NFL Network to Simulcast Big Game

The NFL caved Wednesday in an ongoing dispute about distribution of its television network – at least for one game – saying it will put the New England Patriots’ try for perfection on network TV.

The game with the New York Giants was slated for broadcast Saturday night on the NFL Network, which reaches less than 40 percent of the nation’s homes. Following months of complaints by fans, a lengthy battle with cable companies and a recent push from politicians, including Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the contest now will be simulcast on CBS and NBC.

"We have taken this extraordinary step because it is in the best interest of our fans," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

The league and the network have been in a battle with cable companies such as Comcast and Time Warner over distribution of the channel. Many cable companies don’t carry the network at all and those that do put it on a digital cable tier that customers pay more to access.

The network and league want distribution to be more readily available on cable at a lower cost to consumers. The league began broadcasting live games on the NFL Network last year, heightening the debate between the two sides.

The NFL Network is available with satellite companies.

It became an even bigger issue this season with games such as an earlier match-up between 10-1 teams Dallas and Green Bay, as well as this weekend’s much-anticipated Patriots-Giants tilt, featured exclusively on the network.

Despite the one-game exception, the NFL appears to be sticking to its guns in the dispute.

"What we have seen for the past year is a very strong consumer demand for NFL Network,” Goodell said in the statement. “We appreciate CBS and NBC delivering the NFL Network telecast on Saturday night to the broad audience that deserves to see this potentially historic game. Our commitment to the NFL Network is stronger than ever."

New England is attempting to become the first team to finish the regular season 16-0. The 1972 Miami Dolphins went 17-0 during a 14-game regular season en route to a Super Bowl title.

Saturday’s game is the first to be broadcast on three networks and first to be simulcast since Super Bowl I in 1967 was shown on CBS and NBC. With previous deals allowing the Patriots-Giants game to be broadcast over the air locally, it can be seen on as many as four channels in the Boston and New York markets.

NFL www.nfl.com
NFL Network www.nflnetwork.com

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