Days away from the launch of Fox Sports 1, the network has yet to reach deals with several major cable/satellite providers. In other news, FS1 is set to debut a new sports anthology series, and ESPN was never in contention for U.S. Open TV rights.
Fox Sports 1 Still Seeks Distribution Deals
- Sports Business Daily reported Tuesday that Fox Sports 1 has yet to reach a carriage agreement with cable/satellite providers DirecTV, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, which together account for 47 million television homes. Providers that are unable to reach a deal with FS1 will instead carry “Speed Classic” — an alternative that would televise old “old races and re-runs.” (Sports Business Daily, Sports Business Journal)
FS1 to Debut Sports Anthology Series
- Fox Sports announced Tuesday the launch of “Jones and Moseley” — a new hour-long sports anthology series on Fox Sports 1. The show, which will be hosted in-studio by former NFLer Dhani Jones and skier Jonny Moseley, will feature various sporting events around the world. The debut episode is scheduled for August 25 at 6 PM ET. (Fox Sports)
ESPN Was Never in the Running For U.S. Open Rights
- ESPN was a “distant third” in negotiations for U.S. Open television rights and “never appeared to be in the running,” Sports Business Journal reported earlier this week. Had Fox Sports not acquired rights to the event, “it all was most likely going to go to NBC Sports.” (Sports Business Journal [1], [2])
