TELEVISION New NFL Network launches programs for around-the-clock

The network made its debut on DirectTV, but hopes to add cable systems.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
CHICAGO -- The NFL doesn't have to look hard for a slogan for its new cable channel.
If "I want my MTV" convinced cable operators to add the service, then "I want my NFL Network" should do the trick. Football fans are just as rabid as the kids.
The NFL Network made its debut Tuesday night. The 24/7 channel kicked off with "NFL Total Access."
The show, hosted by former ESPN anchor Rich Eisen, opened by telling fans, "Your dreams have come true."
Now and presumably forever, NFL fans will have an around-the-clock network to watch if somehow they didn't get enough reports about the league from ESPN, the broadcast networks, sports talk radio, magazines, the Internet and various other outlets that have yet to be invented.
Information
"Our fans want more information, and they want it on demand," said Steve Bornstein, the president and chief executive of the NFL Network.
The NFL hopes the demand is loud enough to convince the cable companies to add the channel. For Tuesday's launch, the network was available only to the 11.8 million subscribers to DirecTV.
Bornstein and his crew are in talks with cable operators to provide wider distribution of the channel.
"We're quite optimistic that we're going to have great support from the cable industry," Bornstein said. "We're offering them a relationship with the NFL."
It is hard to argue with the logic. NFL games generate the highest ratings in sports. The league believes many of those viewers will support a 24/7 channel, especially since other sports such as golf, tennis and the NBA have tested the waters with some success.
Bornstein is confident the network can produce compelling around-the-clock programming. Most of it will come from NFL Films.
The division will generate 38 hours of original shows per week, ranging from a game of the week in high definition to programs on sounds of the game. The first show opened with a segment about the National Anthem, told in the network's own unique way.
The new enterprise is a dream come true for NFL Films president Steve Sabol.
"This day has come in an enormity we never could have imagined," Sabol said. "It's like [former Buffalo coach Marv Levy] once said, 'Where else would you rather be?"'
One of many analysts
Speaking of Levy, he will be one of many analysts on "Total Access," doing a regular segment with former Bears coach Mike Ditka. Ditka wasn't up to appearing on Tuesday's show after undergoing a hip operation Saturday. But he is expected to be on soon.
The network will be heavy on analysis. "Total Access" definitely is for NFL junkies. No baseball scores, tennis results or rebound statistics.
Tuesday's debut was all NFL, anchored with a nice touch of irreverence by Eisen. Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was the first guest. You might not watch for the entire hour, but if you're a channel-flipper, it'll be a favorite.
The network says it won't shy away from controversy. That will be tested if there is a big steroid scandal, but for now, the hosts and analysts say they have autonomy.
"Nobody has said once what we can say or can't say," Eisen said. "I wouldn't have taken this job if that was the case."
However, just to be on the safe side, Eisen opened an interview with NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue by introducing him as "my boss and all-around great guy." Eisen did ask Tagliabue when Los Angeles would get a team, especially relevant because the show's studios are based there.
No regular-season games
For now, what you won't see on the NFL Network are actual regular season games, current or past. The channel plans to do some exhibition and NFL Europe games, but that's it.
There is some speculation the NFL could put regular-season games on the channel to make it more attractive to cable operators. But it doesn't seem likely, because the league figures to earn more from its network partners.
For years, fans have been clamoring for the ESPN Classic network to re-air old games. The NFL, though, never made them available to Classic, and still is holding onto to that card with its new network.