The Football Network set to go 'on the air' Sept. 26
By CHRIS GAUTREAU
cgautreau@theadvocate.com
Advocate business writer
The Football Network said Tuesday it will launch Sept. 26 with weekend-only programming.
Its broadcasts, which will air on smaller cable providers across the nation initially, could go round-the-clock by November, the Baton Rouge-based all-football network said.
The network's investors include the state Department of Economic Development, which bought about $1.25 million shares of company stock earlier this year. The state also has pledged about $93 million in various tax breaks during the next 10 years.
The Football Network's headquarters are at the Bon Carr? Business Center on Florida Boulevard, though its programs are being produced from temporary facilities at Louisiana Public Broadcasting on Perkins Road.
The network's first broadcasts began several weeks ago. It produces two half-hour shows for the Spike TV cable network.
On the opening weekend and each one following, selected high school games will air Friday nights. Several Division I-AA college games will be seen on Saturdays, followed by coverage of the Canadian Football League on Sundays. In addition, each of those evenings will feature a one-hour sports-news show.
Jerry Solomon, president and chief executive officer of The Football Network, said that although broadcasts will be carried by mainly smaller cable providers to start with, the network will reach about 2 million homes "and grow from there."
"We're signing up ? members virtually daily," Solomon said. "It's just an ongoing process."
Solomon said negotiations are ongoing with other, major cable providers, though he declined to identify them.
He said the network also is negotiating with local cable company Cox Communications. But until an agreement is reached, the network won't be seen locally, he said.
Solomon said The Football Network programming could go round-the-clock by mid-November. Once it does, the channel plans to offer a variety of programs in addition to live games, including original movies, college recruiting coverage and shows targeted toward fantasy-football players.
:spotting: :spotting: :weed: :clap: :hail
By CHRIS GAUTREAU
cgautreau@theadvocate.com
Advocate business writer
The Football Network said Tuesday it will launch Sept. 26 with weekend-only programming.
Its broadcasts, which will air on smaller cable providers across the nation initially, could go round-the-clock by November, the Baton Rouge-based all-football network said.
The network's investors include the state Department of Economic Development, which bought about $1.25 million shares of company stock earlier this year. The state also has pledged about $93 million in various tax breaks during the next 10 years.
The Football Network's headquarters are at the Bon Carr? Business Center on Florida Boulevard, though its programs are being produced from temporary facilities at Louisiana Public Broadcasting on Perkins Road.
The network's first broadcasts began several weeks ago. It produces two half-hour shows for the Spike TV cable network.
On the opening weekend and each one following, selected high school games will air Friday nights. Several Division I-AA college games will be seen on Saturdays, followed by coverage of the Canadian Football League on Sundays. In addition, each of those evenings will feature a one-hour sports-news show.
Jerry Solomon, president and chief executive officer of The Football Network, said that although broadcasts will be carried by mainly smaller cable providers to start with, the network will reach about 2 million homes "and grow from there."
"We're signing up ? members virtually daily," Solomon said. "It's just an ongoing process."
Solomon said negotiations are ongoing with other, major cable providers, though he declined to identify them.
He said the network also is negotiating with local cable company Cox Communications. But until an agreement is reached, the network won't be seen locally, he said.
Solomon said The Football Network programming could go round-the-clock by mid-November. Once it does, the channel plans to offer a variety of programs in addition to live games, including original movies, college recruiting coverage and shows targeted toward fantasy-football players.
:spotting: :spotting: :weed: :clap: :hail