Why don't we get CSS?

[Lee L]

My wife noticed a decent number of University of Tennessee games are on a network called CSS. http://www.csssports.com/about_us.cfm . It appears that it is a partnership with Comcast and Charter communications and only available on cable. However, DirecTV has lots of other Comcast Sports "whatever" channels available on the sports pack.

Have they tried to get this and it was denied?

Is it worth contacting them to ask about it?

Anyone know the story?

[jefbal99]

I haven't read anything official, but I'm guessing that Comcast is either asking way too much money or D* really doesn't have the demand.

If you look at their availabilities (http://www.csssports.com/finder2.cfm), its is Comcast, Charter, CommuniComm, and a bunch of little mom & pop cable companies. I'm guessing that Comcast is holding the channel hostage, similar to CSN NW, as a way to grab subscriber base in a niche area.

Speculation is that this will turn into the SEC network in the next few years once their contract with CBS runs out for football, then Comcast can demand top dollar from other providers (and do exactly what they are accusing the Big Ten Network of doing).

[kevinwmsn]

It could also been the way Comcast is sending that signal to other networks. I think if they send it via microwave they don't have to share because of some FCC ruling. Comcast is doing this on other stations, just a matter of finding the threads. I wish DirectTV carried this channel too, its a channel I miss watching.

[SamC]

The "landline loophole" does not apply here. CSS is distributed via sat.

It simply does not have enough programming for either DBS company to justify picking in up. Until today's deal with the MTN network, DirecTV has never picked up an RSN that does not have at least one pro sports team.

If you hit the network's website, it appears that most all cable companies agree, since almost all of its systems belong to Comcrap or Charter.

I am told that the network's deal with the SEC expires in 2010 and is certain to move the CBSSC (nee, CSTV).

[jefbal99]

It could also been the way Comcast is sending that signal to other networks. I think if they send it via microwave they don't have to share because of some FCC ruling. Comcast is doing this on other stations, just a matter of finding the threads. I wish DirectTV carried this channel too, its a channel I miss watching.

Incorrect, that is a single loophole that has been closed, but CSN Philly is grandfathered in because of its origins in PRISM Sports.

[Newshawk]

Incorrect, that is a single loophole that has been closed, but CSN Philly is grandfathered in because of its origins in PRISM Sports.

No, CSN Philly was grandfathered in because of its O&O senator...

[bwaldron]

No, CSN Philly was grandfathered in because of its O&O senator...

Indeed.

[Billsfan69]

The "landline loophole" does not apply here. CSS is distributed via sat.

It simply does not have enough programming for either DBS company to justify picking in up. Until today's deal with the MTN network, DirecTV has never picked up an RSN that does not have at least one pro sports team.

If you hit the network's website, it appears that most all cable companies agree, since almost all of its systems belong to Comcrap or Charter.

I am told that the network's deal with the SEC expires in 2010 and is certain to move the CBSSC (nee, CSTV).

The Big Ten Network?

[SamC]

The Big 10 Network is not an RSN. It is a national channel carrying a national conference on a national basis. Cable systems through out the country can (and of course should and equally of course mostly do not, because of cable greed) carry this important channel. They just charge more per subscriber in Big 10 states than in other states. The MTN, like CSS, has never marketed itself outside the regions of their respective namesakes.

BTW, there is no "grandfathering" of the "landline loophole". The loophole still exists. It just costs a fortune to distribute a channel throughout the entire territory of an RSN. Only the geographically small Philadelphia and San Diego markets are ameniable to such a thing.