I’m a big NFL fan. Last season, I realized that I wouldn’t be seeing some games because the NFL decided to move more games to Peacock (a subscription-based streaming service).
That trend has grown. This season, more games are on Peacock than before. Most of these are now competitive games that are important to fans.
The transition from broadcasting games on network (free) channels to broadcasting them on channels that cost extra is nothing more than a crass executive choice to capitalize on the fan base that made the game popular.
Basically, lower- and middle-class viewers are paying more and getting nothing for it. A fan doesn’t want anything new in particular. Watching a game is a common social entertainment — something to be shared with others.
But it is obvious that we have become a source of manipulation, solely to raise the capital value of an enterprise floating in excess.
In my opinion, this new capital is meant to increase income sources on a spreadsheet, upgrading a team’s value in preparation for its sale. For this outcome, viewers apparently must contribute cash, yet they receive no benefits.
Is this a form of capitalism we want to promote? Keep NFL games on basic channels that cost nothing to view.
Jerry Greiner
Lancaster
