Chicago Sports Network Goes Over-the-Air with WJYS
The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is expanding its reach by making its content available over-the-air (OTA) on Channels 62.2 and 62.3 through an agreement with WJYS, the network announced Monday.
OTA Availability
When CHSN launches on October 1 as the new home of the White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks, the channels will convert to a high-definition signal and carry the network full-time. The two channels will allow for CHSN to carry conflicting games simultaneously, just as NBC Sports Chicago has with NBCSCH+. That network will go off the air on September 30.
Fan-First Approach
“Fan-first has been our north star,” CHSN president Jason Coyle said in the release. “We are making our content available on the platforms that our fans can watch. For those households who, for whatever reason, choose over-the-air as their primary viewing platform, they now have an opportunity to see the games and build even stronger connections with the teams and personalities they love.”
Receiving the Signal
OTA viewers will need an antenna to receive the signal. The CHSN website provides information for selecting and installing the device. WJYS-Channel 62, owned by Millennial Telecommunications, is an independent channel based in Hammond, Indiana, with a signal on the Willis Tower. Comcast, the top cable provider in the market, does not carry the subchannels. Stadium, the multiplatform sports network owned by Sox chairman Jerry Reindsorf, used to be available on Ch. 62.2.
Reach and Availability
OTA access isn’t intended to replace cable or satellite distribution. It’s to make CHSN’s reach as wide as possible. The network could make such deals in other markets within its five-state territory (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin), including Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis, and Milwaukee. Some games would be blacked out in those markets to adhere to league broadcasting rules. For example, the Bulls and Sox couldn’t be shown in Milwaukee, but the Hawks could.
Future Distribution Agreements
More distribution agreements are expected to be announced. The Sun-Times reported last week that CHSN is close to a carriage agreement with DirecTV that also would make the network available on DirecTV Stream and U-Verse within the same footprint that NBCSCH is available. It’s the network’s only agreement with a cable and satellite provider so far. An announcement is expected this week.
Preseason Games
The Blackhawks have three preseason games the week before CHSN launches that they hope to show online. The home game on September 25 will be available at chicagoblackhawks.com, and the Hawks are trying to make games on September 27 in Detroit and September 28 in St. Louis available, as well. CHSN’s first broadcast is scheduled to be the Hawks’ preseason game against the Wild on October 1.
Conclusion
The Chicago Sports Network is committed to making its content accessible to fans across the region. With its new over-the-air agreement with WJYS, CHSN is expanding its reach and providing fans with more options to watch their favorite teams.
FAQs
Q: Do I need an antenna to receive the signal?
A: Yes, OTA viewers will need an antenna to receive the signal.
Q: What information is available on the CHSN website for selecting and installing an antenna?
A: The CHSN website provides information for selecting and installing the device.
Q: Why is OTA access not intended to replace cable or satellite distribution?
A: OTA access is intended to make CHSN’s reach as wide as possible, not to replace cable or satellite distribution.
Q: Will CHSN make similar deals in other markets?
A: Yes, the network could make such deals in other markets within its five-state territory.
Q: Will some games be blacked out in those markets?
A: Yes, some games would be blacked out in those markets to adhere to league broadcasting rules.
