Post by Jack on Apr 1, 2005 10:51:25 GMT -5
It now appears that a new regional sports network will be created to broadcast the Nats immediately and the O's as soon as their deal with Comcast Sports Net expires in 2007. Angelos and the Orioles will have a majority stake in the network, with MLB/Nats getting increasing shares over time and receiving rights fees of $25-30 million from the network. Leaving aside the multiple implications for the region's two baseball franchises, I wonder if this new network will provide a local outlet for Georgetown basketball games and increased Big East coverage.
MASN is not proposed as a replacement for CSN, but appears to be more of a competitor. That could make it difficult to get the network on Comcast systems, but it also means that there will be increased demand for sports programming to fill two local sports outlets. CSN has been the outlet for ACC games and Fox Sports Net programming, so MASN will need to pick up some other coverage to fill its schedule, particularly in the baseball offseason. My hope is that the network will pick up more Georgetown games and other Big East coverage like YES and MSG do in NYC. It seems natural to have a new network pick up a resurgent program in what may be the best conference in college hoops. Currently DC is the only market in the conference that does not have a true local host for Big East TV programming. I hope someone in Providence or at McDonough sees this opportunity and jumps to take advantage.
MASN is not proposed as a replacement for CSN, but appears to be more of a competitor. That could make it difficult to get the network on Comcast systems, but it also means that there will be increased demand for sports programming to fill two local sports outlets. CSN has been the outlet for ACC games and Fox Sports Net programming, so MASN will need to pick up some other coverage to fill its schedule, particularly in the baseball offseason. My hope is that the network will pick up more Georgetown games and other Big East coverage like YES and MSG do in NYC. It seems natural to have a new network pick up a resurgent program in what may be the best conference in college hoops. Currently DC is the only market in the conference that does not have a true local host for Big East TV programming. I hope someone in Providence or at McDonough sees this opportunity and jumps to take advantage.
