NHL, NBC extending contract through 2010-11

[cboy4]

The Associated Press
Posted: 07/15/2009 11:33:05 AM PDT


BOSTON—The NHL and NBC are extending their television contract through the 2010-11 season.

The two sides announced the agreement Wednesday. The revenue-sharing deal between the league and network started in January 2006.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the NHL and NBC "are building an audience, are building momentum and are perfectly positioned to continue growing the game."

[RockaFowler]

1. Great Ratings again

I work for a NBC station and it is awful when the playoffs are on for us. We get 1's or 2's in Household Ratings. It kills us in the sales department. You almost have to give away commercials.

[cboy4]

2. Look at it this way. It's great publicity for the station .. you can air news

updates between periods, while teasing the 11pm newscast (or 10pm if you have a 10 also).

I've read that for a number of NBC affiliates in quite a few markets, it translates into better shares for the newscast.

Not to mention, you can tweak your prime time rundown to air popular syndication after the game (instead of summer reruns), thus boosting your 11PM lead in.

NBC is obviously enjoying benefits .. whether directly or indirectly.