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FOX-Cablevision Standoff Blocks Fans From Watching World Series

by Terrence O'Brien on October 27, 2010 at 05:45 PM

world series 2010The drama between FOX, its parent company News Corp and Cablevision continues to drag on. Cablevision's iO Digital Cable customers have been deprived of FOX programing for about two weeks, but it seems that people have, so far, survived without Glenn Beck and 'The Simpsons.' But, now, the standoff over broadcasting fees is encroaching on the World Series, and consumers simply won't stand for that.

Many customers are finding alternative ways to get their hardball fix. Both Verizon and DirecTV have reported an increase in subscribers since News Corp cut off Cablevision (though it's not clear whether or not those are exclusively former iO customers). Others have gone old-school, hooking up an antenna to their TV sets to pull in the FOX broadcasts over the air, while some have shelled out $9.95 for the MLB.tv post-season package that offers live game views. Then there are those that are using the blackout as an excuse to reconnect (or brawl) with fellow fans at sports bars.

Customers can continue to lodge their litanies of complaints with keepfoxon.com. But, since the FCC probably won't be Tweeting the World Series play-by-play, it's high time for Cablevision customers to get a bit more proactive. With Game One airing tonight, it's too late to switch providers, and not everyone loves the hazy, fetid atmosphere of Ye Olde Sports Saloons. We suggest you make a run to your local Best Buy or Radio Shack to pick up an antenna (which can cost as little as $20), or buddy up with your neighbor who just got FiOS.

Tags: baseball, business, Cablevision, fox, IoTv, media, mlb, NewsCorp, sports, television, top, tv, WorldSeries, WorldSeries2010

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