Blackhawks’ Struggle to Reach Carriage Agreements with Comcast and Other Providers
CALGARY, Alberta — One week into the Blackhawks’ season, the team’s new TV network has yet to reach a carriage agreement with Comcast. That appears unlikely to change before the home opener Thursday.
Blackhawks Chairman Expresses Disappointment
Hawks chairman Danny Wirtz, in an exclusive interview with the Sun-Times on Tuesday, recognized fans’ anger and emphasized his own dissatisfaction with the situation.
"Our goal has been, and continues to be, to ensure that our games are in as many fans’ pockets as possible, in whatever form that can take," Wirtz said. "I acknowledge that, as we’re doing this interview, it’s not where we want [it] to be. We’re disappointed we haven’t reached full distribution of our goals, but we’re hopeful that we’re going to get there."
The Challenge is Nationwide
This isn’t a unique challenge for the Hawks, considering the landscape for regional sports networks has descended into chaos nationwide in the past few years. Altitude, the network that airs Avalanche and Nuggets games, hasn’t been on Comcast in Colorado in five years. The Panthers, Penguins, Capitals, Ducks, Stars, Kraken, and Golden Knights have all experienced recent changes to their RSNs.
Wirtz on the Network’s Content and Goals
Wirtz is pleased with the quality of the broadcasts and content CHSN is producing, including the work of new play-by-play broadcaster Rick Ball. However, the lack of carriage agreements has impacted the Hawks’ bottom line. They’re generating far less revenue from the local-TV piece of the puzzle than they used to.
"The model has shifted. We’re sort of in control of our revenue based on ad revenue," Wirtz said. "The goal is to find new ways to generate revenue, and we’re hopeful that will happen down the line."
Making up the Deficit
Wirtz credited Hawks business president Jaime Faulkner for constantly trying to find new ways to generate revenue. An example of this is the Hawks’ corporate partnerships, which have been intentionally reduced in quantity in favor of deeper, more fruitful partnerships with a smaller group of companies.
Ad Revenue and Side Effects
Fans, however, have also expressed concern about the potential impact of the lack of TV visibility on other revenue streams, such as ticket and merchandise sales.
The Future of the Team
Wirtz reflected on his year as chairman, following the passing of his father, Rocky Wirtz, in July 2023. He emphasized that it has been a transitional year, but he hasn’t made many changes on an operational level.
"The things that Jaime and her team have implemented are now solidified in the business. Kyle, on the hockey side, is executing his plan and continuing to move the team forward in its development process," Wirtz said.
Conclusion
The challenge of reaching carriage agreements with Comcast and other providers has been ongoing, but the Blackhawks remain optimistic about their chances. With a strong team on the ice and a commitment to producing high-quality content, the Hawks are working to ensure that their games are accessible to as many fans as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current situation with the Blackhawks’ TV network?
The team’s new TV network has yet to reach a carriage agreement with Comcast, and it appears unlikely to change before the home opener Thursday. - How is the team’s revenue affected by the lack of carriage agreements?
The team is generating less revenue from the local-TV piece of the puzzle than they used to, but they are trying to make up for it through other means. - What is the plan for the long term?
The team is committed to finding new ways to generate revenue and ensuring that their games are accessible to as many fans as possible.
