CHICAGO Sports are teaming up to launch a new broadcasting network.
The new service, titled Chicago Sports Network, launched on Thursday.
A new sports network is being launched in Chicago carrying NHL, NBA, and MLB games[/caption]
Chicago Sports Network is taking over from NBC Sports Chicago[/caption]
The new network is the TV home of the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls.
The sports network added regional TV stations in Gray Media and Astound as partners to broadcast Chicago sports to local viewers.
“We’re committed to reaching our fans wherever they are, including areas outside of Chicago proper that may have not had the opportunity to watch games in the past,” said Jason Coyle, CHSN’s president, in a news release.
While the formation of the new network is a huge step in the right direction for fans to see their favorite teams play, there is still a huge hole in coverage.
The Chicago Sports Network replaced NBC Sports Chicago, but they still haven’t reached an agreement to broadcast with Comcast.
Around 300,000 viewers already have access to the network, but Comcast provides coverage for nearly 1 million more.
A spokesperson for Comcast said the cable company is “not carrying CHSN at this time” and gave no other comments.
While they work on getting the Chicago Sports Network on Comcast, the network is broadcasting to fans on free TV.
CHSN reached a deal with WJYS-Ch. 62, a station that broadcasts from Willis Tower.
This station broadcasts 24/7 religious programming, but its two substations will now broadcast CHSN to anyone who can pick up the signal.
Viewers with DirecTV will have no problem gaining access to their favorite Chicago sports teams though.
The new network is now included in the company’s 125-plus-channel Choice Package.
That bundle costs $74.99 per month.
DirecTV could also see themselves as a larger broadcaster of the network if their merger with Dish goes through.
For now, those who have access to the Chicago Sports Network will be able to view 300-plus Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox games.
The Chicago Bears and Cubs are not included on the new network.
CHSN is debuting three studio shows as part of its coverage of Chicago sports.
The Big College Football Show starts at 5 pm, The Big Pro Football Show at 5:30 pm, and The Chicago Lead at 6 pm.
These shows will serve as lead ups to CHSN’s live coverage of MLB, NHL, and NBA games.
CHSN is not yet available to Comcast customers[/caption]
