The new Super League is going down the tubes.

[The Rube]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Looks like NBC and Versus might be breaking ground into the college hockey broadcasting market as early as next season. If that is the case, it seems likely the pieces will fall into place for the coveted NCHC TV deal with NBC Sports Group and then the inevitable...the Dame from Notre will follow the money trail.

Versus seems to be the guinea pig of sorts. I imagine if this somehow works out in ratings (doubt it), then NBC might push for a Sunday Doubleheader involving college/pro hockey (in the NFL offseason, of course). I do give credit to Vs for showing NHL games (and pursuing the league) and more credit for at least considering showing college hockey. Hope it works out for everyone.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Versus seems to be the guinea pig of sorts. I imagine if this somehow works out in ratings (doubt it), then NBC might push for a Sunday Doubleheader involving college/pro hockey (in the NFL offseason, of course). I do give credit to Vs for showing NHL games (and pursuing the league) and more credit for at least considering showing college hockey. Hope it works out for everyone.

With the recent and unprecedented NBC TV deal with the NHL, there's little doubt within the industry that Versus/NBC is the new hub for hockey broadcasting in the US. They apparently believe they've got a legitimate shot at capturing a market share of the Big Ten Network's future college hockey viewership too. NBC Sports Group is no doubt basing some of their potential ratings projections for college hockey on three very promising demographics: 1) more people are tuning into hockey than ever before, 2) 81% of their NHL viewership are college graduates, and 3) 63% of households tuning into hockey have children.

Like the BTN, they'll also implement creative ways to tweek and manipulate sports program scheduling as you rightly pointed out, and advertising to increase the marketability and ratings for college hockey. Sports media has become so influential in this country that they can essentially create public demand for sports entertainment based upon a very specific marketing strategy over time. Perhaps that's why they are so eager to jump in and pioneer a national market before the BTN broadcasts BTHC games. I think of it as based somewhat on the same premise as bias news reporting, "Our job is to give people not what they want, but what we decide they ought to have", Richard Salent, former president, CBS News.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Versus seems to be the guinea pig of sorts. I imagine if this somehow works out in ratings (doubt it), then NBC might push for a Sunday Doubleheader involving college/pro hockey (in the NFL offseason, of course). I do give credit to Vs for showing NHL games (and pursuing the league) and more credit for at least considering showing college hockey. Hope it works out for everyone.

Call me a pessimist, but getting into TV programming is very tough. If pro hockey double headers don't make it...I don't see a University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha game being shown. Heck I don't see that programming showing up in Minneapolis, let alone anywhere else.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Call me a pessimist, but getting into TV programming is very tough. If pro hockey double headers don't make it...I don't see a University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha game being shown. Heck I don't see that programming showing up in Minneapolis, let alone anywhere else.

They will be more likely to show Notre Dame vs. North Dakota. During the telecasts they will be saying, "There's Rocco Grimaldi, a Florida Panthers draft pick." Between periods they will probably go back to the Versus NHL Studio and give NHL updates and pimp upcoming NHL broadcasts on Versus & NBC.

When you take a snap shot of Versus current programming on any day or evening of the year its not such a reach to see college hockey.

As long as the programming comes with advertising sponsorship they will apparently air anything.

CAMO LIFE
BABE WINKELMAN
INTREPID OUTDOORS
ANGLER WEST TV
AMERICANA OUTDOORS
BACKWOODS ANGLER
SEASONS ON THE FLY
BOB REDFERN'S OUTDOOR MAGAZINE

 

[4four4]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Perhaps that's why they are so eager to jump in and pioneer a national market before the BTN broadcasts BTHC games.

Credit me if I am wrong but hasn't the BTN already pioneered college hockey games nationally?

 

[Flashy Man]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

As long as the programming comes with advertising sponsorship they will apparently air anything.

Babe Winkelman is a ****ing legend!

 

[willythekid]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Babe Winkelman is a ****ing legend!

Bill effing Dance is a legend...

 

[Happy]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

They will be more likely to show Notre Dame vs. North Dakota. During the telecasts they will be saying, "There's Rocco Grimaldi, a Florida Panthers draft pick." Between periods they will probably go back to the Versus NHL Studio and give NHL updates and pimp upcoming NHL broadcasts on Versus & NBC.

When you take a snap shot of Versus current programming on any day or evening of the year its not such a reach to see college hockey.

As long as the programming comes with advertising sponsorship they will apparently air anything.

Those aren't real sports, we need some poker and cheerleader tryouts.

 

[Almington]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

They will be more likely to show Notre Dame vs. North Dakota. During the telecasts they will be saying, "There's Rocco Grimaldi, a Florida Panthers draft pick." Between periods they will probably go back to the Versus NHL Studio and give NHL updates and pimp upcoming NHL broadcasts on Versus & NBC.

When you take a snap shot of Versus current programming on any day or evening of the year its not such a reach to see college hockey.

As long as the programming comes with advertising sponsorship they will apparently air anything.

Provided that the schools themselves cover the on-site production costs of the broadcasts, I see very-little downside for Vs/NBC/Comcast to try out College Hockey for a season or two to see how it goes. I think that the key to any deal is going to be Notre Dame because of their nationally recognized name and current relationship with NBC.

 

[manurespreader]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

They will be more likely to show Notre Dame vs. North Dakota. During the telecasts they will be saying, "There's Rocco Grimaldi, a Florida Panthers draft pick." Between periods they will probably go back to the Versus NHL Studio and give NHL updates and pimp upcoming NHL broadcasts on Versus & NBC.

When you take a snap shot of Versus current programming on any day or evening of the year its not such a reach to see college hockey.

As long as the programming comes with advertising sponsorship they will apparently air anything.

Disagree. every one of those programs will outdraw college hockey by a ton.

Provided that the schools themselves cover the on-site production costs of the broadcasts, I see very-little downside for Vs/NBC/Comcast to try out College Hockey for a season or two to see how it goes. I think that the key to any deal is going to be Notre Dame because of their nationally recognized name and current relationship with NBC.

I agree they might try it and yes the key is Notre Dame so maybe 6 times per year the rating might be satisfactory, the rest of the time not so much. I have a hard time envisioning CBS and VS and Fox local and BTN and NESN, all making money on college hockey.

 

[Priceless]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

As long as the programming comes with advertising sponsorship they will apparently air anything.

CAMO LIFE
BABE WINKELMAN
INTREPID OUTDOORS
ANGLER WEST TV
AMERICANA OUTDOORS
BACKWOODS ANGLER
SEASONS ON THE FLY
BOB REDFERN'S OUTDOOR MAGAZINE

The thing all those shows have in common is that they have products to sell so advertising money follows. Companies that want to sell hunting and fishing gear want those shows on the air and are willing to commit the virtual pennies they require to help promote an industry that clears $3 billion in annual sales. I doubt CCM is going to shell out the cash and Nike can get more bang for their buck elsewhere.

Let's not forget just how crappy ratings are for college hockey nationally. The NCAA final is lucky if it draws 1 million viewers on ESPN and they cut away as fast as they can because it loses them money (even with Enterprise Rent-a-car footing much of the bill) and the regionals on ESPNU draw a hundred thousand on a good day. This year on the same weekend as the Frozen Four, the Masters got 15 million viewers. On a weeknight, the women's bouncyball final drew 4 million on ESPN. None of the Frozen Four games are even rated. I would love if it were otherwise, but college hockey just doesn't get the ratings or attract the sponsorship for a national audience. Maybe Terry Pegula will sponsor the games...but that would only help the Big Ten...

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

The thing all those shows have in common is that they have products to sell so advertising money follows. Companies that want to sell hunting and fishing gear want those shows on the air and are willing to commit the virtual pennies they require to help promote an industry that clears $3 billion in annual sales. I doubt CCM is going to shell out the cash and Nike can get more bang for their buck elsewhere.

Let's not forget just how crappy ratings are for college hockey nationally. The NCAA final is lucky if it draws 1 million viewers on ESPN and they cut away as fast as they can because it loses them money (even with Enterprise Rent-a-car footing much of the bill) and the regionals on ESPNU draw a hundred thousand on a good day. This year on the same weekend as the Frozen Four, the Masters got 15 million viewers. On a weeknight, the women's bouncyball final drew 4 million on ESPN. None of the Frozen Four games are even rated. I would love if it were otherwise, but college hockey just doesn't get the ratings or attract the sponsorship for a national audience. Maybe Terry Pegula will sponsor the games...but that would only help the Big Ten...

Not to mention production costs for those outdoors shows is ALOT less than a hockey game.

 

[Almington]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Not to mention production costs for those outdoors shows is A LOT less than a hockey game.

I agree, which is why the home school would have to cover the on-site production costs, the studio costs would be much lower because they would have everything that they need from the NHL production, just have to bring in a college hockey "expert" to provide some in-studio "analysis".

While there are plenty of advertisers for the outdoor shows, and the target advertising audience IS the show's audience, I can't imagine that the advertising rates are that significant given the low ratings those shows get and the limited competition for those spots. The revenue and profit benchmarks that college hockey has to top isn't a huge impediment to this being successful, given that Friday and Saturday nights are normally terrible ratings night as it is.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

I agree, which is why the home school would have to cover the on-site production costs, the studio costs would be much lower because they would have everything that they need from the NHL production, just have to bring in a college hockey "expert" to provide some in-studio "analysis".

You are exactly right. The schools will pick up the production costs and most likely provide the announcers.

Every DU home game is already produced on site with Fox Sports-Rocky Mountain [Root Sports] equipment and either televised on TV or via the internet via PioneerVision. If Versus wants to take the cheap route they will use the DU feed and as you said, use the NHL staff already on the payroll.

 

[Priceless]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

You are exactly right. The schools will pick up the production costs and most likely provide the announcers.

Every DU home game is already produced on site with Fox Sports-Rocky Mountain [Root Sports] equipment and either televised on TV or via the internet via PioneerVision. If Versus wants to take the cheap route they will use the DU feed and as you said, use the NHL staff already on the payroll.

Is DU also going to pay Versus to carry the game?

 

[dggoddard]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Is DU also going to pay Versus to carry the game?

Couldn't tell you the specifics of the Versus deal, but it will be negotiated between the NCHC and Versus, not DU.

DU pays or makes virtually no money to have 18 hockey and basketball games a year telecast on Fox Sports Rocky Mountain/Root Sports. DU buys advertising time or receives PSA announcements during the games.

Pioneer Vision telecasts another 50 games a year over the internet that includes hoops, lax, volleyball, gymnastics & soccer

DU Hockey's 2010-11 TV Schedule
Date, Opponent, Time
Fri., Oct. 15 - Boston College, 7:30 PM
Fri., Oct. 22 - Wisconsin, 7:30 PM
Fri., Nov. 5 - Colorado College, 7:30 PM
Fri., Nov. 19 - Bemidji State, 7:30 PM
Fri., Nov. 26 - Lake Superior State, 7:30 PM
Fri., Dec. 31 - Northern Michigan, 6:00 PM
Fri., Jan. 21 - Alaska Anchorage, 7:30 PM
Sat., Jan. 22 - Alaska Anchorage, 7:00 PM
Sat., Feb. 5 - Colorado College, 7:00 PM
Fri., Feb. 18 - Michigan Tech, 7:30 PM
Sat., Feb. 19 - Michigan Tech, 7:00 PM
Fri., Mar. 4 - St. Cloud State, 7:30 PM

 

[Almington]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

You are exactly right. The schools will pick up the production costs and most likely provide the announcers.

Every DU home game is already produced on site with Fox Sports-Rocky Mountain [Root Sports] equipment and either televised on TV or via the internet via PioneerVision. If Versus wants to take the cheap route they will use the DU feed and as you said, use the NHL staff already on the payroll.

The problem with having the teams provide the announcers is that for a national broadcast you don't want to have homer announcers with a blatantly obvious bias.

Why would DU have to pay versus to carry the game, in theory the add revenue should cover any costs versus incurs.

 

[Priceless]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

The problem with having the teams provide the announcers is that for a national broadcast you don't want to have homer announcers with a blatantly obvious bias.

Why would DU have to pay versus to carry the game, in theory the add revenue should cover any costs versus incurs.

Of course...Comcast hates making a profit

Interesting theory, but again, hockey ratings stink and we have no product to sell (like fishing lures) so who exactly is going to buy the advertising time? Versus can make more money sticking with hunting and fishing shows.

 

[Almington]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Of course...Comcast hates making a profit

Interesting theory, but again, hockey ratings stink and we have no product to sell (like fishing lures) so who exactly is going to buy the advertising time? Versus can make more money sticking with hunting and fishing shows.

We don't know which would be more profitable for comcast, they wouldn't be considering it if it was such an obviously terrible financial move.

College hockey fans are a well educated and generally affluent group along with being general sports fans. The same things that sell for other types of general sports will sell to college hockey fans also. I think that it isn't unreasonable to believe that the potential exists that this count turn out to not be completely terrible.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: The new Super League is going down the tubes.

Interesting theory, but again, hockey ratings stink and we have no product to sell (like fishing lures) so who exactly is going to buy the advertising time? Versus can make more money sticking with hunting and fishing shows.

Who cares about the ads.

Clearly NBC is driving the bus and they probably want Friday night college hockey telecasts on Versus to pimp NHL hockey, Notre Dame football and other NBC weekend programing.