Dave Metzler’s Wrestling Observer reports that Cox Communications is offering a lower-tier channel alternative for its subscribers. If this model is followed by other cable providers, it could mean less viewers for fans of MMA and pro wrestling.
According to the Wrestling Observer (subscription requried), the lower tier service Cox is offering includes the major networks (NBC, CBS, Fox), local affiliates and major networks which include WGN, TBS, CNN, Galavision and USA. The package is offered at $35 a month.
ESPN, Spike TV, SyFy, FX, MTV and likely Fuel would not be carried on this tier. Instead, these channels would be available for $60 a month package. Metzler points out that the lower-tier option could curtail the amount of fans that MMA fans could garner through television. The question will be how many subscribers will move to the lower tier and how many cable providers will follow the model outlined by Cox.
Payout Perspective:
The Cox economy cable model seems like it would hurt Bellator more than it would impact the UFC. With the UFC-Fox relationship, viewers subscribing to the new Cox tier would still have the Fox network fights. If Spike is shut out of the lower tier, it would mean that Bellator would only be available online to those without access to the network. Also, much of the UFC’s content will be on FX and Fuel so those subscribers would be missing out on most UFC programming. This is a sign of the impact the economy is having on consumers as some will seek to curtail their cable bill by moving to a lower tier. With some consumers cord-cutting a lower priced cable tier seems like a reasonable way some cable providers will look at in trying to retain subscribers.
“the lower tier service Cox is offering includes the major networks (NBC, CBS, Fox)”
Why even mention those stations? They’re all free over the air in HD.
Cox has about 5 million subscribers. I don’t know what percentage they expect to drop down, but it isn’t going to have that much effect on the 100 million household universe of the top cable channels.
Anybody who cuts down to a bare bones package that doesn’t even include ESPN isn’t exactly in the prime consumer category. Probably a lot of seniors on fixed budgets who stay locked on CBS most of the day.
Good point JamesG.
Once i saw ESPN and MTV was including in the dropped package i knew it wouldnt have much effect on MMA. Almost no one in the MMA demographic would ever drop those channels and still even pay for tv. What else would you be paying for? Nothing really.
This isn’t good for MMA fans