Talk about an equal and opposite reaction. CBS Sports Network is announcing its place on Verizon’s FiOS Custom TV sports package with pleasure. ESPN, meanwhile, is so displeased it’s making a court case out of it.
ESPN is charging that being off the service’s basic tier is a contract violation.
CBS sees it as an opportunity for growth.
“We are pleased to make CBS Sports Network a part of the new FiOS Custom TV lineup,” said Ray Hopkins, president of television networks distribution, CBS Corporation. “We are confident that our expanding lineup of premier live programming will be a favorite among Verizon’s sports fans and that this new option will help continue grow our distribution.”
The CBS network offers almost 600 live events and more than 3,000 hours of programming relating to professional and college sports.
“While consumer choice is at the heart of our Custom TV product, when customers make their choices we want them to have the best experience and the most robust package possible,” said Terry Denson vice president, content acquisition and strategy at Verizon. “The addition of CBS Sports Network does just that, with a whole suite of programming that will satisfy a sports-lover’s craving for games, features and analysis.”
