate this term I want one Dodger game with Vin Scully calling it ES

Before he died he is Lion in winter in broadcasting


6 posted on 04/24/2015 1:55:54 PM PDT by SevenofNine (We are Freepers, all your media bases belong to us ,resistance is futile)
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To: JennysCool
MLB TV is the only way to go. Every game everywhere.

My Tigers are never blacked out and I live six miles from Comerica.

7 posted on 04/24/2015 1:59:30 PM PDT by Former Proud Canadian (Save Western Civilization. Embrace the new Crusades.)
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To: EveningStar

I can’t understand why these folks can’t agree to arbitrate — and to place any cable-TV fees for Dodgers’ games into a kind of escrow in the meantime. Just blacking out the games is self-defeating silliness, particularly where the tickets either are 90% sold out and/or many would-be viewers are not within driving distance to the games anyway.


8 posted on 04/24/2015 2:09:49 PM PDT by pogo101
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To: pogo101
I can’t understand why these folks can’t agree to arbitrate — and to place any cable-TV fees for Dodgers’ games into a kind of escrow in the meantime. Just blacking out the games is self-defeating silliness, particularly where the tickets either are 90% sold out and/or many would-be viewers are not within driving distance to the games anyway.

The current MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred--unlike Bud Selig--is a lot more open than Bud Selig to resolving issues like this. After all, they're already started to enforce time limits for batters and pitchers, which has already cut 10 to 18 minutes off the time of a nine-inning game. Because the Dodgers is one of the crown jewel franchises of the MLB, this is why I think the MLB league offices may step in and force the Dodgers to re-do their TV contract so it makes it easier for DirecTV, Dish Network and non-Time Warner cable systems in the Los Angeles area to get SportsNet LA.

9 posted on 04/24/2015 2:27:10 PM PDT by RayChuang88 (FairTax: America's economic cure)
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To: pogo101

time weiner wants 4.99 per subscriber and no one is going to pay that...


10 posted on 04/24/2015 3:25:54 PM PDT by markman46 (engage brain before using keyboard!!!)
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To: EveningStar

So what and who cares?


11 posted on 04/24/2015 3:26:51 PM PDT by mulligan (I)
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To: EveningStar

I’m not blaming Time Warner for seeing a business opportunity and nabbing it, I’ll blame the Dodgers for selling exclusive access to the broadcast rights for the games. Seems like a great way to tick off your fans, but hey, they made off with billions, and I think Time Warner is going to come out positive financially on it.


12 posted on 04/24/2015 4:40:54 PM PDT by kingu (Everything starts with slashing the size and scope of the federal government.)
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To: EveningStar
As an Angels fan, my interest in the Dodgers is secondary. However I am rapidly losing interest in the team as it is impossible to follow their progress because of this restrictive TV deal.

I feel sorry for Dodgers fans who do not have Time Warner.

13 posted on 04/24/2015 7:49:30 PM PDT by Churchillspirit (9/11/2001 and 9/11/2012: NEVER FORGET.)
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To: JennysCool
Look into MLB-TV. I think it's terrific.

I have that on Direct TV. Still cannot get the Dodgers here in the LA area.

14 posted on 04/24/2015 7:51:09 PM PDT by Churchillspirit (9/11/2001 and 9/11/2012: NEVER FORGET.)
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To: SevenofNine

Could you repeat that in English, please ?


15 posted on 04/24/2015 7:52:42 PM PDT by Churchillspirit (9/11/2001 and 9/11/2012: NEVER FORGET.)
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