MSNBC moves channel positions: Update
Catching up on what I’ve been missing, Multichannel News’ Mike Reynolds adds an interesting detail the the MSNBC channel move on Time Warner Cable in NYC…
Other changes will see Fox Business Network, slated to launch Oct. 15 in MSNBC’s current slot of 43, while the News Corp. start-up’s progenitor, Fox News Channel, will migrate to Sci-Fi’s 44 from 46.
Sources familiar with the moves indicate that NBCU paid up to “several million dollars” for the enhanced channel positioning and to ensure separation on the dial for Fox Business Network from CNBC.
NBCU officials declined to comment. Time Warner Cable’s Giuliani didn’t specify a reason for the changes, saying only the operator moves channels for a variety of reasons that include “convenience, viewership and groupings.”
This is interesting but it’s just one aspect of a larger skirmish. More telling will be what happens on DirecTV and Dish Network…
Oh, you mean to tell be FBN will be on channel 121 in Hudson Valley? Does anyone want to try and convince me thats PRIME REAL ESTATE??
Comment by Terance — September 6, 2007 @ 8:08 am
Wow I didn’t know CNBC was on channel 15 on Time Warner…that’s a great spot on the dial. MSNBC at 14…thats quite a promotion.
Comment by Anonymous — September 6, 2007 @ 8:26 am
They paid “several million dollars” to get enhanced position?
Comment by Alison — September 6, 2007 @ 9:15 am
I was unaware that the nets could pay to get a better number… that seems wrong to me. Almost like a form of payola.
Comment by ImNotBlue — September 6, 2007 @ 9:36 am
ESPN does it also.
Ever notice on most cable systems ESPN and ESPN2 are a lower channel number then the regional sports channels.
Comment by Richard W. — September 6, 2007 @ 11:04 am
Richard: Yeah!
Around here ESPN is #38, ESPN2 #39 and FSN #40.
Big advantage!
Comment by Ira — September 6, 2007 @ 11:56 am
Everyone must really want channel 3 because of VCRs and DVRs, but it’s usually a local channel. Do local channels pay?
Comment by erljr — September 6, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
probably want to get Imus back on FBN morning, put him back on 43 in the same slot.
Comment by BurtP — September 13, 2007 @ 7:21 pm