Bobcat's Ridiculous Broadcast Situation

[kickazzz2000]

As you probably don't know, I am finally coming "home" and moving from Philly back to the area. I will be living in Rock Hill and want to make sure I am able to watch the Cats on TV. Being in Philly, people are quite spoiled having Comcast Sports Net which shows all of the Sixers and Flyers games and almost all of the Phillies games.

I know the Bobcat's situation is extremely stupefying and confusing, with 75 mile blackout rules, and people 10 mi away from the arena not being able to see games but able to at least see them on league pass if they live in Kodiak, AK (Pitbulls new favorite place).

So i'll selfishly ask it, simply put.

Doe's anyone here live in Rock Hill, and if so, do you get Bobcats game on TV? And if so, on which provider (Dish, DirecTV, or Comporicrap)?

Maybe someone should create a sticky or a FAQ for all areas.

[cltblkhscoach]

I know Comporium started carrying them down there 2 years ago I believe so you should be good with them.

[Lewey]

I live in Rock Hill and the games are shown on Comporicrap (Comporium Communications for any who don't know). Glad to have a BCP loyalist in the area.

[kickazzz2000]

Anybody know about Directv?

[Toocool]

So i'll selfishly ask it, simply put.

Doe's anyone here live in Rock Hill, and if so, do you get Bobcats game on TV? And if so, on which provider (Dish, DirecTV, or Comporicrap)?.

I wouldn't know your answer mate, but there's absolutely nothing selfish about wanting to watch the Bobcats on TV or to get advice on what channel broadcasters have Bobcats. Hell, I would sell my sister to watch em on TV instead of on streams.

[Dcarnys]

Anybody know about Directv?

Don't know about Rock Hill but I get the games in Mooresville.

[kickazzz2000]

Cool. So looks like the issue is more with TWC (ironically) not ponying up for FSN-Carolinas in areas a little far but not far enough from CLT?

[JohnnyTimmons]

Cool. So looks like the issue is more with TWC (ironically) not ponying up for FSN-Carolinas in areas a little far but not far enough from CLT?

I dunno about anyone else, but I live in Columbia, SC, and I use Time Warner. I can't watch bobcats on fox sports carolina, which we get, but even if the information says its a Bobcats game, it's usually a poker tourney from 2009. I bought league pass, and that shit is blacked out, as well as any game that shows up on NBA tv. So... I think Direct TV works though, its what they have at the Buffalo Wild Wings where we go to watch the games.

[The Prodigy]

I would sell my sister to watch em on TV instead of on streams.
How much are we talkin' here?

[Bobcat4Ever]

Yep, Comporium in Rock Hill. Didn't know we had so many Rock Hill Bobcats on here.

[pegsue123]

I lived in Rock Hill until 6 months ago. I had comporium and were able to see the games. I switched to Directv because Comporium sucks. Now I have no problem at all. I just recently moved to St Louis so I get the league Pass so I don't miss a Bobcats game. I do miss not being able to go to the games though. Hope to be back in Rock Hill soon.

[ND22]

The biggest irony in the history of the franchise has to be the fact that most Time Warner Cable users (myself included) can't watch the Bobcats play in Time Warner Cable Arena.

Is anything being done about this? At all? The franchise has to know how bad their coverage is, yet every offseason no progress is made. Are we waiting for a contract to run out? I feel I should already know this but somebody fill me in.

[kickazzz2000]

I lived in Rock Hill until 6 months ago. I had comporium and were able to see the games. I switched to Directv because Comporium sucks. Now I have no problem at all. I just recently moved to St Louis so I get the league Pass so I don't miss a Bobcats game. I do miss not being able to go to the games though. Hope to be back in Rock Hill soon.

I moved to Philly from St. Louis. Nice place but in the middle of NOWHERE.

[captaincrunk]

I wouldn't know your answer mate, but there's absolutely nothing selfish about wanting to watch the Bobcats on TV or to get advice on what channel broadcasters have Bobcats. Hell, I would sell my sister to watch em on TV instead of on streams.

how much? and is she old enough to drive me around to my appointments?

[SWedd523]

I wouldn't know your answer mate, but there's absolutely nothing selfish about wanting to watch the Bobcats on TV or to get advice on what channel broadcasters have Bobcats. Hell, I would sell my sister to watch em on TV instead of on streams.
pics or gtfo

[polarcat]

Kinda OT from the OP, but does anyone know when the deal with our AM affiliate expires? I know if there's a UNC game on, that we get no Bobcats games on the radio. Considering 610 the Fan is the flagship radio station locally, why can't we get our NBA franchise over a collegiate one? IMO, it's kinda bush league in a major city to not have the pro franchise as the dominant sporting coverage.

[kickazzz2000]

Kinda OT from the OP, but does anyone know when the deal with our AM affiliate expires? I know if there's a UNC game on, that we get no Bobcats games on the radio. Considering 610 the Fan is the flagship radio station locally, why can't we get our NBA franchise over a collegiate one? IMO, it's kinda bush league in a major city to not have the pro franchise as the dominant sporting coverage.

Well, thats the Carolinas for you. Don't think that will ever change.

[TheBeagle]

Wonder the same thing on drives home from the game when I want to listen to postgame on 610 and instead it's a Carolina game (love my Heels, but I have other stations I can listen to on the way home). Doesn't MNF also take precedence during football season, or has that changed? Can't remember since last year the seasons didn't coincide.

Still, yes, it's terribly sad that a large city like Charlotte can't get decent media coverage from any local media outlet, whether paper, radio or teevee.

[Bobcat4Ever]

The games are on 1150 AM here in Rock Hill. Don't know if y'all would be able to pick that station up in Charlotte, but it's worth a try.

[cltblkhscoach]

I think when 610 does a Carolina game, you can flip over to 1660 for Bobcats coverage, those are sister stations from when WFNZ used to be "The Franchise". Usually they'll tell you throughout the day on their shows their broadcast plan if Carolina and the Bobcats are both playing on the same night. The following link gives you the affiliated radio stations with the Bobcats.

http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_wfnz_111208.html

[Talent]

I know direct TV shows the games in Waxhaw, NC right near Rock Hill

[polarcat]

I think when 610 does a Carolina game, you can flip over to 1660 for Bobcats coverage, those are sister stations from when WFNZ used to be "The Franchise". Usually they'll tell you throughout the day on their shows their broadcast plan if Carolina and the Bobcats are both playing on the same night. The following link gives you the affiliated radio stations with the Bobcats.

http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_wfnz_111208.html

Thanks for the heads up on affiliated radio stations. My beef is, why doesn't the UNC games move to the sister station and the pro franchise stay put..... It's like an overly p*$$y-whipped boyfriend that doesn't wear the pants in the relationship. Whatevs.... can't cry over spilled milk I suppose.

[Toocool]

pics or gtfo

Find me on FB and you can stalk my sister all you want.
I'm sure you'll appreciate her, your a man with yellow tastes.

[SWedd523]

Whoa whoa whoa, now while I do have a case of the yellow fever, I more than appreciate all varieties of women.

my girl says I used to be a manwhore. I prefer the term female connoisseur

[JohnnyTimmons]

Whoa whoa whoa, now while I do have a case of the yellow fever, I more than appreciate all varieties of women.

my girl says I used to be a manwhore. I prefer the term female connoisseur

Guy on internet says he has a girlfriend and that he used to get lots of girls? Must be true!

I'm busting balls because he's in Columbia too.

[captaincrunk]

I'm not in NC but are there petitions we can sign to show how annoyed we are?

[Chef]

I'm not in NC but are there petitions we can sign to show how annoyed we are?

don't make a difference. the team's stance is that it is a provider issue and we need to take it up with them.

[IshHappens]

I live 45 minutes from the front door of TWC Arena over the SC border and Charter refuses to show them. They're even named on the guide, but when you click on them you'll get "In His Own Words With Les Miles" or something. Charter says they're too expensive to pick up, and the team says it's a provider issue, as has already been stated. It's awful. There's absolutely zero ways to add fans if they can't watch you play. The Hornets were on basic cable for every game and the Bobcats have one of the worst professional sports TV deals I've ever seen. I can get every Hurricanes game (despite Raleigh being much farther away) but none of the Bobcats games.

[Chef]

I live 45 minutes from the front door of TWC Arena over the SC border and Charter refuses to show them. They're even named on the guide, but when you click on them you'll get "In His Own Words With Les Miles" or something. Charter says they're too expensive to pick up, and the team says it's a provider issue, as has already been stated. It's awful. There's absolutely zero ways to add fans if they can't watch you play. The Hornets were on basic cable for every game and the Bobcats have one of the worst professional sports TV deals I've ever seen. I can get every Hurricanes game (despite Raleigh being much farther away) but none of the Bobcats games.

the only alternative is if you have direct tv or dish, get a friend's address who isn't a subscriber or a PO box inside the 75 mile radius and tell them you have moved. they will change the address over the phone, recalibrate your signal/sim card and you will get them. or so i have heard.

[captaincrunk]

don't make a difference. the team's stance is that it is a provider issue and we need to take it up with them.

can the providers read? Because that's who I was talking about

[spectre]

can the providers read? Because that's who I was talking about

From what we understand the provider would have to count all customers in a region in their cost to FS, which of course they would then pass on to all those same customers. When you consider the history, getting the Cats, our not so stellar success on the court and college basketball being so big the ones not giving a crap about the Bobcats far outweigh us diehard fans. Getting their bill raised with the excuse of showing the Bobcats would get a bigger rise then we could possibly muster.

That being said some providers have been coming on board. I'm still amazed DISH decided to pick it up for the Raleigh area; I'd have bet real money that wouldn't have happened. Gotta give the Bobcats some props for that.

[captaincrunk]

From what we understand the provider would have to count all customers in a region in their cost to FS, which of course they would then pass on to all those same customers. When you consider the history, getting the Cats, our not so stellar success on the court and college basketball being so big the ones not giving a crap about the Bobcats far outweigh us diehard fans. Getting their bill raised with the excuse of showing the Bobcats would get a bigger rise then we could possibly muster.

That being said some providers have been coming on board. I'm still amazed DISH decided to pick it up for the Raleigh area; I'd have bet real money that wouldn't have happened. Gotta give the Bobcats some props for that.
There's definitely a market for it, and the more they're on TV the more people will feel like watching them.

[Chef]

There's definitely a market for it, and the more they're on TV the more people will feel like watching them.

stop saying things that make sense. this issue is completely run out of the realm of common business sense.

[kickazzz2000]

I live 45 minutes from the front door of TWC Arena over the SC border and Charter refuses to show them. They're even named on the guide, but when you click on them you'll get "In His Own Words With Les Miles" or something. Charter says they're too expensive to pick up, and the team says it's a provider issue, as has already been stated. It's awful. There's absolutely zero ways to add fans if they can't watch you play. The Hornets were on basic cable for every game and the Bobcats have one of the worst professional sports TV deals I've ever seen. I can get every Hurricanes game (despite Raleigh being much farther away) but none of the Bobcats games.

I remember when they were on WCCB and WJZY...not only that but on local channels all over the Carolinas. Went to my cousins house in Knoxville and the game was on Fox43 even there...I was like WTF!!!!!!

[cltblkhscoach]

Oh yeah I remember the WCCB and WJZY days, hell they even had a studio show with Gerry Vailaincourt before games in the WJZY days.....man what happened, lol. I know they have the one with FSN now but still, that was cool as hell to have a local over the air station doing that.

[captaincrunk]

stop saying things that make sense. this issue is completely run out of the realm of common business sense.

then you have no business talking about it. go play with your wooden blocks while the adults try to figure out the situation.

[Chef]

then you have no business talking about it. go play with your wooden blocks while the adults try to figure out the situation.

hey crabass, i was saying that because i agree with your points! that is what we have been saying on here for 3 years now. we have tried petitions, mass calls, we even had the head of bobcats marketing as a poster on here explain the deal. it makes no sense that the team does not put pressure on the providers to show the games to both the 75 mile AND outer radius.

[kickazzz2000]

then you have no business talking about it. go play with your wooden blocks while the adults try to figure out the situation.

He was agreeing with you, dumas

[captaincrunk]

He was agreeing with you, dumas

Do you think I truly believe he spends his free time playing with wooden blocks? dumas...

[teej]

Ladies, ladies. No need to get your panties in a wad.

The tv situation sucks, but that doesn't mean you need to take it out on each other.

[captaincrunk]

I don't even live in the Carolinas, so I'm not bothered

[adam187]

dumas

http://flcenterlitarts.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/dumas.jpg

yesssss?

[QC Thundercats]

Dumas?

http://deadstockoptions.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/dumas1.jpg

[IshHappens]

Oh yeah I remember the WCCB and WJZY days, hell they even had a studio show with Gerry Vailaincourt before games in the WJZY days.....man what happened, lol. I know they have the one with FSN now but still, that was cool as hell to have a local over the air station doing that.
WJZY was the best. Steve Martin and Gil McGregor at the booth, Gerry's pregame show. Every game on basic cable. It was amazing. Now I have to settle for shoddy Internet streams that sometimes look as good as scrambled porn. I just don't understand how an NBA team in the year 2012 could have a TV deal that doesn't allow a good chunk of their surrounding area to watch them play. Especially one that could use all the fans they can get. Blows my mind.

[spectre]

From the Bucks' board:

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1178308


Some of you (I know Newz was interested) may remember a while back a a discussion on ditching cable/satellite. I would have, long ago, were it not for sports. If you want to watch your local teams, a cable or satellite provider is almost a requirement.

But I said I was going to investigate a VPN service that would allow me to have an IP outside my market. A couple months ago I started using what is consistently considered one or the best VPN services out there. (http://www.hideipvpn.com/) I signed up for both an international (Netherlands in particular) IP (for torrenting TV and movies) and domestic IP. I've been using it consistently and it works great.

But starting last night I ordered a month of MLB.tv so I could watch Harper and Trout when they were on. The service is the best there is for sports. If you're a baseball (http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1178308#) fan it's a must have.

But they key to everything came today, when I wanted to see if I could use my domestic IP to watch the Brewers.

First I tried it without the VPN on the oft chance I was considered out of market. No dice, I was blacked out here in Eau Claire.

Then I connected to my VPN. It gave me an IP based in Alaska. I tried again, and up popped the Brewer game. Even over the bandwidth limited VPN the broadcast looked beautiful. Gamechanger. The next step will be to get a VPN friendly router so all my devices (Apple TV, iPad/Phone, 360) will work over the VPN and I can watch broadcasts on my TV.

A way around it appears.

[kickazzz2000]

Dumas?

http://deadstockoptions.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/dumas1.jpg

thats the one!

[captaincrunk]

From the Bucks' board:

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1178308



A way around it appears.

I'm guessing most know about this, but it's not really a solution. It's a band aid.

[spectre]

I'm guessing most know about this, but it's not really a solution. It's a band aid.

If you've been having to rely on crap streams that may or may not work during the game like a lot of us have then it's pretty huge. The particular link I posted gives a (proven) alternative to that...something most haven't had up til now.

Over the years I've seen that this was possible but I've never encountered anyone who actually had it work. I tried something like this last year and as soon as I went to RealGM it came up saying I was trying to hide my VPN and I was permanently banned. I removed it and the "ban" went away.

[captaincrunk]

If you've been having to rely on crap streams that may or may not work during the game like a lot of us have then it's pretty huge. The particular link I posted gives a (proven) alternative to that...something most haven't had up til now.

Over the years I've seen that this was possible but I've never encountered anyone who actually had it work. I tried something like this last year and as soon as I went to RealGM it came up saying I was trying to hide my VPN and I was permanently banned. I removed it and the "ban" went away.

Hide your VPN? Do you mean IP? I'll bet they have several IP addresses of well known proxies banned.

[spectre]

Hide your VPN? Do you mean IP? I'll bet they have several IP addresses of well known proxies banned.

Probably (on both counts).

Just saying, it's going to be a LONG time before a lot of us have access to 82 Bobcats' games.

[captaincrunk]

Probably (on both counts).

Just saying, it's going to be a LONG time before a lot of us have access to 82 Bobcats' games.

Yeah, and VPNs are a little better than the illegal streams we're subjected to. Still not usually good enough to fullscreen but at least you can recognize the players

[thesnowman22]

Someone earlier said DISH will carry Bobcats games this year near Raleigh this year. Where did u see this? I live 45 min east of raleigh and would consider switching from directv if this is the case.

[spectre]

Someone earlier said DISH will carry Bobcats games this year near Raleigh this year. Where did u see this? I live 45 min east of raleigh and would consider switching from directv if this is the case.

Make damn sure. I'm west about 20 miles and I got it last year thru DISH. I think Chef checked and they offer it north up towards Durham. I don't know about east of Raleigh tho.

Something else...don't they negotiate this every year with FS? Paranoid individual that I am, there's no way I'm sure that they carry it this upcoming season just because they did last year.

[captaincrunk]

Make damn sure. I'm west about 20 miles and I got it last year thru DISH. I think Chef checked and they offer it north up towards Durham. I don't know about east of Raleigh tho.

Something else...don't they negotiate this every year with FS? Paranoid individual that I am, there's no way I'm sure that they carry it this upcoming season just because they did last year.

If they carried it last year they have to expect this year to do better. But maybe FS would want more $$$, who knows.

[spectre]

If they carried it last year they have to expect this year to do better. But maybe FS would want more $$$, who knows.

You'd think wouldn't you? Hopefully I'm just paranoid.

When I got League Pass to see Bobcats' games the 1st 3 seasons NBA & DISH as well as DirecTV was in a dispute yearly...but it could just be that it seems that way.

[Chef]

If they carried it last year they have to expect this year to do better. But maybe FS would want more $$$, who knows.

they did just drop amc. i was going to switch because i know i would have had the cats last year (a coworker has dish in east durham and got the cats). but my wife would not be happy at all with no breaking bad or walking dead and i watch hell on wheels too. i figure the cats are going to be bottom 5 again this year, so one more year on shitty streams will be ok. plus, it will give me something to bitch about and also to complain to direct tv about also.

[Plowright]

Yeah this is totally ridiculous!!! Why are the Bobcats not shown in Manchester, England!!! God dam you MJ and your Cheap TV rights

[spectre]

Bobcats broaden television base to 2.8 million homes (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/18/3539840/bobcats-broaden-television-base.html#storylink=rss)


Nearly 1 million more television households in the Carolinas will have access to Charlotte Bobcats broadcasts this season.
Jeff Genthner, who heads SportSouth, the regional Fox sports network that televises Bobcats games, told the Observer Tuesday that potential viewers will increase to over 2.8 million households, up from 1.87 million last season.

[SWedd523]

Does this mean one more million will have access no questions asked or that more providers have the option to choose whether to show or not?

[spectre]

They mention in the article that where before there weren't any providers in a person's area there now will be at least 1 in almost a million more households. Those will worst case have to switch providers...which is much better than having no choice at all.

Basically FS has gotten more providers to pay that premium to air the Bobcats...which is pretty remarkable considering the season we just came off of.

[isguros]

Whoop dee doo!

[bozzy]

So the Bobcats/FS got one more little provider to sign up and now everything is ok? The lack of details in the article tells you everything you need to know.

[ND22]

Wish they had identified more areas besides Lake Norman and Rock Hill. Let's be real though, since our TV deal is with Time Warner Cable, anyone with Time Warner Cable should be able to watch, even if they play it on a special event channel. Ridiculous.

[spectre]

So the Bobcats/FS got one more little provider to sign up and now everything is ok? The lack of details in the article tells you everything you need to know.

Adding 1 million to 1.8 million seems like more than just one little provider. That's over 50% increase in availability.

[Speed]

FYI... Here is part of an email that I received today from foxsports.


Thank you for your email. Jeff asked me to get back to you as he is currently on a business trip.


Charter is not one of the cable companies that will carry Bobcats games this season but people living in areas served by Charter Cable can now access Bobcats games on DirecTV or Dish Net.


Please let me know if you have any other questions.


Thank you!


Meagan Swingle
Manager of Social Media and Communications

[spectre]

FYI... Here is part of an email that I received today from foxsports.


Thank you for your email. Jeff asked me to get back to you as he is currently on a business trip.


Charter is not one of the cable companies that will carry Bobcats games this season but people living in areas served by Charter Cable can now access Bobcats games on DirecTV or Dish Net.


Please let me know if you have any other questions.


Thank you!


Meagan Swingle
Manager of Social Media and Communications

Thanks! From the sound of that it's more the sat providers getting on board, which IMO is much better than picking up a cable provider here or there. Those guys reach all over the states.

[Proudiddy]

Does anyone know if I'll get them now on the DirecTV Choice Xtra package in the Raleigh-area?

[NiceKrispy]

Bah, I was hoping I would actually get to watch some games on TV this season. I'm happy with Charter's TV and Internet, so I'm not switching just to watch the games. I have Fox Sports South but I guess it will just continue to be high school football games in Kentucky rather than the Bobcats on game nights.

[Chef]

Does anyone know if I'll get them now on the DirecTV Choice Xtra package in the Raleigh-area?

as of last year no. they will tell you that you have them but you don't. they are blacked out. i called a half a dozen times last year. i hope they picked them up this year. keep your finger's crossed. the problem is that when you call them the operators don't know shit.

i would try emailing the dude from foxsports.

[adam187]

They mention in the article that where before there weren't any providers in a person's area there now will be at least 1 in almost a million more households. Those will worst case have to switch providers...which is much better than having no choice at all.

Basically FS has gotten more providers to pay that premium to air the Bobcats...which is pretty remarkable considering the season we just came off of.

I agree that any progress is good. But quotes like this are so frustrating:


“Now any holes only exist to the extent of someone’s willingness or unwillingness to change service providers.”

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/18/3539840/bobcats-broaden-television-base.html#storylink=rss#storylink=cpy

No apology or recognition of the years of terrible service that have held this team back (I know this guy isn't responsible for that, but still). It's like they are oblivious to the countless hours people have put in trying to figure out how to watch their local team on TV, something most sports fans are able to take for granted.

Progress, but still frustrating. It's not like changing providers is a real walk in the park, either.

[Chef]

FYI... Here is part of an email that I received today from foxsports.


Thank you for your email. Jeff asked me to get back to you as he is currently on a business trip.


Charter is not one of the cable companies that will carry Bobcats games this season but people living in areas served by Charter Cable can now access Bobcats games on DirecTV or Dish Net.


Please let me know if you have any other questions.


Thank you!


Meagan Swingle
Manager of Social Media and Communications

what is her email address?

[Speed]

what is her email address?

Meagan.Swingle@foxsports.net

[Toocool]

Huge increase from 1.8 million to 2.8 million.
Sounds like Bobcats have really made inroads this off-season in terms of coverage.

[ohara831]

Thanks! From the sound of that it's more the sat providers getting on board, which IMO is much better than picking up a cable provider here or there. Those guys reach all over the states.

Unless your wife wont let you go to Dish because you are "bundled" on your cable, phone and internet and it saves you money. Oh well. Can always catch the game on-line now and then.

[kickazzz2000]

Unless your wife wont let you go to Dish because you are "bundled" on your cable, phone and internet and it saves you money. Oh well. Can always catch the game on-line now and then.

What about people that rent and aren't allowed to get a dish? (not me, but just sayin, its not always that simple)

[Gate_City]

I just checked DirecTV.com. I won't be able to catch games in Vance County. That sucks