NBC, CBS Considering MMA Programing
According to reports both NBC and CBS (and likely other major cable channels as well) are considering adding MMA to their lineup. The move is a response to a recent writers strike which has put many sitcoms on indefinite hiatus and sent television stations scrambling to find new programming to fill the void. Most companies are eying additional reality shows and sports programming, which require no script writing, as a temporary solution while contract negotiations continue.
The UFC is reportedly in extensive discussions with CBS to air specials on the network beginning in early-2008. CBS and Spike TV, who recently signed a major multi-year deal with the UFC, are both owned by the same parent company, National Amusements, making a deal more likely. According to reports a deal could be completed as early as this week.
NBC is considering deals with M-1 Global, K-1, and the IFL.
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This would definitely make MMA more mainstream by getting it on the major channels vs. pay cable.
what is MMA programing? I hope that does’nt mean more reality shows……..!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Mark Cuban’s HDNet Fights has also recently signed up Louis Neglia’s Ring of Combat, the Northeast’s biggest MMA tournament. Their next event, The Beasts of the Northeast Tournament Finals will be held on November 30 at Tropicana which will be aired on Cuban’s HDNet Fights.
MMA has finally hit the mainstream and now everyone wants a piece of the action. I guess that’s good for the fans.
This would definitely be great for the sport. Hell, any publicity is good publicity. Sadly, I’ve been checking out message boards for this possible addition all over the net and it looks like a lot of “average viewers” aren’t happy about this. I guess it could be attributed to going into remission not being able to see their regularly scheduled programming, but the general consensus seems to be “Keep this garbage off my station!”
I’m sure quite a few people will change their minds once they actually see what the sport is about (and since the writers strike its either this or sitcom reruns), but for now we have some non-believers to convert.
I really hope it happens. I have my doubts, but I got my fingers crossed.
Reality television came into play when they showed they could produce programming that people would watch without paying large salaries to an entire cast of actors as well as removing the union writers. If the UFC does sign a deal with CBS and the ratings are high the other major sports (except the NFL) will be the ones who should be worried. I still think ESPN and HBO have made a huge mistake in overlooking UFC programming. Especially if they (networks) can save production costs by the UFC doing all themselves. The advertising dollars will follow and we could see perhaps quarterly network UFC events (or maybe it’s all just wishful thinking).
I am REALLY glad M-1 was on that list. I have been worried that it would be difficult to follow their fights, but this is great news. I think the hollywood writers better figure something out quick because MMA could take over the airwaves.
can you imagine how excited dana white was when he found out the UFC could get on network tv? and then how pissed he must have gotten when the “smaller feeder” companies would be getting on roughly the same time. i like dana white, but this still cracks me up.
I hope CBS does one with the UFC before NBC or any other network. The production value will be very high and force the other companies to adjust. Rogan alone makes the UFC television broadcasts more enjoyable than the competition, in my opinion.