The Importance of Being Real

A quote in an  article in today's Newsday really struck a nerve with me. As I've written in this blog before, we as a society have really mixed up our priorities. And in an article about the continuing stalemate between Fox and Cablevision, (No World Series on Cablevision as Fox dispute continues) NY Jets Owner Woody Johnson was quoted as saying, "Today I spoke with Cablevision and News Corp. about the importance of broadcasting our game this Sunday..."

I would have loved to hear that conversation to know why it is so important to broadcast a game. I'm sure it is important to Mr. Johnson who may lose ad revenue and endorsements for his team. But, I fail to see how it is important to the average person whether this game is televised or not. Airing this game will not cure cancer, will not end global warming nor will it bring about world peace. Beyond those scenarios, I don't see a football game or any sports game that important.

I know people like their television. They enjoy their shows, heck I'm a Star Trek Fan who has fought and lost the battle to keep my show on the air. I wrote letters, posted messages in discussion boards and even contributed money in a futile attempt to keep the show alive. In the end, the networks did what they wanted anyway. My life continued. Cancelling the series didn't stop me from enjoying my favorite show. In fact the domain this blog is hosted on is a salute to a Star Trek episode. Eventually, the network realized that they needed the fans more than the fans needed them and a new blockbuster movie was released (with a sequel due out in 2012).

My point is, that as fans of TV whether it be Star Trek, Baseball, Football, the Simpsons or even House, I urge you to be patient and let the network stew for a while. They will come around and the shows will be returned for a lot less money. Is Cablevision and Dish looking out for their bottom lines? Absolutely. But Fox is trying to gouge them and I don't blame cable for fighting back. The savings will trickle down, not only for Cablevision and Dish but for all the other cable, satellite and telephone companies out there. Just ask Time Warner, their contract has a "favored nation" clause. So, if Cablevision wins, Fox has to refund them the difference. That's the real reason Fox is fighting so hard. Greed, it's a terrible thing but, a great motivator.