Still no Bobcats for me this season

[Bobcat4Ever]

I live 30 f*ckin minutes away (Rock Hill), and we haven't gotten the Bobcats on TV in years. Absolute bullsh*t

[IshHappens]

Join the club. I'm in upstate South Carolina - about 50 miles away from Charlotte - and we're denied as well. Unbelievable to me that you can have a professional "big 3" franchise within an hour's drive and you can't watch them. Didn't the Hornets come on basic cable? WJZY or whatever? This is garbage.

[Shrimpy_Jackson]

Same here, I think I might have been able to watch but Fox pulled the channel because of the whole new contract thing with the providers. Anyway it says it'll be on here tonight.... http://www.atdhe.net/ also I don't know if the blackout restrictions will apply but nba.com will stream the games for free until next week so you may be able to watch it there as well.

[K!NG Wacko]

honestly the only thing there is for you guys to do is start emailing people and making a big deal. Try emailing fscarolinas@foxsports.net and your cable service provider expressing that you want to see the games.

[bbh2020]

True, their support people will be of no help and have no idea what’s going on with this situation. But they do record your complaint and that gets put into a daily or weekly customer service complaint report which eventually makes its way to the people who negotiate with regional sports networks like FSN over carriage of specific sports programming. The goal is to fill that report with complaints about not having the opportunity to watch the Bobcats play simply because you’re in the outer market.

There are other avenues where you can be heard as well. Twitter is forcing every major corporation in America to monitor the online conversation and react to it or risk having their brand trashed in a very short amount of time. Use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to start a groundswell of support for getting satellite operators to change their decision on outer market fees and see what kind of response you get.



From: Brad Hunter [/EMAIL][mailto:Brad@schooldude.com]
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 10:55 AM
To: Michael Thompson
Subject: RE: Bobcats on SportsSouth

Thanks for getting back to me Michael.

I was relayed the same information last year when I posed the same question.

My follow up question that I had last year and still have now is: Who do I contact at Direct TV?

When I talk to their support people they have no idea.

Is there a corporate office you guys deal with over this?

I can get lots of people to express their displeasure but we have not been able to find anyone to express it too that actually have power.

Thank You,


From: Michael Thompson [EMAIL=""] ("")[mailto:mthompson@bobcats.com]
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 10:49 AM
To: Brad Hunter
Subject: RE: Bobcats on SportsSouth

Brad,

Thank you for reaching out to me regarding the Bobcats on satellite. We've received hundreds of phone calls and emails from fans who can't see our games on SportSouth (SPSO). Let me share with you the facts regarding distribution of our game broadcasts on satellite in the Carolinas:

- This season FSN South will distribute 81 Bobcats broadcasts on SPSO to every cable and satellite operator in North and South Carolina
- Satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network have opted to limit their carriage of the Bobcats on SPSO to the NBA-designated inner market: a 75-mile radius around the city of Charlotte
- It should be noted that neither DirecTV nor Dish Network has the ability to perfectly define a 75-mile radius in their geo-coding of subscribers
- Neither DirecTV nor Dish Network will make Bobcats games available on SPSO beyond the NBA 75-mile inner market radius because they both decided not to pay the fee necessary to cover the NBA's outer market fees
- Regardless of a cable or satellite operator's decision to carry the Bobcats on SPSO, all of our games are blacked out on NBA League Pass in North and South Carolina per NBA rule to protect the team’s broadcast partner
- The best course of action to remedy this situation is to contact your satellite operator directly and express your desire to watch the Bobcats on SPSO

I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear today, but we’re learning that the most effective way to create change in the cable/satellite industry is to make yourself heard. The number of cable providers that are now carrying our games has increased every year because subscribers are making their wishes known. I hope you can use the information above to make your voice and the voices of others heard in this situation.

If you have any other questions regarding carriage of the Bobcats on SPSO by satellite operators, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.

Sincerely,

Michael Thompson
Director of Corporate Communications
Bobcats Sports & Entertainment

[IshHappens]

Thanks for the e-mail addy. Just shot them an e-mail. I'm not holding my breath though.

[bbh2020]

Read my post above from bottom to top to see the conversation I had with Michael Thompson from the Bobcats about this.

I'm stuck in Sanford, NC with no games either. I'm with DirectTV.

They should at least give you the option to pay for these games through League Pass if DTV does not want too. Pretty lame!

[IshHappens]

Yeah, I e-mailed Michael about Charter as well and got basically the same response. They should offer one of two alternatives:

1) Pay a little extra monthly for Bobcats games.
2) Allow the games to be shown on League Pass instead of blacking them out. It's not our fault our providers won't show the games!

Completely preposterous!

[bbh2020]

I'm with you Ish!

[CatNation]

hey Ish, I found this number thats supposedly for the corporate office of Charter

314-965-0555

you should give it a call, I would but I'm in class. if it works I'll call it too after I get out of class...

edit: nevermind apparently its their customer service number which they list as their corporate office. bastards....I'll keep digging lol

[K!NG Wacko]

I want to direct Time Warner Cable customers to other thread, it has corporate number to call. Let's get heard!

http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/showthread.php?11663-For-SportSouth-HD-in-Raleigh-%28-other-areas%29-w-TimeWarnerCable-CALL-this-number!

[CatNation]

this is what I got for Charter...

Corporate Office Main Switchboard: (314) 965-0555
Marketing/Engineering/Public Relations/Office Management: (314) 965-5761
Corporate Development: (314) 909-0801
Finance/Acquisitions/Budgets/Regulatory: (314) 965-6492
Legal/Government Relations: (314) 965-6640
M.I.S.: (314) 965-9491
Executive: (314) 965-8793
Account/Inventory: (314) 909-0675
Treasury: (314) 965-0571
Human Resources/Payroll: Fax (314) 965-9745

[teej]

I live 30 f*ckin minutes away (Rock Hill), and we haven't gotten the Bobcats on TV in years. Absolute bullsh*t

You and Ish can both get games on Directv...

[Black]

Just a heads up, NBA League Pass Broadband is doing a free trial through November 2nd.

http://www.nba.com/leaguepass/broadband/index.html

[ziggy]

Who's voicemail box can we relentlessly pound to help out the guys in NC/SC that can't see the games.

If there is something that I can do to, or if there is a way that I can draw more attention to it, I'd be glad to help.

[spectre]

Who's voicemail box can we relentlessly pound to help out the guys in NC/SC that can't see the games.

If there is something that I can do to, or if there is a way that I can draw more attention to it, I'd be glad to help.


311


I'm thinking hit man. :paddle:

We're just screwed Zig. Hell, right now DISH won't even pay the standard FS fee...much less any premium that hits all their customers.

[ohara831]

this is what I got for Charter...

Corporate Office Main Switchboard: (314) 965-0555
Marketing/Engineering/Public Relations/Office Management: (314) 965-5761
Corporate Development: (314) 909-0801
Finance/Acquisitions/Budgets/Regulatory: (314) 965-6492
Legal/Government Relations: (314) 965-6640
M.I.S.: (314) 965-9491
Executive: (314) 965-8793
Account/Inventory: (314) 909-0675
Treasury: (314) 965-0571
Human Resources/Payroll: Fax (314) 965-9745

My friend, I have gone round after round with Charter. The silly ba$tard$ look at their computer and say "It should be on, I dont know why it is not." Every time, same answer. Just idiots.

[CatNation]

My friend, I have gone round after round with Charter. The silly ba$tard$ look at their computer and say "It should be on, I dont know why it is not." Every time, same answer. Just idiots.

You tried any of those numbers? If you could get hold of an exec it might be a different story...

[Chef]

True, their support people will be of no help and have no idea what’s going on with this situation. But they do record your complaint and that gets put into a daily or weekly customer service complaint report which eventually makes its way to the people who negotiate with regional sports networks like FSN over carriage of specific sports programming. The goal is to fill that report with complaints about not having the opportunity to watch the Bobcats play simply because you’re in the outer market.

There are other avenues where you can be heard as well. Twitter is forcing every major corporation in America to monitor the online conversation and react to it or risk having their brand trashed in a very short amount of time. Use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to start a groundswell of support for getting satellite operators to change their decision on outer market fees and see what kind of response you get.



From: Brad Hunter [/EMAIL][mailto:Brad@schooldude.com]
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 10:55 AM
To: Michael Thompson
Subject: RE: Bobcats on SportsSouth

Thanks for getting back to me Michael.

I was relayed the same information last year when I posed the same question.

My follow up question that I had last year and still have now is: Who do I contact at Direct TV?

When I talk to their support people they have no idea.

Is there a corporate office you guys deal with over this?

I can get lots of people to express their displeasure but we have not been able to find anyone to express it too that actually have power.

Thank You,


From: Michael Thompson [EMAIL=""] ("")[mailto:mthompson@bobcats.com]
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 10:49 AM
To: Brad Hunter
Subject: RE: Bobcats on SportsSouth

Brad,

Thank you for reaching out to me regarding the Bobcats on satellite. We've received hundreds of phone calls and emails from fans who can't see our games on SportSouth (SPSO). Let me share with you the facts regarding distribution of our game broadcasts on satellite in the Carolinas:

- This season FSN South will distribute 81 Bobcats broadcasts on SPSO to every cable and satellite operator in North and South Carolina
- Satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network have opted to limit their carriage of the Bobcats on SPSO to the NBA-designated inner market: a 75-mile radius around the city of Charlotte
- It should be noted that neither DirecTV nor Dish Network has the ability to perfectly define a 75-mile radius in their geo-coding of subscribers
- Neither DirecTV nor Dish Network will make Bobcats games available on SPSO beyond the NBA 75-mile inner market radius because they both decided not to pay the fee necessary to cover the NBA's outer market fees
- Regardless of a cable or satellite operator's decision to carry the Bobcats on SPSO, all of our games are blacked out on NBA League Pass in North and South Carolina per NBA rule to protect the team’s broadcast partner
- The best course of action to remedy this situation is to contact your satellite operator directly and express your desire to watch the Bobcats on SPSO

I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear today, but we’re learning that the most effective way to create change in the cable/satellite industry is to make yourself heard. The number of cable providers that are now carrying our games has increased every year because subscribers are making their wishes known. I hope you can use the information above to make your voice and the voices of others heard in this situation.

If you have any other questions regarding carriage of the Bobcats on SPSO by satellite operators, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.

Sincerely,

Michael Thompson
Director of Corporate Communications
Bobcats Sports & Entertainment

again, i am very appreciative of MT but this is complete crap. the bobcat's are supplying a product, therefore they are the business. THEY need to ensure we have access. we have michael "Greatest Of ALL TIME, MOST POPULAR ATHLETE ON THE PLANET" jordan as an owner. he can't do some commercials for direct tv? come on. the answer is not for us to form a bobcats tea party to get access. we have tried for three years now. we need some help from the big guns.

[DwiLLL]

i recently moved to Louisville and I get the game, yay! I don't get it in HD though but at least i get it

[millst2]

Yeah i get the same thing, Windstream want pay the fees to get the bobcats games. And on leaguepass we are blacked out.

I would think the easiest resolution to this would be that NBA.com could do a revenue share with the providers in the area that cant get the games on TV. We pay 100-150 a yr for the league pass they could kick the service providers a cut to lift their blackouts.

Bobcats have the stupidest fukn TV deals in existence. I am not even outside of the 75 mile radius, can drive to the stadium in under an hour. But god forbid we get to see the shit on TV. Hence why the fan base growth has been so sluggish outside of the queen city. I have emails from the cable provider I have and i get the same thing everytime. All they say is that it is Fox's fault, fox says its the providers fault, providers say its the teams fault they made the contract like they did. Hell just put it back on NC14 or whatever that shitty news channel was called, atleast more people could watch.

[Proudiddy]

It sucks balls that I have to continue to sit uncomfortably squinting at my computer screen trying to get feeds from Timbuktu of the game. I could call DTV for Chapel Hill and complain, but these douchebags don't care... If we don't have it by now, we won't have it anytime soon. Definitely not this season.

[bozzy]

again, i am very appreciative of MT but this is complete crap. the bobcat's are supplying a product, therefore they are the business. THEY need to ensure we have access. we have michael "Greatest Of ALL TIME, MOST POPULAR ATHLETE ON THE PLANET" jordan as an owner. he can't do some commercials for direct tv? come on. the answer is not for us to form a bobcats tea party to get access. we have tried for three years now. we need some help from the big guns.

This is the reason the Bobcats tv situation has sucked since their existence. Sure, it is up to the providers, but the Bobcats continue to have the attitude that it is up to the fans and the providers to fix the situation. This type of attitude does not exactly endure fans to the Bobcats. The Bobcats should be actively trying to help their fans get access to the tv broadcasts. They shouldn't be blaming everyone else but themselves.

[Brad]

So, after this weekend, will Bobcats games be blacked out on NBA Broadband as well?

[IshHappens]

I would think the easiest resolution to this would be that NBA.com could do a revenue share with the providers in the area that cant get the games on TV. We pay 100-150 a yr for the league pass they could kick the service providers a cut to lift their blackouts.

Bobcats have the stupidest fukn TV deals in existence. I am not even outside of the 75 mile radius, can drive to the stadium in under an hour. But god forbid we get to see the shit on TV. Hence why the fan base growth has been so sluggish outside of the queen city. I have emails from the cable provider I have and i get the same thing everytime. All they say is that it is Fox's fault, fox says its the providers fault, providers say its the teams fault they made the contract like they did. Hell just put it back on NC14 or whatever that shitty news channel was called, atleast more people could watch.
Well said.

To me it's just astonishing. The owner(s) of this franchise invest so much time and money into the product, and then make it to where NOBODY can see it. It's not like we're having trouble finding a Single A Minor League Baseball team on television. This is an NBA team in our backyard and their TV deal is so shitty that nobody can watch them.

[bobKAT1148]

As has been mentioned by others, I am getting the run around from DirectTV as to who to contact to let them know that there is demand for Bobcats games in the Carolinas outside of the 75 mile market. (I'm on the coast). Has anyone been able to locate a number, email or contact point at DirectTV where these requests can be forwarded?

I'll be honest, I'll email/call/write whomever and pay whatever I have to... I just want to see my Bobcats on TV!

[teej]

@ everyone outside the 75 mile radius.

There's not really much demand for the games, 100, or even 1000 people calling still doesn't justify the cost to them. Your best bet is to just get a "front" address inside the radius and have your bills go through there, then you get the Charlotte programming and locals. This includes Bobcat games and all the other QC-only stuff. Other than that, enjoy ATDHE.

[Chef]

As has been mentioned by others, I am getting the run around from DirectTV as to who to contact to let them know that there is demand for Bobcats games in the Carolinas outside of the 75 mile market. (I'm on the coast). Has anyone been able to locate a number, email or contact point at DirectTV where these requests can be forwarded?

I'll be honest, I'll email/call/write whomever and pay whatever I have to... I just want to see my Bobcats on TV!

i used the email page http://support.directv.com/app/ask and sent this email and got this response

Customer (Entered by DIRECTV) - 10/08/2010 10:22 AM
I would love to switch from Time Warner Cable to Direct TV but I can't due to a coporate decision made by Direct TV. I live in Durham NC and am a follower of the Charlotte Bobcats. TWC carries all of the Bobcats games on FoxSports South to both the inner (75mile radius from Char) and outer (North and South Carolina) markets. Direct TV has decided to not purchase the rights to show the Bobcats games to the outer markets. This excludes a potential 2 million+ customers from seeing ANY Bobcats games. I am unable to see the Bobcats on NBA league pass due to league blackout rules because I am in the outer market.

I (as well as a multiple number of Bobcats fans) have called DirectTV to explain this and no one at DirecTV seems to care. I saw that the CEO was on Undercover Boss and thought now would be the time to try to reach the "higher ups".

I have provided a link to the fan site where many discussions have occurred about this subject. As well, I have provided the contact info for Michael Thompson, director of coporate communications.

Please, do all you can to ensure that all of the defined Bobcats market can see their games. Your main cable competitor in the area, Time Warner Cable, is the only provider who shows games to the outer market. I would switch to DirectTV today, if they decided to show the games to the outer market.
Thank you,


Michael Thompson: mthompson@bobcats.com

Forum from Bobcats fansite:
http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/showthread.php?11496-twc-or-sat


Thank you for your recent correspondence. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

Starting in the 2008-2009 season, DIRECTV made the decision not to deliver the Charlotte Bobcats games to the entire team territory. Certain customers can receive the games on FOX Sports South or SportSouth, determined by zip code.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and hope to see you as a DIRECTV customer in the near future.

Your feedback was forwarded to DIRECTV Management for review. Please note, we make programming decision based on potential viewers like you.

At DIRECTV we strive to provide the finest in satellite television entertainment and outstanding customer service. If you have any additional concerns, please contact us at 1-866-785-5536 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM MT.

Sincerely,

Jennifer
DIRECTV Customer Advocate Team

[spectre]

@ everyone outside the 75 mile radius.

There's not really much demand for the games, 100, or even 1000 people calling still doesn't justify the cost to them.

Which is why the company line that it's up to us to get the providers to change their minds is total BS.

[sportsfan86]

Who is mostly to blame for people not being able to see the Bobcats on SportSouth? Is it Time Warner Cable, SportSouth/FS South, or the team itself?

I figured if were able to get SportSouth we should be able to see the Charlotte Bobcats as its part of the programing oftered by FS South/SportSouth. Were able to see all other programing oftered by them Atlanta Braves, Carolina Hurricanes.

Tonight on FS South and SportSouth both are airing NHL games. Can see both Carolina on FS Carolina and Atlanta on SportSouth. Thought Atlanta isn't surpose to be seen as its out of market. I think its stupid to see the Atlanta Thrashers but can't see local Charlotte Bobcats basketball game.

[onajourney]

I was in Charleston for business over the weekend, and I was very surprised to see the Utah game on cable in the hotel.