Tennis Channel CEO Ken Solomon appeared on CNBC this morning talking about the network's inaugural coverage of the U.S. Open. Part of that message: the network won't be appearing before Cablevision Systems Corp. subscribers in time for this year's Grand Slam event.
Asked about a deal Cablevision has to put Tennis on its sports tier via a contract with the National Cable Television Cooperative, Solomon said "we don't have a deal right now. We hope to get in one in the future."
Solomon, being interviewed on the grounds of the U.S. National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., where the Open began today at 11 a.m., said Tennis deserves to be seen by a "broad range" of viewers and that positioning on Cablevision's iO Sport Pak would only put it before 3% of the MSO's subscriber base, which totals around 3.1 million video customers. He said that's "not right for the U.S. Open."
The Tennis Channel is a pretty poorly run channel IMO. They play most tournaments a week after they’ve been played; which is aggravating if you want to watch it in real time. I’ll just take ESPN coverage, or streams I can find online from overseas television stations.
DirectTV’s coverage of the slams is the primary reason I’m a subscriber. I’m loving the US Open mix! I’m so glad I left cable!
Looking to watch the Roddick-Isner match at US Open. Major disappointment-can’t find it. Tennis Channel is a waste, and Cablevision is a real disappointment. Fios commercials may be truthful and the way to go!!
I ordered Cablevision’s sports package because they stated the tennis channel was included. I am still waiting. I pay Cablevision $200 per month. They suck!!!
I have the Sports Pak from Cablevision and no US Open on Saturday and Sunday nights as well. It is hard to believe they are not providing coverage on Labor Day weekend. Really bad.
As of Tuesday I will be canceling cable except for the basic station. I am totally done with these giant cable companies dictating everything. I look forward to the slams every year and this is unacceptable. Don’t care anymore I am just canceling.