WEEK 13 - Online Fishbowl DUE 4/22 by Midnight
Part 1: READ " Live Sports are Canceled. But Don't Expect a Cable-TV Refund" by Lillian Rizzo and David Marcelis Wall Street Journal April 18th 2020
PART 2: WRITE: In 2 Paragraphs respond to the following fishbowl questions. Be sure to reference the article and provide concrete examples and (in-text citation 5).
Discuss the premise of the article. Discuss the financial argument based on the perspective of both the cable providers and the public. Relate to the article- Where do you stand as far as Sports, Cable and Refunds?
(SIDE NOTE- Do you notice the charts!! Excellent Visuals).
Song of the WEEKEND!
The premise for this article is to show how viewership for all sporting events are down, there are not live sports, yet we are still paying the same prices for our cable bill with no live sporting events on. The issue is that with millions of people experiencing pay cuts or losing their jobs, they are still paying the full price for there cable bill. The thing that many cable providers will probably not like is they probably will not get a refund on there cable with no live sports on or anything else for that matter. In fact, “Americans shell out nearly $20 a month in pay-TV fees to watch sports programming… (Rizzo/Marcelis 1)”. Sports are such an important part of American culture and with the coronavirus pandemic going on, some customers fell they shouldn’t have to pay these fees.
ReplyDeleteHere is my perspective on this whole thing. I think the sports world has done a great job handling the situation. But I think it is time to look in all possibilities to start the seasons up again. There have been talks about no fans at sporting events and the possibility of them of returning. I think they should jump on that because other leagues that are in Taiwan and Japan have start baseball leagues with no fans and there have been no problems so far. I think the cable companies are trying to find the best solution that suits all their customers but there is nearly impossible. I think that people should still pay their cable bills, but the cable companies should reduce the amount in fees that you normally pay for live sports, but still have the opportunity to watch reruns.
Riley Ward
ReplyDeleteThe point this article is trying to make is that there is a clear difference in service yet the same costs since the coronavirus hit. There are clear differences in what is being played, talked about and quality in the sports channels’ air schedule. Majority of cable and live TV channels are for live content. Whether it was a sports game or an interview with players, there were always fresh and new videos to watch, but due to COVID-19, it is now mostly reruns and “greatest moments” clips. Cable providers are quoted in the article saying, “...they would issue rebates if entire sports seasons are canceled—right now they are technically suspended—depending on the refunds they get from the networks” (Rizzo 1). No one wants to lose money, especially in a pandemic, but people also don’t want to be losing their jobs and then have to pay for bills that aren’t even giving the correct service they know they typically get. Customers are very much feeling like they should be receiving discounts, waived payments for this certain time or might even cut cords with these networks due to these unfair charges.
The charts in this article made a lot of shocking information a lot more clear cut to see. Sports account for 37% of carriage fees, ESPN had a 54% drop in prime-time viewers, and heavy sports-viewers dropped by 23%. These numbers definitely favor the customer, showing how poor the air schedule is and how no one wants to watch what's being aired, let alone pay for it. I never really watch sports, so I really do not feel affected with those channels. There are entertainment shows I watch that only half the season is live, it might get postponed which is where I understand the sports viewers. Refunds or at least a 2 month waive of payments or even no fees for late payments while we are still in this pandemic. We all have to be there for each other!
Sports seasons, unfortunately have been postponed due to COVID-19. This is a common occurrence for the time we live in right now. Not only that, but due dates for bills, family events, and more have all been extended as well. However, the premise of this article is that there is a common argument against cable providers. It seems as if customers are being charged unfairly for their sports channels since they are paying expensive bills to watch live games that aren't happening. A Lot of people do not realize that there is more to the story. "Pay-TV providers say they are still paying to carry sports channel in their packages despite the lack of live games, so they are just passing on the cost to customers" (Rizzo/Marcelis 3). The article gives the view of the cable provider as well. They are also being forced to pay dues to live games that are not hapenning. As of right now, sports seasons are not fully canceled either, so it does not make sense to end it all for everyone.
ReplyDeleteIn order to make up for the lack of live content from sports games, sports channels are even going to many extents to still bring entertaining content to the viewers. In fact, "In an effort to generate fresh content, ESPN recently aired an NBA 2k20 video game basketball tournament" (Rizzo/Marceli 10). In the defense of the cable companies, they are working with what they have, just like everyone else. Its not that they are not issuing any refunds, they are just waiting to hear that the entire sports season is canceled. Personally, I partially agree with the actions that the cable companies are taking however, I think that they should give our partial discounts/deals for the service provided to them during the time of the pandemic. As largely profited organizations, I believe they can afford to take this action.
The premise of the article is that sports seasons which would normally take place during this time are currently suspended. Despite this, customers that pay extra to their TV providers in order to gain access to these channels, which are not currently airing new, live games as they are intended to, are still being charged and their money will likely not be refunded.
ReplyDelete“ Pay-TV providers say they are still paying to carry sports channels in their packages despite the lack of live games, so they are just passing on the cost to customers (Rizzo/Marceli 3). Since TV providers are still being charged for having the sports channels, the believe it is only fair to also continue charging their customers for those same channels, although some have stated that there may be rebates in the future if the seasons are cancelled entirely. I think that this is unfair to the customers and that they should not be charged for the channels as they were originally paying for live games from this year’s season, and they have not received what they paid for.
The article “Live Sports are Canceled. But Don't Expect a Cable-TV Refund" by Lillian Rizzo and David Marcelis mentions a topic many people are concerned with during this current pandemic. It discusses the argument that TV watchers believe they should be refunded for the fees of sports programs since live sports have been temporarily suspended until further notice. They feel it is not fair to be paying the fees when all it is bringing them is “reruns of classic games and documentaries” (2). With times being desperate during the current situation we are in, the public would rather use that money on something practical. Cable providers have split responses when it comes to making their customers happy. Some are “negotiating aggressively on our customer’s behalf to issue credits” (3), whilst others are simply not doing anything at all. They do not want to lose the customers they have now, so they are trying their hardest to keep everyone on their side.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading both arguments, I understand the circumstances of each side. As a sports watcher myself, I am upset that all games were postponed. Obviously with the situation we’re living in, it would not be right to risk the player’s health for their fans enjoyment. Hopefully they will be able to start playing again soon, but not until their safety is assured. As far as cable and refunds are concerned, I do not necessarily believe anyone needs to be paid back for paying for sports channels that are not currently needed. Although they do not need a refund, they definitely should not have to be paying anything at all. No one is paying to watch a repeat of a game they watched a few years ago. It is not fair to make someone pay for something when the content is not live.
The Premise of this one of kind story is with the cona virus effects, many all sports events are being canceled or being rescheduled which is just sad. Especially when the customers already payed to watch the sports events. However, they feel like they should get full refunds, since the sports games are canceled. From my point of view, the customers feel like it is not fair to them. Sadly even through the cable providers know this " Networks continue to charge the cable company full price for sports programming, since leagues believe sports will take place again"(Rizzo/Marclis 3).
ReplyDeleteBy reading both arguments I truly understand why the cable providers wouldn't want to give a refund. since the sports team and every thing else for that aspect was ready to go, for views to watch them on TV. If they refund every customer they are not making money, which is bad for business. On the other hand it just doesn't seem right to customers that they can not get a refund knowing that the sports events will not being taking place. On the bright side both sides know that the Cona virus has impacted society a negative way. I love watching TV, I may not be a sport person, but I would be sad not if I payed to watch something and it didn't happen. I honestly hope in the future both the capable company and customers get their way, to avoid losing customers.
Kristina Pacifico
ReplyDeleteThe article addresses the concern some people have over receiving a refund from TV providers considering they are not receiving the services they are paying for. "American shell out nearly $20 a month in pay-TV fees" (Rizzo/Marceli 1) and are still expected to despite the current suspension of live games. At the moment, the program consists of reruns and documentaries.
Although I understand that these sports channels still need to pay carry spots, I feel as if the customers should at least get a discount. If a full refund is too much to ask, the price should be halved considering they are only getting half of what they paid for. The services they were willing to pay for (live games) are not being provided therefore they should not have to pay for content they do not care for.
Nick Troisi
ReplyDeleteThis article addresses the concern of people who are paying money to have sports included in their cable-tv package "Americans shell out nearly $20 a month in pay-TV fees to watch sports programming, but the main attractions—live events—are all canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic." (Rizzo and Marcelis 1). The main argument is that cable-tv consumers should not have to pay for sports if they're not being played during the regular season. While I would typically agree with frustrated customers, this is a circumstance that nobody was prepared for. A grace period for paying the sports package should be offered to people who pay for cable television. As far as sports tickets go, if ticket holders want the option, they should be refunded for what they bought. While channels are only $20 a month, season tickets are over $1,000 every season. The price difference is a huge reason why season ticket holders should be refunded. The argument of cable consumers and producers are both valid. However, there has never been a global pandemic to this level of extremity before.
Chris Voelker
ReplyDeleteThe article explains the issue on sports not being aired with new content. Cable providers are faced with a tough situation because of sport teams postponing their events. Because these are not considered cancellations, cable providers are forced to continue paying on their end, "Networks continue to charge the cable company full price for sports programming, since leagues believe sports will take place again"(Rizzo 4).
In cable provider’s defense they are faced with an extremely strenuous situation. They aren’t seeing any changes to their cost and would not be able to give their customers any discounted price as a result. From the customer’s point of view, any service or product that is paid for and not fulfilling its intended purpose should be refundable. Cable providers unfortunately should be the ones incurring the cost of the unfortunate situation. As a result many people may start “cutting the chord” and getting rid of their services. I believe that cable providers should be making more of an effort to give back to customers or provide a loyalty type discount for the next series of payments.
Due to the circumstances that COVID-19 has created, sports seasons have come to a halt. However, even though there is a lack of live events cable providers are still charging their customers. “Pay-TV providers say they are still paying to carry sports channels in their packages despite the lack of live games, so they are just passing on the cost to customers. Several large providers said they would issue rebates if entire sports seasons are canceled—right now they are technically suspended—depending on the refunds they get from the networks” (Rizzo 1). As stated tv providers are also still paying to carry out sports events that are not even happening. There are many sides to this problem along with many people being affected. Of course nobody wants to lose money under these circumstances but along with that people also don't want to lose their jobs. It's also not fair that people are having to pay for a service that is not fully providing.
ReplyDeleteI believe that sports tv providers should try and do something to help their customers. They should be able to give their customers a discount for the time being. I understand they are still showing reruns of classic games and documentaries but the main reason for this channel is to watch live games.
In the article “Live Sports are Canceled. But Don’t Expect a Cable-TV Refund” by Lillian Rizzo and David Marcelis, write about how COVID 19 has impacted the TV industry when it comes to sports channel bundles. The article states “Pay-TV providers say they are still paying to carry sports channels in their packages despite the lack of live games, so they are just passing on the cost to customers” (Rizzo 3). I understand that businesses during this time are finding it hard to accommodate, especially when it comes to cost. I see both perspectives when it comes to the financial situation between cable providers and the public.As the article continued to mentioned, TV Networks continue to charge the cable company full price for sports programming, since leagues believe sports will take place again (Rizzo 4). It’s important to keep in mind that not only is the customer of the cable company suffering but the cable company, itself, is suffering as well as the TV Networks. Everyone is somehow losing money, and it's unfair to all parties.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it would be easier to compromise since this is a time of great difficulty. With that being said, I find it incredibly unfair to the paying customers to have to pay for a subscription if all they are getting are reruns, even though the TV providers didn’t ask for this, I think it would be fair to give some sort of reimbursement or discount, whether that would be extending the subscription or throwing in something like HBO channels.
During this time, there are multiple uncertainties about what will be reopening and returning back to normal in the U.S. For the time being, several services who are unable to provide for their customers, have refunded or halted their monthly charges. To me, it seems unfair and unreasonable for cable providers that charge for specific sports channels to continually charge them without providing the content they are paying for. In the article, “Live Sports are Canceled. But Don’t Expect a Cable-T.V. Refund” written by Rizzo and Marcelis, they state that “for now, that $20 will buy you reruns of classic games and documentaries” (5). This would be, for example, similar to signing up for HBO GO and as a streaming service, they did not produce or show anything new but only reruns of old series and movies. The cable providers are “passing” along the charge of sports channels to their customers whether or not they are certain that live sports will pick up anytime soon (3). This reminds me of the idea of trickling down and how the lack of sports alone can intensely put a dent in the economy, affecting jobs in not only sports but entertainment, cable and more.
ReplyDeleteEver since T.V. streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Hulu, began taking over home, the question of switching from cable packages to an Amazon Firestick has become more popular. Personally, I know my father will not switch over, regardless of a price difference simply due to the lack of certain channels, such as sports channels. But now, with sports seasons suspended until further notice, cable providers are no longer able to give their customers fresh, live sports events therefore making them question if the cable package is even worth it. In the article, “Live Sports are Canceled. But Don’t Expect a Cable-T.V. Refund” written by Rizzo and Marcelis, they state that “Sling TV and Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube TV offer most sports channels” (8). The raging Covid-19 Pandemic may push viewers, such as my own stubborn father, to make the switch and leave behind cable forever.
The article, “Live Sports Are Canceled. But Don't Expect a Cable-Tv Refund” by Lillian Rizzo and David Marceli talks about the harsh reality of paying your monthly tv bill - along with the extra charges consumers add on to watch sports activities channels- meanwhile all sports are canceled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. During this unprecedented time, people are out of jobs and not receiving their normal income that they usually get where they can afford the extra charges for sports access by their tv provider. Consumers are now turning to their cable providers to give them a refund for the service that is currently not even in use. The sports channels such as ESPN have been trying to cope by airing older games (Rizzo, Marceli, 2020).
ReplyDeleteFrom my knowledge, a lot of companies have cut back their monthly costs due to the pandemic and closings, especially gyms. I feel like its very unprofessional that Dish Community did not speak on the issue at all (Rizzo, Marceli, 2020). I would think that the cable companies, making billions of dollars, would ease on the public for the next couple of months so they wont lose subscribers or hurt the public. Of course the cable companies still need to make their money, so another possibility could be to offer some added benefits through the end of the year.
Gina Tafuri
Joseph Cannizzaro
ReplyDeleteProf. Mignano Brady
ENG 310
The article "Live Sports are Canceled. But Don't Expect a Cable-TV Refund" by Lillian Rizzo and David Marcelis states that there has been a difference with the cable service, but costs have remained the same since the coronavirus officially began to cancel sports and other activities. Before COVID-19, there was constantly new content all over social media and television whether it was a sports game or an interview with players, but since COVID-19 has started to run its course, it has come down to watching “sport’s greatest moments.”
According to the article it states, “Americans shell out nearly $20 a month in pay-TV fees to watch sports programming… (Rizzo/Marcelis 1)”. This quote shows that cable companies are still charging their customers for the channels that would normally run sport games, which has caused some commotion amongst fans. Sports are at an all time high with viewers and has become a huge part in many different cultures around the world. The cable providers are still expected to make money somehow so their only option is to keep charging their customers now because sports are temporarily cancelled. The cable providers aren't making as much as if sports were currently running. In the article, “...they would issue rebates if entire sports seasons are canceled—right now they are technically suspended—depending on the refunds they get from the networks” (Rizzo 1). Cable providers are most likely looking into how to refund customers their money in case of a cancellation of a sport season. Another solution to the problem may be that down the line in the future, when things are back to normal the cable providers may look to give back to the customers by offering exclusive deals. From my knowledge, I know the NBA channel on television is giving a month free of all access to different games around the league to customers. Other providers may see and follow the NBA in paying back to fans.
This article talks about how all the sports events are canceled. Due to the coronavirus, they postponed many games and baseball season. Hockey was cut short and they still have rumors about still continuing. The problem that people are having is that they feel they are still being charged too much for cable. They feel that television providers should give a discount since they can’t have what they watch on tv for. People don’t realize that the TV providers are still paying to carry sports channels to they are simply passing it to the customers. The article says, “Pay-TV providers say they are still paying to carry sports channels in their packages despite the lack of live games, so they are just passing on the cost to customers" (Rizzo/Marcelis 3). I feel like TV providers make enough money that they don’t need to pass the cost. I just think they should give a little discount to the customers so that they feel like they’re not wasting their money. I don’t necessarily know how much the difference would be, but I am sure even getting back a little bit is much better than nothing.
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The purpose/premise of this article is to show how cable companies are still charging customers for sports packages, mean while most sport leagues are suspended. The crazier part is the price is for live sports, but since there isn’t any, customers are paying for reruns. For cable companies, we all understand that it is a business and at the end of the day, to meet ends needs, you need to earn money. As stated by Lillian Rizzo and David Marcelis, “Networks continue to charge the cable company full price for sports programming, since leagues believe sports will take place again.” (1). With that being said, since TV providers still have to pay, they assume that the customers should as well. But for customers, many believe they shouldn’t pay for something that isn’t even live sports. For instance, another quote by Lillian and Marcelis is, “For some people the decision may come down to economics. If someone loses their job or pay is cut, and they are paying for something they can’t watch, they are more likely to cut the cord.” (1). What this is also referring to is that besides customers believing they shouldn’t pay for live sports, if it isn’t live, is that customers also think that because of the hard times, they shouldn’t charge the extra money for customers.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I believe the sports organizations are doing the right thing. For now, stay suspended so that players and fans don’t get sick and spread the damn virus around some more. Even if I miss basketball, I can wait on the season because EVERYONE’S health is important, along with bringing down the curve. In addition, I believe that the companies shouldn’t charge customers and they should offer a refund. I believe in this because why would anyone want to be charged extra money during a time of layoffs and a financial crisis. Any money saved, will help in the long run. I also believe and think that if companies don’t want to give refunds, instead of charging $10-$20 for the sports package, they can do special promotions for sports packages. For instance, since everyone I waiting for sports, why not charge a one-time last fee of $20 and then decrease it to $5 a month until sports are actually back and are live. This will help companies not have to keep refunding or losing customers, while still making money and saving customers money. To add on, they could offer a special package where there are no sports on your package, so you don’t have to pay for it. To me, I personally think companies should do better during a time of crisis.
In the event that there are no live sports, cable customers are arguing that they want a refund. The fans asking for refunds must not understand the business side of sports. Just because sports are not live, there is still unbeatable content and coverage you get unlike anywhere else. I can understand the cable customers perspective but as a sports management major i understand most the financial aspects of sports.
ReplyDeleteTelevision providers agree to deals with sports leagues and broadcasting networks. Just cause sports aren't live, the offseason of football creates an online traffic. There is still a demand for sports despite the corona virus. This week ESPN released "The Last Dance", a Michael Jordan documentary. Brian Lowry, CNN's media critic, said the series is a solid replacement for sports right now. Not just does it replace sports but it shares a piece of history to the people like me that weren't alive to see the greatest athlete of all time play. As live sports are cancelled until the end of quarantine, the documentary brings in 6.8 million viewers and will keep the sports networks alive. I could never ask or demand a refund because I simply love sports too much and understand the content still costs money, thats why we have to pay for sports packages.