Blackhawks Organization Feeling The Pain With CHSN Disastrous Roll Out
Photo credit: The Brunswick News
It's been a tough couple of weeks for the Blackhawks organization as the rollout of their new CHSN network continues to be plagued with issues and lack of agreements.
It was announced this network was being created after NBC Chicago sports decided to cancel their regional coverage of the Blackhawks and other teams within the region. This lead Blackhawks chairman Danny Wirtz and Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf who owns the bulls and the White Sox to create this network to help Chicago area fans see their beloved teams.
But this rollout has not gone smoothly as negotiations have not borne any fruit in terms of a carriage agreement as chairman Wirtz explained in his interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.
«We are negotiating,» Wirtz said. «We're very flexible. Unfortunately, in these cases, it takes two sides to find the value in this, so that's where we're at right now. But I'm hopeful.»
Many networks including Hulu, Fubo and even YouTube television have preferred to distance themselves from regional sports as they prefer to continue their business model to the public. Wirtz felt CHSN would be a great way to give Chicago fans access to their teams but realized it will be much more difficult then anticipated.
«Our goal has been, and continues to be, to ensure that our games are in as many fans' pockets as possible, in whatever form that can take,» Wirtz said. «I acknowledge that, as we're doing this interview, it's not where we want [it] to be. We're disappointed we haven't reached full distribution of our goals, but we're hopeful that we're going to get there.»
But for the organizations case, this rollout has hurt their bottom line as they cannot acquire those funds and revenue from regional sports like before. They also realize that there could be side effects including loss in ticket sales and merchandise sales as fans feel less connected and disinterested in their product.
«What used to be more guaranteed media rights has shifted [to where] we're sort of in control of our revenue based on ad revenue,» Wirtz said. «The model has shifted. We're betting on ourselves that we can get back up there. In the short term, it's a factor.»
It's safe to say both organizations would like to have a deal in place as soon as possible and likely with Comcast as they would be the best choice for distribution and reach. In the meantime, Blackhawks and bulls fans will need to endure these issues with hope that they would be resolved soon.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 18 | 166 ANSWERS Blackhawks Organization Feeling The Pain With CHSN Disastrous Roll Out Do you think CHSN should be sold to Comcast to regain the Chicago viewership? | ||
| Yes - We would see our teams again | 119 | 71.7 % |
| No - it wont change anything | 47 | 28.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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