Although WWE’s TV shows draw big ratings, it has yet to strike a single deal with a cable or satellite-TV provider to carry its own cable channel, sources said.
WWE had timed the April 1 launch of the network in 40 million homes to coincide with its pay-per-view extravaganza, Wrestlemania. The company even had a clock counting down to the April launch date on its site, which has since disappeared.
The Stamford, Conn., company is also lagging when it comes to hiring experienced cable executives. It was expected to hire some 200 employees, including a general manager to run the channel.
I didn't realize that they put the cart before the horse that badly. The way they were hyping this, I thought it was a done deal.
I currently use ESPN News as my fall back option when there are gaps in what's on tv and I just want to watch something while waiting to do whatever is next. It seems like it would do fair ratings for an upper level cable network.
The only thing I think I wouldn't like about the channel is Vince trying to rewrite whatever he wanted.
Seems like the deal with NBC Universal would allow it to tack on a channel to that huge block of channels. NBC did just launch a sports network by rebranding Versus. Not that the WWE wants to share the channel, but they could work out a deal to mooch some experienced folks in exchange for NBC advertising on their wrestling channel.
A constant online stream for their material seems cheaper and a way to build demand. At the very least, this stream could be the way to work out the programming bugs before going onto TV.
"To be the man, you gotta beat demands." -- The Lovely Mrs. Tracker
Originally posted by Matt TrackerSeems like the deal with NBC Universal would allow it to tack on a channel to that huge block of channels. NBC did just launch a sports network by rebranding Versus. Not that the WWE wants to share the channel, but they could work out a deal to mooch some experienced folks in exchange for NBC advertising on their wrestling channel.
WWE actually had tried to do something like this. They offered to buy the Universal Sports HD channel, which seems to be mostly Olympic spots in non-Olympic years, and would mean WWE would inherit cable/satellite coverage. NBC turned them down.
Originally posted by Matt TrackerSeems like the deal with NBC Universal would allow it to tack on a channel to that huge block of channels. NBC did just launch a sports network by rebranding Versus. Not that the WWE wants to share the channel, but they could work out a deal to mooch some experienced folks in exchange for NBC advertising on their wrestling channel.
A constant online stream for their material seems cheaper and a way to build demand. At the very least, this stream could be the way to work out the programming bugs before going onto TV.
I don't see why they don't just avoid the broadcast television dinosaur and set something up as an online stream (ad-supported or premium) or get some sort of deal with Apple or Netflix.
I honestly don't know why they still bother with PPV events when more and more people have Internet-ready devices.
So it's assumed that the end game that WWE will do to support the network is to air all the B-level PPVs on the WWE Network (either exclusively or in addition to having them available through standard PPV). WWE is also going to be looking to get carriage fees from the cable companies ($1, $2 a subscriber (figures have been pulled out of my ass)). Here's my question:
If the WWE Network did put the B level PPVs on the network, wouldn't that end up pissing off the cable companies? You're basically cutting down on a revenue stream of theirs (reducing their PPV sales), AND asking cable companies to pay for the privilege to have their PPV revenue reduced? Why would a cable company approve of that plan?
The Big Bossman raised the briefcase.
Go Pack Go! Owner of one (1) share. Let's Go Riders! Owner of one (1) share.
Originally posted by hansen9jSo it's assumed that the end game that WWE will do to support the network is to air all the B-level PPVs on the WWE Network (either exclusively or in addition to having them available through standard PPV).
One thing I've never understood with this idea - do you run ads during the PPV and piss off people who paid for the show, or do you air the shows ad-free on the WWE Network, and lose out on the ad revenue for what's likely to be your highest-rated programming? Or do you try to structure your PPVs so that there are spots for ads, but only the people watching the network actually see the ads, thus killing the flow of the event for everyone?
Remember that commercial free Raw a few years ago? That one had commercials in Canada. So there is precedent, if nothing else, but I wonder how far ahead they've really thought with this.
The amazing thing is that after nearly 3 decades of dealing with cable companies to get carriage of ppv's and then in demand, that Vince and Co. hasn't been able to strike a deal with a single cable carrier.
Originally posted by OliverI'm almost 100% certain this channel will never see the light of day here in Canada. It's a real shame, too.
I am about 90% sure, it won't see the light of day at all. I always leave 10% out for error or blind luck. Vince and crew have been hinting if not outright trying to do this since they bought WCW. The went with the WWE OnDemand which I guess worked well for the most part. Yet, this is what they have been itching to do for a long time. They have the material to do it and they can't get it off the ground. I also find it out odd for the amount of revenue WWE supposedly brings in with PPVS, no cable company is willing to go in with them. Unless, the profits they get from the PPVs are not up to snuff which is probably not far from true.
The Wee Baby Sheamus.
Twitter: @realjoecarfley its a bit more toned down there. A bit.
A little bit of joking around I'm sure is fine. But you used the phrase yourself : "Go into business for themselves." I can't see Vince taking that as other than an affront.
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