This past Saturday, the NFL Network decided to simulcast its historic matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants as the Patriots became the first team in NFL history to go undefeated in a 16 game regular season. Most sports commentators announced that the NFL had “caved” in its quest to have its network put into most standard cable packages. I disagree. I think it was an excellent marketing maneuver.
Throughout the broadcast, the NFL Network shamelessly plugged itself and pleaded with customers to annoy their cable companies to get the channel. However, it did this to an enormous audience on both NBC and CBS straight into the homes of the viewers that would care. This whole promotion was just another example of the NFL being a marketing dynamo.
Personally, I won’t be calling my cable company. Eight games a year total (and in reality, only two that mattered) isn’t all that attractive to me. My weekly football needs are satisfied on Sundays. I don’t really care for Monday night, Thursday night or Saturday night. The only other feature the channel offers is exclusive coverage of the scouting combine, which is mildly interesting at best. Also, I’m not sure Comcast will really answer my call (I’m not a big fan of compulsory franchise agreements).
Posted by samduvall 