KJZZ makes revised offer to DirecTV
Talked to Jazz president Randy Rigby this afternoon about the DirecTV/KJZZ standoff. He said that KJZZ had revised its programming fee request to DirecTV, but the satellite provider seemed unwilling to do anything until it saw the response from fans.
From his research into similar agreements, Rigby said KJZZ's revised offer was more than fair and something that DirectTV had "no reason" not to accept. He also called it a "sad statement to the consumers" that DirecTV wasn't being more proactive.
I asked whether the issue was KJZZ being a station not affiliated with a major network. Rigby said there were examples in which DirecTV had paid programming fees to such stations with highly rated local newscasts or sports properties.
"It's the relevancy of the programming we offer," Rigby said.
He also noted that not paying for KJZZ - - and, by extension, Jazz games - - diminishes DirecTV's sales pitch of offering the most sports options as well as the most HD programming. All Jazz games on KJZZ are broadcast in HD.
As for only carrying 16 Jazz games, Rigby said the Jazz were planning to televise 20 or 22 games on KJZZ but ran into conflicts with ESPN and TNT, which are the NBA's cable partners. The number of Jazz games on KJZZ will increase next season.
--Ross Siler
From his research into similar agreements, Rigby said KJZZ's revised offer was more than fair and something that DirectTV had "no reason" not to accept. He also called it a "sad statement to the consumers" that DirecTV wasn't being more proactive.
I asked whether the issue was KJZZ being a station not affiliated with a major network. Rigby said there were examples in which DirecTV had paid programming fees to such stations with highly rated local newscasts or sports properties.
"It's the relevancy of the programming we offer," Rigby said.
He also noted that not paying for KJZZ - - and, by extension, Jazz games - - diminishes DirecTV's sales pitch of offering the most sports options as well as the most HD programming. All Jazz games on KJZZ are broadcast in HD.
As for only carrying 16 Jazz games, Rigby said the Jazz were planning to televise 20 or 22 games on KJZZ but ran into conflicts with ESPN and TNT, which are the NBA's cable partners. The number of Jazz games on KJZZ will increase next season.
--Ross Siler
3:22 PM
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3 Comments:
Hi Ross:
I called the number mentioned in a KSL radio ad to express my displeasure at Direct TV's cancellation of the KJAZZ contract. The woman with whom I spoke seemed neither sympathetic nor very knowledgeable about the issue. She is probably at the company's headquarters out of state. The number the ad suggested fans call is 1-800-531-5000.
Thanks for updating the issue in the Trib. I'm hoping Driect TV will change its mind.
Julie
Hello Ross:
I, too, called the 1-800-531-5000 last Saturday. The young man I spoke to didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. After explaining numerous times why I was calling, he finally gave me the blanket statement "a network decision, bla, bla, bla" and he could do nothing about it. I then logged onto the DirecTV site, and submitted my comments. Much to my surprise I did receive a reply, but again the standard statement "a network decision...bla, bla, bla". I also sent an e-mail to the SL Tribune Sports Editor and Public Forum. Perhaps if enough Utah Jazz fans complain, maybe they will actually listen. I know you will keep us posted! Thanks for your efforts...
Ann
I plan to contact Direct TV in a minute also, and tell them I plan to cancel my $80 a month subscription and sign on with a more forward programming provider if they (Direct TV) cannot be more responsive to the wants of the local viewing audience.
Shawna
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