Game should be on OLN!

Blah blah blah.... I know that New York is the largest media market in the world and the flyers own the freakin network, but you have the first game for "the next one" and a perenial stanley cup contending team with the best goalie in the world. Yet, OLN has the briliance to air the flyers, which is a very good team, and a team that probably couldn't make the playoffs in the ahl. Even Brodeur says it's a shame because the canadiens want to see Sir Sydneys first game. Will the devils ever earn anyones respect?

The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN.

Will the devils ever earn anyones respect?
nope.
I think with the Flyers off season aquisition of Forsberg, put this game on the map, for OLN. When healthy, he's arguably the best player in the game today.

The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN.

Which team appears on OLN the most?

Which team appears on OLN the most? The Flyers, Rangers, Bruins, Avalanche, Red Wings and Blues all appear 8 times. OLN isn't playing favorites.

The Flyers, Rangers, Bruins, Avalanche, Red Wings and Blues all appear 8 times. OLN isn't playing favorites.

Didn't say they were. I just didn't know if one team was being showcased more than others. I figured the top-market teams would get the most billing, which makes sense for Philly, New York, Detroit, and Colorado. Figured the Kings would show up a couple of times.

The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN.

I'm pretty sure Comcast owns OLN, who also have a share in the Flyers no?

I'm pretty sure Comcast owns OLN, who also have a share in the Flyers no?
Re-read what I said, then re-read it again to make sure you understood. I'll repeat it.

The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN.

Re-read what I said, then re-read it again to make sure you understood. I'll repeat it.

The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN.

OK great but a company that owns both the network and the team does. If you really want to believe they are not going to promote their own interests then you need to put some rose-colored glasses on your Chewbacca logo there my friend.

This has nothing to do with the Devils or the Flyers...

Sidney Crosby's first game should be the national game...The NHL needs this kid to be a star and everyone wants to see him...Peter Forsberg to the Flyers has NOTHING to do with it and Marty Brodeur has NOTHING to do with it...

People all over the country ( except NJ..1000 unsold seats as of yesterday) are very excited to see this kid play

OK great but a company that owns both the network and the team does. If you really want to believe they are not going to promote their own interests then you need to put some rose-colored glasses on your Chewbacca logo there my friend.
Considering that they are showing 5 other teams as much as the Flyers, where are they putting their own interests first?

This has nothing to do with the Devils or the Flyers...

Sidney Crosby's first game should be the national game...The NHL needs this kid to be a star and everyone wants to see him...Peter Forsberg to the Flyers has NOTHING to do with it and Marty Brodeur has NOTHING to do with it...

People all over the country ( except NJ..1000 unsold seats as of yesterday) are very excited to see this kid play

Absolutely it should...so why isn't it? Major NY markets in NY and Philly as one poster pointed out...plus if your comcast and you are hoping alot of people watch the first NHL game back...can't tell me the thought of having them all watch a team you have a stake in didn't cross their minds either. draw in some new fans...etc. its a pretty logical move from a business standpoint to be honest.

Absolutely it should...so why isn't it? Major NY markets in NY and Philly as one poster pointed out...plus if your comcast and you are hoping alot of people watch the first NHL game back...can't tell me the thought of having them all watch a team you have a stake in didn't cross their minds either. draw in some new fans...etc. its a pretty logical move from a business standpoint to be honest.

I don't disagree at all...I think the original thought was NY market and good rivalry game...Get off on the right foot and move forward from there..

Hockey diehards are the only ones who know of Crosby. The casual fan, I would guess have never heard of him, unlike a Lebron James in the NBA.
The casual fan knows of the Flyers & Rangers. I'm sure OLN thinks ratings 1st, and a Flyers/ Rangers game would have a bigger audience than Devils/Pens.

Hockey diehards are the only ones who know of Crosby. The casual fan, I would guess have never heard of him, unlike a Lebron James in the NBA.
The casual fan knows of the Flyers & Rangers. I'm sure OLN thinks ratings 1st, and a Flyers/ Rangers game would have a bigger audience than Devils/Pens.
Not only that, but it's Jagr and Forsberg. For the fans that the NHL is trying to win back and that OLN is trying to gain, those are huge names.

Re-read what I said, then re-read it again to make sure you understood. I'll repeat it.

The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN.
Comcast owns the flyers and oln! here's the link!
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/companies/comcast/11068988.htm

Considering that they are showing 5 other teams as much as the Flyers, where are they putting their own interests first?
At Comcast, sports mania

The local cable giant is launching programs nationwide and may be starting a new network.

By Don Steinberg

Inquirer Staff Writer

First Philadelphia, then the nation?

Comcast Corp. applied that manifest destiny in its spread across America to dominate the country's cable TV and Internet landscape. Now it appears to be unfurling the strategy to conquer the world of sports.

Since its failed attempt to buy ESPN and its parent company, the Walt Disney Co., last year, Comcast has been furiously launching its own TV sports programming around the country, leading to wide speculation that it may create a national sports network, one that would compete with ESPN, perhaps built around rights to telecast NFL games.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/bu...st/11068988.htm

Comcast owns the flyers and oln! here's the link!
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/companies/comcast/11068988.htm (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/companies/comcast/11068988.htm) I absolutely love it when someone splits hairs and is completely wrong because they didn't understand the point originally made.

You have not addressed what I said. I never said that the Flyers and OLN did not share ownership, nor did I ever mention Comcast. Re-re-re-read what I said, then come back to me when you have some notion of the statement I made.

Considering that they are showing 5 other teams as much as the Flyers, where are they putting their own interests first?

Hmm...I don't think by just saying well we are showing so and so just as much proves anything. Its what games aren't you showing as compared to who you are that night. Its not all about their interest but its in the back of their minds when they make these decisions. Any business would.

Hockey diehards are the only ones who know of Crosby. The casual fan, I would guess have never heard of him, unlike a Lebron James in the NBA.
The casual fan knows of the Flyers & Rangers. I'm sure OLN thinks ratings 1st, and a Flyers/ Rangers game would have a bigger audience than Devils/Pens.
Well put. The Flyers and Rangers are more of a househhold name then the Pens/Devils. Period. It is all about ratings, if the rating is high they will have companies lining up to buy advertising space. This game will draw more than the Pens game. 3 months form now may be a different story. Last time I checked the Flyers and Rangers have some small marketable names in this game(Jagr and Forsberg as well as some others) that they can promote. The league doesn't revolve around an 18 year old kid who hasn't played a regular season game yet and done squat.

Well put. The Flyers and Rangers are more of a househhold name then the Pens/Devils. Period. It is all about ratings, if the rating is high they will have companies lining up to buy advertising space. This game will draw more than the Pens game. 3 months form now may be a different story. Last time I checked the Flyers and Rangers have some small marketable names in this game(Jagr and Forsberg as well as some others) that they can promote. The league doesn't revolve around an 18 year old kid who hasn't played a regular season game yet and done squat.

Last I checked Mario Lemieux was pretty marketable too...more so than Jagr or Forsberg I'd dare to guess. And anyone who watched the olympics in the US is going to remember Martin Brodeur beating the US over Jagr and Forsberg whose teams didn't make it to the medal rounds. If you are making the case for marketing and drawing in non-hockey fans I think Mario and Marty and the future phenom outdraw Forsberg and Jagr. :dunno:

Last I checked Mario Lemieux was pretty marketable too...more so than Jagr or Forsberg I'd dare to guess. And anyone who watched the olympics in the US is going to remember Martin Brodeur beating the US over Jagr and Forsberg whose teams didn't make it to the medal rounds. If you are making the case for marketing and drawing in non-hockey fans I think Mario and Marty and the future phenom outdraw Forsberg and Jagr. :dunno:
It's not just players, but the market. Pittsburgh is the 22nd biggest market. The Devils are in the #1 market, but aren't the #1 team there. The Rangers however, are, and Philly is the #4 market. ABC would always show Flyers/Rangers and Avs/Red Wings, because they're big markets for hockey and that's where the ratings are. OLN is trying to run a business , not cater to hardcore hockey fans.

Last I checked Mario Lemieux was pretty marketable too...more so than Jagr or Forsberg I'd dare to guess. And anyone who watched the olympics in the US is going to remember Martin Brodeur beating the US over Jagr and Forsberg whose teams didn't make it to the medal rounds. If you are making the case for marketing and drawing in non-hockey fans I think Mario and Marty and the future phenom outdraw Forsberg and Jagr. :dunno:
Mario is not more marketable right now than those 2 either is Broduer, but that wasn't my point. I was saying their are big names playing in the Flyers/NY game not just 2 stiff teams(well maybe one with some big names) with no star players. Bottom line is I am sure research was done and this is the game that will draw the bigger rating wich is all they want. These 2 teams,whether people admit it or not, are more popular and have more name recognition.

It's not just players, but the market. Pittsburgh is the 22nd biggest market. The Devils are in the #1 market, but aren't the #1 team there. The Rangers however, are, and Philly is the #4 market. ABC would always show Flyers/Rangers and Avs/Red Wings, because they're big markets for hockey and that's where the ratings are. OLN is trying to run a business , not cater to hardcore hockey fans.

And ABC didn't get good ratings. Maybe time to try something different no? Try to lure in new fans instead of showcasing the same old same old maybe? I don't know, that is a tough call they have to make. But again my point is as you say, they are trying to run a business, a business that includes OLN and the Flyers hockey team. When push comes to shove on making a tough decision on who to show, the thought of promoting their team is going to come into play.

And ABC didn't get good ratings. Maybe time to try something different no?
I don't disagree. But then again I've never said that the people who make these kind of decisions are very smart.

When push comes to shove on making a tough decision on who to show, the thought of promoting their team is going to come into play.
You have nothing to base that on. They are not putting the Flyers on more than any other team, and you're pointing to the game between the two biggest TV markets playing each other--not only that but two teams with big stars--as your only evidence.

Where's the beef?

Mario is not more marketable right now than those 2 either is Broduer, but that wasn't my point. I was saying their are big names playing in the Flyers/NY game not just 2 stiff teams(well maybe one with some big names) with no star players. Bottom line is I am sure research was done and this is the game that will draw the bigger rating wich is all they want. These 2 teams,whether people admit it or not, are more popular and have more name recognition.

Hmm...I disagre with the first part, most non-hockey fans I know all know Mario and the casual ones remember Marty from the olympics. Nobody knows Forsberg but some do know Jagr.
I do agree with you on the hope for bigger ratings by going with the bigger market teams. But as I said, in the past, ABC did the same and didn't get good ratings. The league is back, new rules, new start, a new phenom playing with one of the greatest ever going against a great goalie who on a possible shootout, same old tv plan, just thought they could've shown more initiative and bravery. Instead they went with the safe plan and I personally feel the thought of having everyone watch their team on opening night might have helped lean the decision one way over the other. And I personally doubt that any market research was done at all.

I don't disagree. But then again I've never said that the people who make these kind of decisions are very smart.


You have nothing to base that on. They are not putting the Flyers on more than any other team, and you're pointing to the game between the two biggest TV markets playing each other--not only that but two teams with big stars--as your only evidence.

Where's the beef?

I'm basing it on common sense and working in the corporate world for almost 20 years, you get a sense of all the factors that go into these kind of decisions.
You claim that nobody on OLN has anything to do with the Flyers. what are you basing that on? Do you know Comcast's corporate structure and organization charts and who decides what in their overall company? Are you sure there isn't someone in the Comcast company that both someone on Flyer management and OLN's management report in to? Do you think the corporation makes these decisions in a void without being cognizant of what would help their other divisions? Absolutely not. they're marketing departments all know what's going with each other. Every good business does.

And for the record, I never really flamed them, i said it was a smart business decision and I understood it. I just think that they could have been a little more riskier and promoting instead of doing the same old same old and I think the fact that its their team helped lean them one way over the other.

Hmm...I disagre with the first part, most non-hockey fans I know all know Mario and the casual ones remember Marty from the olympics. Nobody knows Forsberg but some do know Jagr.
I do agree with you on the hope for bigger ratings by going with the bigger market teams. But as I said, in the past, ABC did the same and didn't get good ratings. The league is back, new rules, new start, a new phenom playing with one of the greatest ever going against a great goalie who on a possible shootout, same old tv plan, just thought they could've shown more initiative and bravery. Instead they went with the safe plan and I personally feel the thought of having everyone watch their team on opening night might have helped lean the decision one way over the other. And I personally doubt that any market research was done at all.
All television stations do reserach and and analysis for their time slots. ABC didn't get the national ratings they would have liked I agree. NJ is just not a drawing team and that would hurt the ratings IMO. Even though they are a much better team then the Rangers they are no were near as popular. Non hockey fans have probably heard about the Rangers more so than the Devils. anyone said what kind of ratings they are looking for anyway? Yes they know Mario but hs isn't marketable at this stage of his career IMO. Jagr and Peter IMO are more popular then Marty and more marketable IMO. Is the game sold out tonight do you know?

All television stations do reserach and and analysis for their time slots. ABC didn't get the national ratings they would have liked I agree. NJ is just not a drawing team and that would hurt the ratings IMO. Even though they are a much better team then the Rangers they are no were near as popular. Non hockey fans have probably heard about the Rangers more so than the Devils. anyone said what kind of ratings they are looking for anyway? Yes they know Mario but hs isn't marketable at this stage of his career IMO. Jagr and Peter IMO are more popular then Marty and more marketable IMO. Is the game sold out tonight do you know?

I have no idea what ratings they are looking for or what they expect? and your right, the rangers are more popular than the devils, never argued with that. What I do disagree is that Jagr and peter are more popular and marketable than mario, marty and crosby but that's just opinion differences and can't be proved so that's that.
I have no idea if the flyer game is sold out, the devils game was sold out the day they went onsale and then they announced yesterday that they released 1000 more tix. Not sure why they held that many back to begin with.

All television stations do reserach and and analysis for their time slots. ABC didn't get the national ratings they would have liked I agree. NJ is just not a drawing team and that would hurt the ratings IMO. Even though they are a much better team then the Rangers they are no were near as popular. Non hockey fans have probably heard about the Rangers more so than the Devils. anyone said what kind of ratings they are looking for anyway? Yes they know Mario but hs isn't marketable at this stage of his career IMO. Jagr and Peter IMO are more popular then Marty and more marketable IMO. Is the game sold out tonight do you know?

This is a national game for OLN....Crosby is the most marketable player in the game..PERIOD. I totally disagree that people outside of hockey do not know him..Go pick up the papers today..No one is talking about the Rags and the Flyers..It's all about Sidney Crosby's debut...I don't care if only 2 people were in the stands in NJ..this game is most desirable for opening night..BECAUSE OF SIDNEY..and that's all.

I'm basing it on common sense and working in the corporate world for almost 20 years, you get a sense of all the factors that go into these kind of decisions.
Sure they do. But you have no proof to back up your claim.

You claim that nobody on OLN has anything to do with the Flyers. what are you basing that on? Do you know Comcast's corporate structure and organization charts and who decides what in their overall company?
Because they are an remain separate entities. Neither Ed Snider nor Rob Ryan have a say in anything that OLN does.

Are you sure there isn't someone in the Comcast company that both someone on Flyer management and OLN's management report in to?
I never said they didn't. Whoever it is that they report to is within the Comcast upper echelon, not within the Flyers or OLN.

Do you think the corporation makes these decisions in a void without being cognizant of what would help their other divisions? Absolutely not. they're marketing departments all know what's going with each other. Every good business does.
Of course they do. But you haven't a leg to stand on, as they show 5 other teams just as much, and they've got a diverse range of games they're showing (compared to what ESPN had).

And for the record, I never really flamed them, i said it was a smart business decision and I understood it. I just think that they could have been a little more riskier and promoting instead of doing the same old same old and I think the fact that its their team helped lean them one way over the other.
OLN's games for the rest of the month:

Penguins at Sabres
Coyotes at Stars
Panthers at Bruins
Bruins at Canadiens
Red Wings at Blue Jackets
Panthers at Penguins
Canadiens at Rangers

Plenty of diversity there, nothing there is "same old, same old" except maybe Bruins/Habs but I can't recall ESPN/ABC doing too many of those games, plenty of showcasing of non-house hold name stars (Crosby, Luongo, Nash). They're kicking off the season with the two biggest markets that are playing each other; the number of people in the US that don't have Center Ice that care about Sidney Crosby's debut game against the Devils is much smaller than the number of people that care about the Flyers and Rangers squaring off. You guys are making a mountain out of a molehill.

This is a national game for OLN....Crosby is the most marketable player in the game..PERIOD. I totally disagree that people outside of hockey do not know him..Go pick up the papers today..No one is talking about the Rags and the Flyers..It's all about Sidney Crosby's debut...I don't care if only 2 people were in the stands in NJ..this game is most desirable for opening night..BECAUSE OF SIDNEY..and that's all.
OLN must disagree with you then. One more time it is all about ratings and the flyers/NY will have bigger ratings than Pens/NJ. He is not the most marketable player as we stand today...period. In a few years maybe.

OLN must disagree with you then. One more time it is all about ratings and the flyers/NY will have bigger ratings than Pens/NJ. He is not the most marketable player as we stand today...period. In a few years maybe.


Go pick up a paper in the US...Then tell me who the biggest name in hockey today is...I'll give you a hint..his initials are S.C

Go pick up a paper in the US...Then tell me who the biggest name in hockey today is...I'll give you a hint..his initials are S.C

Hmm, Shayne Corson retired... Sebastian Caron?

Go pick up a paper in the US...Then tell me who the biggest name in hockey today is...I'll give you a hint..his initials are S.C
Just because he is in the papers doesn't make him the most popular. I read he Alabam tribune and their is no mention of him.
AJ Pierzinsky from the White sox is mentioned all over the baseball world becuase of the game he had yesterday, does that make him the most popular player? NO

Just because he is in the papers doesn't make him the most popular. I read he Alabam tribune and their is no mention of him.
AJ Pierzinsky from the White sox is mentioned all over the baseball world becuase of the game he had yesterday, does that make him the most popular player? NO

Tough to respond to such a dumb retort....BUT...wow..that was dumb

This is a national game for OLN....Crosby is the most marketable player in the game..PERIOD. I totally disagree that people outside of hockey do not know him..Go pick up the papers today..No one is talking about the Rags and the Flyers..It's all about Sidney Crosby's debut The following papers have no mention of Crosby:

Chicago Tribune
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
LA Times
Miami Herald
Philadelphia Inquirer
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Washington Times (despite an article about AO, not a single mention)
Boston Herald
Denver Post

The Detroit Free Press mentioned him in an AP blurb though:

Also tonight, New Jersey hosts Pittsburgh and No. 1 draft pick Sidney Crosby, and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky coaches his first game for the Phoenix Coyotes at Vancouver. I didn't bother looking at Pittsburgh or NY papers for obvious reasons, and some papers, like the Arizona Republic, Washington Post and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune require registration and I'm not going to register there for this little excercise.

So what papers across the country are all about Crosby's debut?

Even being a Pens, and Crosby, Fan, I can see the sense in this. I think that OLN wanted to catch Forsberg before he went on IR for the year . . . :D

Sure they do. But you have no proof to back up your claim.


Because they are an remain separate entities. Neither Ed Snider nor Rob Ryan have a say in anything that OLN does.
.

Hmm...what proof do you have to back up that claim just out of curiosity? Since you are bringing up proof. I love that all your assumptions are fact and mind need proof.


I never said they didn't. Whoever it is that they report to is within the Comcast upper echelon, not within the Flyers or OLN.
.

And again the point being the comcast upper echelon that they report into is going to have a say into both organizations. And both organizations decisions are going to have some input from above. And its that person or persons job above them to ensure that both interests are looked out for.



Of course they do. But you haven't a leg to stand on, as they show 5 other teams just as much, and they've got a diverse range of games they're showing (compared to what ESPN had).


OLN's games for the rest of the month:

Penguins at Sabres
Coyotes at Stars
Panthers at Bruins
Bruins at Canadiens
Red Wings at Blue Jackets
Panthers at Penguins
Canadiens at Rangers

Plenty of diversity there, nothing there is "same old, same old" except maybe Bruins/Habs but I can't recall ESPN/ABC doing too many of those games, plenty of showcasing of non-house hold name stars (Crosby, Luongo, Nash). They're kicking off the season with the two biggest markets that are playing each other; the number of people in the US that don't have Center Ice that care about Sidney Crosby's debut game against the Devils is much smaller than the number of people that care about the Flyers and Rangers squaring off. You guys are making a mountain out of a molehill.

Actually ESPN2 did plenty of those kinds of games in the beginning and it went nowhere unfortunately and here we are at OLN. and the "they show 5 other teams just as much" argument as I stated before doesn't wash until you compare what other games they are not showing that night, thats where the burden of proof is. but again, this conversation started about tonight's game and that's where the point of within their company's interests came up from me. I never brought in who else was being showed when and how much, you brought that in as some supposed rationale to defend who they are showing on opening night, and quite frankly it makes no sense in this conversation. the bottom line is on opening night you feel that they chose based strictly on the higher market (true) and supposed better marketability of jagr and forsberg (debatable) and I quite frankly don't think its that clean cut. Either you're to naive or i'm to cynical. :)

Hmm...what proof do you have to back up that claim just out of curiosity? Since you are bringing up proof. I love that all your assumptions are fact and mind need proof. Gee I don't know, I guess everything that's been written about Comcast aquiring the NHL TV deal and the fact that Ed Snider has no say in anything above the operations of the Flyers and Sixers. Go look it up if you don't believe me.


And again the point being the comcast upper echelon that they report into is going to have a say into both organizations. And both organizations decisions are going to have some input from above. And its that person or persons job above them to ensure that both interests are looked out for. Where did I say otherwise? I clearly said that the people who run the Flyers and the people who run OLN are not the same people. I said nothing of the people above them.

Actually ESPN2 did plenty of those kinds of games in the beginning and it went nowhere unfortunately and here we are at OLN. They showed Panthers/Penguins games? When? Anytime you saw Nashville, Florida, Atlanta, Edmonton, et al it was when they were playing the Rangers, Colorado, Detroit, et al.

and the "they show 5 other teams just as much" argument as I stated before doesn't wash until you compare what other games they are not showing that night, thats where the burden of proof is. And we're back to square one. Compare the game their showing tonight to other games they have, the Flyers/Rangers game has more national interest.

but again, this conversation started about tonight's game and that's where the point of within their company's interests came up from me. I never brought in who else was being showed when and how much, you brought that in as some supposed rationale to defend who they are showing on opening night, and quite frankly it makes no sense in this conversation. I didn't bring it up as a rationale to defend who they are showing on opening night:

http://www.hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=3621101&postcount=11 (http://www.hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=3621101&postcount=11)

I brought it up as a defense of why they are showing the Flyers so much over the course of the season.

the bottom line is on opening night you feel that they chose based strictly on the higher market (true)
Higher market, plus marketable players, and one of the teams is pretty good. If the Rangers didn't have Jagr and you put the Wild in Philly, I don't think the game is on OLN. Which brings us too...

and supposed better marketability of jagr and forsberg (debatable) and I quite frankly don't think its that clean cut. The executives at OLN think it is, we can debate it all we want but it's not up to us.

Either you're to naive or i'm to cynical. :) You're too cynical.

Non hockey fans have probably heard about the Rangers more so than the Devils. anyone said what kind of ratings they are looking for anyway? Yes they know Mario but hs isn't marketable at this stage of his career IMO. Jagr and Peter IMO are more popular then Marty and more marketable IMO. Is the game sold out tonight do you know?
Disagree with you. Non fans have probably heard more about the devils winning 3 cups in last 10 years then I team that hasn't made the playoffs in the same time period... Marty is the best goalie on the planet, speaks english well, and has a personality...he is more marketable. Crosby should be on OLN period! Whether you like it or not he is the new face of the nhl much like Labron.

Gee I don't know, I guess everything that's been written about Comcast aquiring the NHL TV deal and the fact that Ed Snider has no say in anything above the operations of the Flyers and Sixers. Go look it up if you don't believe me.



Where did I say otherwise? I clearly said that the people who run the Flyers and the people who run OLN are not the same people. I said nothing of the people above them.
.

OK corporate america lesson I guess here. The people above them are the ones swaying the decision. And a few articles in a newspaper isn't proof. Like I said, bring my corporate structures, meeting minutes and attendees. Comcast is not going to make a decision that will affect the Flyers without discussion with them. You can try and nickel and dime and say well I never said the Flyers had any say. The point is the whole organization does. sheesh.


They showed Panthers/Penguins games? When? Anytime you saw Nashville, Florida, Atlanta, Edmonton, et al it was when they were playing the Rangers, Colorado, Detroit, et al.
.

Your thinking of ESPN in the later years, I'm talking ESPN2 when the first got the rights, they showcased plenty of expansion teams. I have no idea how to get an old schedule but you couldn't have watched much hockey back then. I saw Ducks and sharks playing no name teams plenty. As ratings kept falling they panicked and showed only big markets...and ratings still kept falling unfortunately.


And we're back to square one. Compare the game their showing tonight to other games they have, the Flyers/Rangers game has more national interest.

I didn't bring it up as a rationale to defend who they are showing on opening night:

http://www.hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=3621101&postcount=11 (http://www.hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=3621101&postcount=11)

I brought it up as a defense of why they are showing the Flyers so much over the course of the season.
.

Which would make sense if I brought up them showing the Flyers so much over the course of the season. Methinks thou doth protest to much.


Higher market, plus marketable players, and one of the teams is pretty good. If the Rangers didn't have Jagr and you put the Wild in Philly, I don't think the game is on OLN. Which brings us too...

The executives at OLN think it is, we can debate it all we want but it's not up to us.


And the proof you are basing this rationale on is where? oh wait I forgot, your assumptions are fact and don't need proof. You have no more proof that they based it on expected ratings then I do saying that they are thinking as an organization, "who are we going to promote here on opening night when we hope most people are tuning in...our own asset or our cross state rivals with a young star that could potentially pull young fans that we are competing with them over"...hmmmmm.

OK corporate america lesson I guess here. The people above them are the ones swaying the decision. And a few articles in a newspaper isn't proof. Like I said, bring my corporate structures, meeting minutes and attendees. Comcast is not going to make a decision that will affect the Flyers without discussion with them. You can try and nickel and dime and say well I never said the Flyers had any say. The point is the whole organization does. sheesh. Oh look, a red herring. My original point, and one I have stuck to, is that the people who run the Flyers aren't the same as the people who run OLN. Of course the people above them take everything into consideration, I didn't say they didn't.

And you want to compare real life experiences? I work in sports TV.


Your thinking of ESPN in the later years, I'm talking ESPN2 when the first got the rights, they showcased plenty of expansion teams. I have no idea how to get an old schedule but you couldn't have watched much hockey back then. I saw Ducks and sharks playing no name teams plenty. As ratings kept falling they panicked and showed only big markets...and ratings still kept falling unfortunately. Well that's OLN's problem. If you're trying to convince me that hockey isn't a very marketable sport, I've been baning that drum loudly here for 3 years.

Which would make sense if I brought up them showing the Flyers so much over the course of the season. Methinks thou doth protest to much. Your original reply to me was of a post in reply to someone who implied that OLN shows the Flyers more than any other team. Don't blame me for a discussion you started.


And the proof you are basing this rationale on is where? oh wait I forgot, your assumptions are fact and don't need proof. You have no more proof that they based it on expected ratings then I do saying that they are thinking as an organization, "who are we going to promote here on opening night when we hope most people are tuning in...our own asset or our cross state rivals with a young star that could potentially pull young fans that we are competing with them over"...hmmmmm. Showing this game on OLN isn't going to make the Flyers more marketable or turn a better profit, because the Flyers operate under their own budget, from their own revenue, not from Comcast's money. They're going to make money hand over fist regardless of how many times OLN shows them.

And the proof you are basing this rationale on is where? oh wait I forgot, your assumptions are fact and don't need proof. You have no more proof that they based it on expected ratings then I do saying that they are thinking as an organization, "who are we going to promote here on opening night when we hope most people are tuning in...our own asset or our cross state rivals with a young star that could potentially pull young fans that we are competing with them over"...hmmmmm.
Exactly! They should of let penguins/anyteam play yesterday by themselves.

Exactly! They should of let penguins/anyteam play yesterday by themselves.
This I agree with. The NFL and MLB (I don't know about the NBA, I don't watch them) all start their season with one game that starts a day or two ahead of the rest of the league. The NHL should have done this, and the Pens/Devils game would have been a good game to do it with.

OK corporate america lesson I guess here. The people above them are the ones swaying the decision. And a few articles in a newspaper isn't proof. Like I said, bring my corporate structures, meeting minutes and attendees. Comcast is not going to make a decision that will affect the Flyers without discussion with them. You can try and nickel and dime and say well I never said the Flyers had any say. The point is the whole organization does. sheesh.



Your thinking of ESPN in the later years, I'm talking ESPN2 when the first got the rights, they showcased plenty of expansion teams. I have no idea how to get an old schedule but you couldn't have watched much hockey back then. I saw Ducks and sharks playing no name teams plenty. As ratings kept falling they panicked and showed only big markets...and ratings still kept falling unfortunately.



Which would make sense if I brought up them showing the Flyers so much over the course of the season. Methinks thou doth protest to much.



And the proof you are basing this rationale on is where? oh wait I forgot, your assumptions are fact and don't need proof. You have no more proof that they based it on expected ratings then I do saying that they are thinking as an organization, "who are we going to promote here on opening night when we hope most people are tuning in...our own asset or our cross state rivals with a young star that could potentially pull young fans that we are competing with them over"...hmmmmm.
OLN network is much bigger than just the Flyers I think we will agree on. do you really think that because comcast owns the Flyers and OLN they would be more favorable to the Flyers? I don't. It is all about the money. If they thought the Pens game would generate better ratings I think they would have that game on. They will go with what their analyst and forecasters predict will have better ratings. Taking it from a diff point of view the Flyers are one of the most poular teams and draws in the NHL always have and probably always will. The benefit of just promoting them would be very small since they are already a brand name. You would think they would try other markets and teams because the beneift would be much greater as more popularity for other teams would exist. Why not try a secondary market as a national game? If they are in this for the long haul why not build this from the bottom up? I would be curious to know what the local ratings are in Phil, Ny, NJ, and Pitt for each rrespective game tomorrow.

Oh look, a red herring. My original point, and one I have stuck to, is that the people who run the Flyers aren't the same as the people who run OLN. Of course the people above them take everything into consideration, I didn't say they didn't.
.

OK so then you agree that the people above them could have taken this into consideration and have had a hand in this. Just because the Flyers and OLN don't "legally" talk does not mean the entity didn't plan this. Sounds like you agree.


And you want to compare real life experiences? I work in sports TV.

Well that's OLN's problem. If you're trying to convince me that hockey isn't a very marketable sport, I've been baning that drum loudly here for 3 years.
.

Wasn't trying to convince you it wasn't marketable just that ESPN2 did play those games and it didn't work out so they went the big market easy route. that's all.


Your original reply to me was of a post in reply to someone who implied that OLN shows the Flyers more than any other team. Don't blame me for a discussion you started.

.
Actually I didn't reply to that one, I replied to the one about the Flyers and OLN having nothing to do with each other. A fact that is completely untrue as they are owned by the same entity. You kept bringing up the games shown thing, not me.


Showing this game on OLN isn't going to make the Flyers more marketable or turn a better profit, because the Flyers operate under their own budget, from their own revenue, not from Comcast's money. They're going to make money hand over fist regardless of how many times OLN shows them.

So wait a minute, you work in sports TV and you don't think showing the Flyers on arguably one of the biggest nights in the NHL's TV history as the national game isn't going to help the Flyers turn a better profit? wow...that's just ridiculous. The Flyers are going to make money granted but any chance to lure in new and future fans is priceless. I can't believe you just said that.

OLN network is much bigger than just the Flyers I think we will agree on. do you really think that because comcast owns the Flyers and OLN they would be more favorable to the Flyers? I don't. It is all about the money. If they thought the Pens game would generate better ratings I think they would have that game on. They will go with what their analyst and forecasters predict will have better ratings. Taking it from a diff point of view the Flyers are one of the most poular teams and draws in the NHL always have and probably always will. The benefit of just promoting them would be very small since they are already a brand name. You would think they would try other markets and teams because the beneift would be much greater as more popularity for other teams would exist. Why not try a secondary market as a national game? If they are in this for the long haul why not build this from the bottom up? I would be curious to know what the local ratings are in Phil, Ny, NJ, and Pitt for each rrespective game tomorrow.

Comcast is bigger than the Flyers but certainly OLN, right now, is not. And no I don't agree that the thought of promoting another team over the Flyers would be to Comcast's benefit as an organization. Alot of factors are involved there, merchandising and visiting ticket revenue shares for the Flyers vs ad rates and the like on OLN. Very debatable. And I think that is my point, if they are in this for the long haul, then it would make more sense to have promoted Crosby. Good points though, good points. In my opinion, The whole issue is open to debate and not as clear cut as it is to you and Chewie.

As riveting as this debate is fellows, I must bow out to get some work done so I can make Mr Crosby's debut in person.
Go Devils!

OK so then you agree that the people above them could have taken this into consideration and have had a hand in this. Just because the Flyers and OLN don't "legally" talk does not mean the entity didn't plan this. Sounds like you agree. Yes, I agree. The brass at Comcast could have made OLN show this game, that is certainly a possibilty. But the Flyers did not/can not/do not, and that is a perception that has been floated around these boards a bit.


Actually I didn't reply to that one, I replied to the one about the Flyers and OLN having nothing to do with each other. A fact that is completely untrue as they are owned by the same entity. You kept bringing up the games shown thing, not me. This is the statement I made that you replied to:

"The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN."


So wait a minute, you work in sports TV and you don't think showing the Flyers on arguably one of the biggest nights in the NHL's TV history as the national game isn't going to help the Flyers turn a better profit? wow...that's just ridiculous. The Flyers are going to make money granted but any chance to lure in new and future fans is priceless. I can't believe you just said that. How many more tickets, jerseys, hats, shirts, liscene plate holders, posters, etc are they going to sell by this game being on in Seattle, Houston, and Orlando, etc? The Flyers being on 8 times will have some sort of impact, how much we don't know, but this particular game is not going to make any noticable impact. If showing a team during certain key times did, ESPN/ABC would have showcased the Ducks for all the years they had the NHL rights.

Yes, I agree. The brass at Comcast could have made OLN show this game, that is certainly a possibilty. But the Flyers did not/can not/do not, and that is a perception that has been floated around these boards a bit.


This is the statement I made that you replied to:

"The Flyers do not own the network nor does anyone that runs the Flyers have anything to do with OLN."


How many more tickets, jerseys, hats, shirts, liscene plate holders, posters, etc are they going to sell by this game being on in Seattle, Houston, and Orlando, etc? The Flyers being on 8 times will have some sort of impact, how much we don't know, but this particular game is not going to make any noticable impact. Showing a team during certain key times did, ESPN/ABC would have showcased the Ducks for all the years they had the NHL rights.

well I believe in quality over quantity but you say goodbye and I say hello as the Beatles put it. To each their own opinion. Great debate though.

I'm out, going to see Mr Crosby in person. later :)

OLN feared a Devils shutout against the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins would be the wrong way to kick off the new, more offensive and more exciting NHL.

OLN feared a Devils shutout against the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins would be the wrong way to kick off the new, more offensive and more exciting NHL.
Nice!

I dunno about you guys, but I'm glad the game isn't on OLN. Now I can hear Mike Lange call the game on FSN Pittsburgh like I enjoy it, and no friggen "Doc" Emrick. Pitts will hit the national stage a few days later on the 10th, and then you'll also have your time come Nov 29th.