MLB Network
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This article or section contains information about scheduled or expected future events. It may contain tentative information; the content may change as the event approaches and more information becomes available. |
MLB Network is a television specialty channel, primarily owned by Major League Baseball, set to launch on January 1, 2009 into over 50,000,000 homes in the United States.[1] Comcast, DirecTV, Time Warner and Cox Communications have minority ownership of the new network, with MLB retaining a controlling two-thirds share.[2] The channel is building its state-of-the-art headquarters in Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood. Profitability is expected by the end of 2009, according to industry sources. And by 2015, revenue from cable subscriber fees and advertising is projected to soar beyond $210 million, with a net value easily exceeding $1 billion.[1]
MLB is the last major North American professional sports league to launch its own network. NBA TV dates back to 1999, the NFL Network to 2003, and the NHL Network to 2005. However, MLBN will have the most households of these four networks when it launches, largely because of the financial participation of the cable systems.
Tony Pettitti, former executive producer of CBS Sports, was recently named the network's first president.
[edit] Content
MLB network expects to carry 26 live baseball games in 2009 and Saturday night is the most likely timeslot these games will air in.[3] Other early programming will include portions of the 2009 World Baseball Classic as well as highlights, studio programming, international and development league games, and archival material. Also in the works is a nightly news and highlight show patterned after ESPN's Baseball Tonight.[1]
[edit] Carriage
The network has signed contracts with 36 cable and satellite carriers.[3] In a deal that may be copied by other sports league owned channels, MLB tied carriage of the MLB Network to the ability to carry the popular out of market Extra Innings programming. In return, cable and satellite providers were offered a minority share of the new network.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Eric Fisher & John Ourand (2008-03-31). Fitting the pieces of the MLB Network. Sports Business Journal. Retrieved on 2008-04-15.
- ^ John Helyar (2007-12-27). In stare-down with Big Cable over Pats-Giants, the NFL blinked. ESPN.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-27.
- ^ a b Dave Sheinin (2007-05-18). MLB Network Closer to Fruition. Washington Post. Retrieved on 2007-12-21.
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| Major League Baseball on national television |
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| Contract history: Sports television broadcast contracts | Television contracts |
| Broadcast partners: ABC | CBS | ESPN | FOX | NBC | TBS | USA |
| Major League Baseball owned and operated entites: The Baseball Network | Extra Innings | MLB Network |
| General media: Game of the Week | Monday Night | DayGame | Wednesday Night | Thursday Night | Sunday Night | Baseball Night in America |
| Local broadcasters: Regional sports networks | Superstations | Current announcers | Braves TBS Baseball | Marlins Television Network |
| News television series: Baseball Tonight | An Inside Look | This Week in Baseball | Race for the Pennant |
| Speciality programming: The Baseball Bunch | Home Run Derby |
| Ratings: World Series television ratings | ABC | CBS | FOX | NBC | TBS |
| Broadcasters by event: World Series | ALCS | NLCS | All-Star Game | ALDS | NLDS | One-game playoffs |
| Landmark events: Cable television | Broadcasting firsts | Telecasts technology |
