Chicago Sports Network Agrees to OTA-TV Deal With WJYS-TV; Lands Carriage on DirecTV

Chicago Sports Network Agrees to OTA-TV Deal With WJYS-TV; Lands Carriage on DirecTV Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, White Sox games will be available over the air By Jason Dachman, Editorial Director, U.S.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - 2:00 pm

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The soon-to-launch Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) has agreed to a deal under which Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox games and the rest of CHSN programming will to televised via an over-the-air (OTA) agreement with Millennial Telecommunications' WJYS-TV. In addition, CHSN and DIRECTV announced a multiyear distribution agreement to provide the network and its live local game telecasts across a five-state footprint, including most of Illinois, Iowa and parts of Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, beginning when the network launches on Oct. 1.

CHSN is a joint venture among the three teams and Standard Media and will reach a widely expanded Midwest footprint, including Illinois, and parts of Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, pending league approvals. network will launch in October across multiple platforms with plans to deliver more than 300 live Blackhawks, Bulls, and Sox games annually, along with pre- and post-game coverage, and 24/7 multisport programming. CHSN, which is currently in the midst of hiring staff, will broadcast from studios located in both Chicago's United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field.

Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) Announces Over-the-air Broadcast Channels

Over-the-air games will be televised on Channel 62.2 and Channel 62.3. Both channels will convert to HD and carry full-time CHSN programming beginning Oct. 1. Having two digital channels enables simultaneous broadcast of games when two teams are playing at the same time. For the roughly 600,000 Chicago Designated Market Area (DMA) homes without a pay-TV service, an over-the-air antenna that receives all of the channels will be necessary to see the games.

Fan-first has been our north star, says Chicago Sports Network President Jason Coyle. We are making our content available on the platforms that our fans can watch. Households who, for whatever reason, choose over-the-air as their primary viewing platform, now have an opportunity to see the games and build even stronger connections with the teams and personalities they love.

The network will launch Oct. 1 with Blackhawks and Bulls preseason games. The first CHSN White Sox game will be televised in March 2025. All remaining 2024 White Sox games through Sept. 29 will continue to be televised on NBC Sports Chicago. CHSN's schedule will include more than 300 locally broadcast Blackhawks, Bulls, and Sox regular-season games annually plus selected preseason games, and selected coverage of playoff matchups. In addition to live game broadcasts, the network will provide first-class pre/postgame shows, in-depth commentary from analysts, and 24/7 multisport programming. CHSN, which is now in the midst of building its staff, will broadcast from state-of-the-art, fan-immersive studios located in Chicago's United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field.

CHSN and DirecTV Reach Multiyear Distribution Deal

The wide-ranging satellite, streaming, and IPTV licensing agreement with DirecTV represents the first for the new exclusive TV home of these three Chicago sports franchises. In the agreement, CHSN will present up to 300 live games, additional Chicago and Midwest-based sports programming, and other feature content in high-definition format. The new network is set to join DirecTV via Satellite and DirecTV Stream and DirecTV satellite-free lineups on channel 665 and U-verse channels 1741(HD)/741(SD) before the new NBA and NHL seasons begin, taking the channel slots of the same three teams' former home. CHSN will be available to anyone subscribing to DirecTV's Choice or above packages, just as the prior network had been.

We have always prided ourselves on being a sports leader and intend to remain at the forefront, says DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun. The most important element in the media landscape today is consumer choice, and that means ensuring the most loyal fans can always connect with their favorite teams, while other homes with equally as avid interests can avoid those extra costs. CHSN and DirecTV both believe in the unique power of local sports teams to unite the communities they call home, and we will continue collaborating with the top leagues, local franchises, and media partners to cultivate future generations of fans.

This agreement establishes an immediate foundation for CHSN and aligns us with one of the foremost innovators in sports media, says Coyle. We are excited about DIRECTV's commitment to Chicago and its fervent fans, which is evident in our collaborative efforts to deliver upon our fan-first approach, commitment to quality, and engaging game-day experiences for everyone who loves Chicago sports.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/09/18/chicago-sports-network-agrees-t...
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