NBC Proposal To Split U.S. Nationals Coverage Over Two Weekends

[Tonichelle]

Toni - Can you let me know what were the historical facts about broadcasting.

RD has posted them throughout about the ratings of last years events.... we've also used the last few years of TV coverage to speculate as to what would happen this year.

I wasn't trying to gang up on you, I'm sorry you took it as such.

So I listed the points of what we should be looking for and hoping someone would get word on any or all of them:

I guess the point I was trying to make earlier is this - instead of just waiting you can be proactive and be the one that has the breaking cold hard facts for your questions. NBC and Cleveland nationals are just an email away. Otherwise you'll be 'forced' to wait all summer to possibly get the info on NBC's coverage for THIS SEASON ONLY. Networks are like ice skaters, they have a strategy as to what they let loose to the media. Just as some skaters don't give out info on their programs until we see them at their first competition, networks don't give out their season(s)'s broadcasting schedule until that season is upon us.

 

[R.D.]

[TV] Networks are like ice skaters, they have a strategy as to what they let loose to the media.

huh? what an analogy

 

[Tonichelle]

trying to keep it someone skating related in here...

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Here is the official USFS web page for the Cleveland Nationals.

http://www.usfigureskating.org/event_details.asp?id=37784

As you can see, the event is scheduled for Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, January 25th -- one week.

Thanks MM. That is the same length of scheduling with the split weekend schedules and that was what was scaring me. It does not show the schedule of individual events. However, one poster mentioned that it will be the same as in St.Paul. I will go along with that and book for Cleveland.

And there is no information on the role NBC will play in Cleveland. They may have learned something from St.Paul, and it could different somewhat. That's pure wait and see.

Edited to add. Here is the skating schedule for Skate America (Everett).

http://www.usfigureskating.org/event_details.asp?id=39830

Thursday, Oct. 23
Fan Fest Opens
**Practice Ice 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24
Practice Ice 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Session #1 Compulsory Dance 3:00 p.m.
Session #2 Pairs Short Program; Men's Short Program 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25th
Session #3 Original Dance; Pairs Free Skate 2:00 p.m.
Session #4 Ladies Short program; Men’s Free Skate 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 26th
Session #5 Free Dance; Ladies Free Skate 11:00 a.m.
Session #6 Skating Spectacular - Exhibition of Champions 5 p.m.

The official site does not say which events will be televised. The ladies free skate would be going on some time in the afternoon on Sunday (EST).[/QUOTE]
Gps take less organization than Nats so scheduling will not be a problem. As for TV, could be interference with NBC Sports schedule already set in stone.

It's IceNetwork for me on this one.

We have to look for other sources for TV coverage of the GPs. I'm not sure IceNetwork will cover these either, although I hope so.
Nothing is set in stone in 2009 including its SA and only Worlds in 2010.

If anyone hears of some concrete information, please advise.

Joe

 

[Tonichelle]

AFAIK - IceNetwork only has contracts for events in the US which means they'll cover Skate America, but I haven't read anything that says they have a contract with the ISU to show the other GP events.

 

[visaliakid]

AFAIK - IceNetwork only has contracts for events in the US which means they'll cover Skate America, but I haven't read anything that says they have a contract with the ISU to show the other GP events.

I was recently told by USFS Online Media Rep that IceNetwork is in talks with ISU to obtain U.S. webcast rights for the GP events next season. We will see if they are successful.

 

[R.D.]

^ That is excellent news. I wonder if the subscription rate will increase as a result.

 

[Tonichelle]

It might have to depending on the contract price, we're talking $peedy here.

 

[merrybari]

Saturday, Oct. 25th
Session #3 Original Dance; Pairs Free Skate 2:00 p.m.
Session #4 Ladies Short program; Men’s Free Skate 7:00 p.m.
The official site does not say which events will be televised. The ladies free skate would be going on some time in the afternoon on Sunday (EST).
Gps take less organization than Nats so scheduling will not be a problem. As for TV, could be interference with NBC Sports schedule already set in stone.
Joe

Looks like they've stuck it to the men again - giving them a time slot that puts them on the ice when it's the "wee small hours" on the east coast. I find this rather surprising - you'd've thought they'd take a lesson from Spokane now that the men seem to be the headline event. (And considering the higher ratings in St. Paul.) So I suspect any TV coverage they DO get will be delayed.

Won't matter all that much to me as I hope to be there, but still will want to record for later. The jury is still out for me on NBC being a better deal.

 

[merrybari]

I was recently told by USFS Online Media Rep that IceNetwork is in talks with ISU to obtain U.S. webcast rights for the GP events next season. We will see if they are successful.

Very good news indeed! Even with an increase at least we'd get to see something.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

RD has posted them throughout about the ratings of last years events.... we've also used the last few years of TV coverage to speculate as to what would happen this year.

I wasn't trying to gang up on you, I'm sorry you took it as such.



I guess the point I was trying to make earlier is this - instead of just waiting you can be proactive and be the one that has the breaking cold hard facts for your questions. NBC and Cleveland nationals are just an email away. Otherwise you'll be 'forced' to wait all summer to possibly get the info on NBC's coverage for THIS SEASON ONLY. Networks are like ice skaters, they have a strategy as to what they let loose to the media. Just as some skaters don't give out info on their programs until we see them at their first competition, networks don't give out their season(s)'s broadcasting schedule until that season is upon us.

The point was that all these historical(?) facts scattered about including comments of many posters of Mr. Hersch remarks. I basically did that on the previous page, so that interested parties know what's going on in chronological order. It was meant for all - not just of few. It was not necessary for me to call anyone about this. I am aware that you don't know anymore than me. I don't know why you are telling me what to do since I am seeking posters who do know. It's not a rush rush. Some of us actually like the Sport for what it is and not because it's something to talk about. You might learn to PM someone instead of publically demeaning them. I consider that an infraction.

Joe

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I was recently told by USFS Online Media Rep that IceNetwork is in talks with ISU to obtain U.S. webcast rights for the GP events next season. We will see if they are successful.

When IceNetwork first came on the scene, they showed Russian Nats (men's division) which I watched. I guess they dealt with the Russian Fed for that since the ISU does not dictate to the Feds.

Pete - Do you remember if IceNetwork carried any international competitions last season? I was busy with ESPN360 which was wonderful so I didn't need IceNetwork.

PS. Just checked IceNetwork and they did cover the Junior Worlds Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Joe

 

[waxel]

icenetwork carrying GP's would be good news. Not as good as watching on a TV, but certainly better than nothing. ESPN360 had good coverage- but it didn't include commentary. And although I could do with out the continuous blathering that has long been discussed--- it is easier for me to follow with some kind of analysis. Guess mention of ESPN360 or ESPN at all is moot since the contract has expired.

Perhaps icenetwork will carry GP's and hire Paul Wiley?! Sweet.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Perhaps icenetwork will carry GP's and hire Paul Wiley?! Sweet.

Doesn't Kerrigan do commentary? She may not want to travel the world, though.

Joe

 

[merrybari]

Doesn't Kerrigan do commentary? She may not want to travel the world, though.

Joe

Yes - she's currently working for IceNet for the US stuff at least. I'd applaud Wylie being added. He's minimal but astute and objective. I like his style!

 

[Mathman]

Looks like they've stuck it to the men again - giving them a time slot that puts them on the ice when it's the "wee small hours" on the east coast. I find this rather surprising - you'd've thought they'd take a lesson from Spokane now that the men seem to be the headline event...

Yes, very interesting.

I think the TV networks still think that figure skating is a girls sport and the only way to attract a broad audience is to latch onto the next ice princess to promote.

To fans like us, it seems like it is just the opposite nowadays. The men's and dance divisions are by far the most exciting in the U.S.

 

[sillylionlove]

For people who have ice network...I have a question....does it work with dial up? Yes I am in the stone age and don't have high speed.