In a game-changing move for sports fans in Southern and Central California, as well as portions of Nevada and Hawaii, DIRECTV has recently secured a new multi-year agreement with Spectrum Networks.
This groundbreaking deal will bring the highly coveted television homes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers, Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA, to DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, and U-verse platforms.
With the evolving landscape of the pay TV industry in mind, this agreement marks a significant step forward for both DIRECTV and Spectrum Networks.
Key Takeaways
- DIRECTV has signed a multi-year agreement with Spectrum Networks to carry Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA, the TV homes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
- The deal covers DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, and U-verse, and will be available in Southern and Central California, portions of Nevada, including Las Vegas, and Hawaii.
- DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream have already excluded the two LA-based RSNs from their least expensive plan, Entertainment.
- Spectrum TV service will soon split its expanded basic Select plan into two, with Spectrum TV Select Plus including RSNs and Spectrum Select Signature not including them, offering more flexibility and choice to subscribers.
The Agreement: Directv's Multi-Year Deal With Spectrum Networks
The multi-year agreement between DIRECTV and Spectrum Networks marks a significant milestone in the distribution of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers channels. This agreement includes carrying Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA, the TV homes of the Lakers and Dodgers, on DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, and U-verse platforms. The coverage will be available in Southern and Central California, portions of Nevada including Las Vegas, and Hawaii.
This partnership holds several implications for both DIRECTV and Spectrum Networks. It allows DIRECTV to offer the channels to fewer customers, acknowledging the changing pay TV industry. Spectrum Networks, in response to the evolving market trends, recognizes the need for flexibility in packaging and pricing, allowing pay TV operators to cater to the preferences of their subscribers.
This agreement showcases Spectrum's adaptation to the changing dynamics of the pay TV industry.
Expanded Coverage: Lakers and Dodgers Channels for Southern and Central California
With the new multi-year agreement between DIRECTV and Spectrum Networks, the Lakers and Dodgers channels will now be available to viewers in Southern and Central California. This expanded coverage is expected to have a significant impact on local sports coverage in the region.
Both the Lakers and Dodgers have a large and dedicated fan base, and the addition of these channels will provide fans with more access to live games, analysis, and exclusive content. Subscriber demand for Lakers and Dodgers channels has been high, as these teams have a strong following in the area.
Channel Exclusion: Impact on DIRECTV's Least Expensive Plan
Although DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream have already excluded the two LA-based RSNs from their least expensive plan, Entertainment, the new agreement with Spectrum will create even more opportunities to only provide the channels to subscribers who want them. This channel exclusion will have a significant impact on DIRECTV's pricing strategy and subscriber reactions.
Here are some key points to consider:
- DIRECTV's decision to exclude the Lakers and Dodgers channels from their least expensive plan reflects their strategy of offering more tailored and customizable packages to subscribers.
- By allowing customers to choose whether or not they want these channels, DIRECTV is acknowledging the changing preferences and viewing habits of their subscribers.
Subscriber reactions to this exclusion may vary. Some customers who are avid Lakers or Dodgers fans may be willing to pay extra for these channels, while others who are not interested in sports programming may appreciate the cost savings.
DIRECTV's move to offer more flexibility in packaging and pricing aligns with the evolving pay TV industry, which is seeing a rise in cord cutting and a demand for more personalized content options.
It will be interesting to see how this channel exclusion impacts DIRECTV's subscriber base and whether it leads to an increase in customer satisfaction and retention.
Spectrum's Evolving RSN Model: Adapting to the Changing Pay TV Industry
Spectrum Networks is actively adjusting its RSN model to adapt to the shifting dynamics of the pay TV industry. As cord cutting continues to impact the industry, Spectrum is recognizing the need for flexibility in RSN subscription options. To address this, Spectrum TV service will soon introduce two new plans: Spectrum TV Select Plus and Spectrum Select Signature. Spectrum TV Select Plus will include RSNs, catering to subscribers who want access to sports programming. On the other hand, Spectrum Select Signature will not include RSNs, offering a more affordable option for those who are not interested in sports content. This move acknowledges the changing pay TV landscape and provides subscribers with more choice and flexibility. The rollout of these new packages is expected in the third quarter.
| New Spectrum TV Packages | |
|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Select Plus | Includes RSNs |
| Spectrum Select Signature | Does not include RSNs |
The evolving RSN model reflects the realities of the marketplace and the increasing popularity of regular season professional sports programming. By adapting to the changing pay TV industry, Spectrum Networks aims to provide subscribers with the options they desire while also addressing the impact of cord cutting on RSNs.
New Spectrum TV Packages: Flexibility and Choice for Subscribers
The introduction of the new Spectrum TV packages provides subscribers with a wide range of options and greater flexibility in choosing their desired programming. These new packages aim to cater to subscriber preferences and offer more choice than ever before.
Here are some key features of the new Spectrum TV packages:
- Splitting the expanded basic Select plan into Spectrum TV Select Plus and Spectrum Select Signature.
- Spectrum TV Select Plus includes Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), catering to sports viewership.
- Spectrum Select Signature does not include RSNs, making it a more affordable option.
- The new packages will be rolled out to new customers in the third quarter.
- The aim is to provide subscribers with more flexibility and choice in their TV packages.
Rollout Plans: Expectations for Third Quarter Release
The anticipated rollout plans for the new Spectrum TV packages in the third quarter will provide subscribers with enhanced options and flexibility in selecting their desired programming.
Spectrum TV service will split its expanded basic Select plan into two: Spectrum TV Select Plus and Spectrum Select Signature.
Spectrum TV Select Plus will include regional sports networks (RSNs), while Spectrum Select Signature will not include them. The latter plan will be around $10 cheaper.
With these new packages, Spectrum aims to cater to changing viewer preferences and offer more choice to subscribers.
It is expected that the introduction of these new packages will have a significant impact on RSNs, as pay TV operators now have more flexibility in packaging and pricing.
The response from subscribers to these new offerings will be closely watched by industry observers.
Pricing Options: Spectrum Select Plus Vs. Spectrum Select Signature
With the introduction of the new Spectrum TV packages, subscribers will have the choice between Spectrum Select Plus and Spectrum Select Signature, offering different pricing options and programming selections.
- Spectrum's pricing strategy for RSNs: Spectrum TV Select Plus will include Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), while Spectrum Select Signature will not include them.
- Impact of channel exclusion on DIRECTV's customer base: The exclusion of RSNs from the least expensive plan, Entertainment, has already been implemented by DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream. The new agreement with Spectrum will provide even more opportunities for DIRECTV to only offer the channels to subscribers who want them.
- Spectrum's pricing strategy aims to provide more flexibility and choice to subscribers, with Spectrum Select Signature being around $10 cheaper than Spectrum Select Plus.
- The new Spectrum TV packages are expected to be rolled out to new customers in the third quarter.
- These pricing options reflect the changing pay TV industry and the need for pay TV operators to have more flexibility in packaging and pricing.
Subscriber Benefits: More Opportunities to Customize Channel Selection
Subscribers now have the ability to customize their channel selection and have more control over their viewing experience. With the recent agreement between DIRECTV and Spectrum Networks, customers can now create customized channel bundles that cater specifically to their preferences.
This development has a significant impact on sports fans, as they can now choose to include or exclude channels like Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA, which are the TV homes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers. This means that sports enthusiasts can now enjoy their favorite teams' games without having to subscribe to a bundle that includes channels they may not be interested in.
The ability to customize channel selection provides subscribers with more flexibility and ensures that they get the most value out of their subscription.
Industry Analysis: Shifting Viewing Habits and the Popularity of Sports Programming
Viewing habits have been shifting in recent years, and this has had a significant impact on the popularity of sports programming. One major factor driving this shift is the rise of cord cutting. As more consumers opt to cancel their traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions in favor of streaming services, the way people consume sports content has changed.
To adapt to these changing viewing habits, the pay TV industry has implemented various strategies. These include offering more flexible packaging and pricing options to cater to individual preferences. Instead of forcing customers to pay for channels they don't watch, providers are now allowing subscribers to customize their channel selection. This approach gives viewers the ability to prioritize sports programming and access it on their terms.
Related Resources: Additional Information and Articles From TV Answer Man
The TV Answer Man provides readers with a wealth of additional information and articles related to the DIRECTV deal for Lakers and Dodgers channels. With a focus on subscriber engagement and the future of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), the TV Answer Man offers valuable insights and analysis.
Readers can find articles discussing the evolving pay TV industry and the impact of cord cutting on RSNs. The TV Answer Man delves into the changing viewing habits and the popularity of sports programming, highlighting the need for flexibility in packaging and pricing for pay TV operators.
Additionally, the website offers related links to Charter, DIRECTV, and other relevant articles, allowing readers to further explore the topic. Engaging in discussions and leaving comments is also encouraged, providing a platform for readers to share their thoughts and opinions.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the new multi-year agreement between DIRECTV and Spectrum Networks is a game-changing development for sports fans in Southern and Central California, as well as parts of Nevada and Hawaii.
The inclusion of Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA on DIRECTV platforms provides subscribers with expanded coverage of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Additionally, the flexibility offered by Spectrum Networks in terms of channel selection reflects the changing landscape of the pay TV industry.
This agreement signifies a significant step towards providing subscribers with more choice and customization options.
