THANK GOD!
NEW YORK (AP) -- Time Warner Cable
agreed to carry NFL Network on Friday, the last major holdout in the
channel's long-running push into more homes.
NFL Network and the NFL RedZone channel
will be available to customers of Time Warner and Bright House
Networks starting Sunday.
Time Warner is the country's
second-largest cable provider with about 12 million homes. Bright
House, with about 2 million, is the sixth biggest.
NFL Network began airing regular-season
games in 2006; this year, the number increased from eight to 13. The
league initially feuded with several major cable companies over
adding the channel but had gradually expanded its availability.
"We're delighted to have reached
an agreement for NFL Network and NFL RedZone that provides a good
value to our customers," Time Warner Cable executive vice
president Melinda Witmer said in a release. "The additional
games this year and the proven appeal of NFL RedZone will certainly
prove to be a draw for our customers. We look forward to a long and
productive relationship with the NFL."
NFL Network will now be in more than 70
million of the country's approximately 115 million homes with
televisions. In 2007, when the league bowed to pressure and simulcast
the Patriots-Giants game on CBS and NBC with New England on the verge
of going 16-0, the channel was in fewer than 40 percent of households
with TVs.
RedZone, produced by NFL Network, whips
around to every NFL game on Sunday afternoons, showing touchdowns and
other key plays. When Cablevision announced a deal with NFL Network
in August, Time Warner became the last big missing piece.
For Time Warner and Bright House
customers, NFL Network will be available on the digital basic and
sports pass tiers, while RedZone will be available to sports pass
customers.
Time Warner and Bright House are major
providers in the home markets for 12 NFL teams, including the
Jets/Giants, Cowboys and Packers.
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