There are many methods to spin this one, so Im gon na prevent doing any of that in favor of providing the info and context.
The ratings for last nights Cubs-White Sox exhibition video game were through the roof on NBC Sports Chicago:
… however still. Thats a big score for a White Sox video game, their greatest in almost a decade. The failure for half of the Cubs fans in the city to see the game WITHOUT relying on the White Sox broadcast, however, alters things in such a method that you actually cant draw any conclusions beyond “a lot of people in Chicago wished to watch a phony video game between the Cubs and White Sox last night.”
As for Marquee and Comcast, were still waiting. Bruce Levine pointed out recently that he was expecting an offer early today, and Opening Day looms on Friday. I have no doubt the Cubs desired an offer done prior to last nights video game, however, so I remain in the “cautiously worried” camp. The idea that the Cubs and Sinclair and Comcast (they all should have the pressure here) would allow this season of all seasons to begin without a carriage handle place– really screwing their fans/customers– remains the kind of thing Im biting my tongue about. Absolutely nothing has actually taken place (or not happened) rather. However, yes … “carefully concerned.” Get an offer done. Soon.
The video game was likewise readily available on ESPN, however not locally. The video game was also readily available on Marquee, however they do not yet have carriage on Comcast, which is the supplier for upwards of half the homes in the Chicago area.
There have actually been other White Sox telecasts on NBC Sports Chicago that included the Cubs, of course, but those tended to include an opposing Cubs broadcast on WGN-9 or ABC-7. Last nights broadcast was definitely an unique animal.
Thats a substantial ranking for a White Sox video game, their greatest in nearly a decade. The inability for half of the Cubs fans in the city to see the game WITHOUT turning to the White Sox broadcast, nevertheless, alters things in such a way that you truly cant draw any conclusions beyond “a lot of people in Chicago wanted to enjoy a fake game between the Cubs and White Sox last night.”
I have no doubt the Cubs desired an offer done before last nights video game, however, so I stay in the “meticulously concerned” camp. The thought that the Cubs and Sinclair and Comcast (they all should have the pressure here) would allow this season of all seasons to begin without a carriage offer in location– truly screwing their fans/customers– stays the kind of thing Im biting my tongue about.
TV RATINGS NEWS: @NBCSChicago published its HIGHEST-RATED #WhiteSox telecast (exh. or reg season) because Sept 2012 last night (3.93 rtg) … peak audience over 156K Chicago market homes. NBC Sports Chicago will also bring tonights Sox-Cubs exh gm; live protection starts at 6:30 p CT. pic.twitter.com/AAMA3hM9Yr
— Jeff Nuich (@JeffNuich) July 20, 2020
