Hard Knocks New York Jets

[jjc927]

Will Fios subscribers in the New York/New Jersey area be able to see the Jets on Hard Knocks at all even if they do not have an HBO package?

[Caps09]

I believe NFL rules say that live games must be carried on broadcast tv in the local markets. From watching the HBO show, I'll go out on a limb and say that this isn't going to be on broadcast tv.

[jjc927]

It's not a game, it's a television show that showcases the team's training camp.  But I looked when it was on and HBO wasn't available so I'm guessing the answer is no. 

[ekem015]

The producers of Hard Knocks have a contract with HBO, just like any other show has a contract with the network it airs on. There's nothing Verizon or any other cable provider can do about that. Verizon doesn't even have programming control over any other stations on which to air it, except for FiOS1. It's not like Verizon can wake up one day and decide to air Hard Knocks on ESPN at 7 PM on Friday.

[jjc927]

I realize that, considering there'd have to be an agreement on ESPN or whatever network's end also.  But what would stop Fios from unlocking HBO while the show is on for people in the New York area to be able to watch like they did when the Obama special was on and when they have the occasional free preview times?

[lasagna]

Because HBO determines when the "free" weekend previews are in collaboration with the service providers -- the purpose is not to give away their service for the good will, but to draw in new subscribers.   For Verizon to "give away" HBO's content, they'd need to eat the cost for each subscriber they give it to, and let's face it, no company in their right mind is going to do that.   The special of which you speak was broadcast under the pretext of a public service offering and I would hardly think a show about a football team would ever fall into that category as much as you might like it to.  

I think Verizon however would be more than willing to help you be able to watch this show ... for the low cost of $16.99/month. 

[jjc927]

Well the Jets website is putting the episodes up online anyway and I didn't think about the previews being done with the channel's jurisdiction also.  And I realize this show isn't exactly important, but I thought that perhaps it would be opened up for viewers in the NY area to watch considering the market size.

[ekem015]

Yes, it's a big market, so more opportunity for HBO to gain subscribers. They ain't just going to give it away free. 😉