YES Network

[jodyguercio]

I get the channel as a part of the Premier package. Seems like to me half of what I try to watch is not avail to me though due to the MLB blackout policy (stupid rules :D). Is there nothing Directv can do w/ MLB to make everything but the actual games that are out of market available to its sub base? Maybe a MLB channel a la NFLNetwork?

[jdoug]

I get the channel as a part of the Premier package. Seems like to me half of what I try to watch is not avail to me though due to the MLB blackout policy (stupid rules :D). Is there nothing Directv can do w/ MLB to make everything but the actual games that are out of market available to its sub base? Maybe a MLB channel a la NFLNetwork?

You mean MLB Extra Innings package?

[jodyguercio]

You mean MLB Extra Innings package?

No I was talking more about some type of channel where I can follow the daily goings on without having to pay for an entire season of games when I only would watch 19 or 20 (Yankees-Redsox). Why cant MLB and Directv work out a deal where they can broadcast everything but current seasons games but allow all regular programming. It would be nice to be able to watch YES Network shows like Yankees Mag, quick weekly update to whats been going on with the team. What about the offseason, why is it that you still cant watch everything? MLBEI isnt a year round thing. It has to do with the blackout policy of MLB, isnt there something the Directv can do?

[dshu82]

That is a good question. What else have you noticed that is blacked out other than games or magazine show? I only watch the RSN's for specific shows and don't "browse" that often.

[jodyguercio]

That is a good question. What else have you noticed that is blacked out other than games or magazine show? I only watch the RSN's for specific shows and don't "browse" that often.

Im like you, looking to watch for Yankees Mag and I remember a few times when they were doing life and times of player x type shows that I couldnt watch because they were using old game footage and since I fall into blackout zone no show for me. I am going to try and record something about Joba tomorrow to see if it will allow or will be black and the you are not authorized wording showing up.

[garn9173]

I get the channel as a part of the Premier package. Seems like to me half of what I try to watch is not avail to me though due to the MLB blackout policy (stupid rules :D). Is there nothing Directv can do w/ MLB to make everything but the actual games that are out of market available to its sub base? Maybe a MLB channel a la NFLNetwork?

Ask and you shall receive, MLB will be launching their own cable TV channel prior to the start of the 2009 season.

[jodyguercio]

Ask and you shall receive, MLB will be launching their own cable TV channel prior to the start of the 2009 season.

Very cool. I wonder if Directv will pick it up. I also wonder if this means more programming on RSNs will be available out of area.

[scott72]

Very cool. I wonder if Directv will pick it up. I also wonder if this means more programming on RSNs will be available out of area.

I don't think so. It will probably be similar to the NFL Network where they will have a handful of marquee games that will be only seen on that channel. I'm sure they will fight with all the cable co's just like the NFL Network did as well.

[bidger]

Part of the agreement for any provider to carry the MLBEI package was to carry the MLB Channel in their base package when it debuts in 2009 IIRC.

[n3ntj]

MLB licenses RSN programs (other than games) to specific zip codes that each RSN covers. Shows that we get blacked out of (outside of NYC) are ones that MLB has not licensed YES Network to show to us, for example. I, too, want to see these shows but can't.

I don't think there is anything that D* can do, as it is related to MLB rules, and not the carrier. I have sent emails and letters to MLB about this issue in the past. You may want to do so as well. I don't know if that will help at all, but it can't hurt.

[DEYOJEFF]

MLB licenses RSN programs (other than games) to specific zip codes that each RSN covers. Shows that we get blacked out of (outside of NYC) are ones that MLB has not licensed YES Network to show to us, for example. I, too, want to see these shows but can't.

I don't think there is anything that D* can do, as it is related to MLB rules, and not the carrier. I have sent emails and letters to MLB about this issue in the past. You may want to do so as well. I don't know if that will help at all, but it can't hurt.

Man it just burns me up though to pay to get the Sports Pack, and not be able to watch all the games on the YES network. The YES Network is the whole reason I got off of my cable TV provider and onto DTV. And yesterday, DirecTV blacked out the game agains the Devil Rays. Louisiana is no where near Florida. (Yes there are Yankees fans in Louisiana!). I added Extra Innings though, and should help ensure that I don't miss another game. Too bad they still choose to block out shows as innocuous as "Yankeeography" which you would think would generate more interest in the NYY and maybe get you in the mood to go online, and buy some authorized MLB gear. Ha Ha!.

What email addresses do you email programming requests to?