Why Do Most NFL Preseason Games Air on Regional Networks?
Local Interest: Tailoring to Specific Fan Bases
The majority of National Football League (NFL) preseason games are broadcast on regional networks due to the localized interest in these games. Compared to regular-season games, preseason games often receive lower television ratings, meaning that their appeal is mainly limited to fans of the specific teams involved and local football enthusiasts.
By airing these games on regional networks, the NFL can ensure that the median viewership is higher and more engaged. Regional affiliates are often willing to pay higher rates for broadcasting rights, which directly benefits the league and the teams involved. This targeted approach allows the NFL to maximize its audience reach and retain fan engagement for teams with smaller local followings.
Smaller Markets: Highlighting Local Teams
The NFL includes numerous teams from smaller markets that may not have national television coverage. Regional networks provide a crucial platform for these teams to reach fans within their regions who may not have access to coverage otherwise. This not only supports local economies and football communities but also helps to grow the sport's popularity in areas where team loyalty can be a significant factor in viewership.
Scheduling Conflicts: Ensuring Availability
Given that NFL preseason games are traditionally scheduled to be played on various days – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – this can sometimes clash with other popular sports programming on national networks. By placing these games on regional networks, the NFL can better manage its scheduling and ensure that fans can watch their favorite teams without interference from other sporting events.
Broadcasting Rights: Exclusive Coverage
In addition to the practical benefits, regional networks often have specific broadcasting rights that allow them to air preseason games excluding other networks. This exclusivity creates a competitive landscape for regional stations, encouraging them to promote their coverage and boost viewer numbers.
The combination of local interest, smaller market representation, and strategic scheduling conflicts makes regional networks the ideal choice for broadcasting preseason NFL games. This arrangement not only benefits the NFL and its teams but also provides a valuable platform for regional affiliates to showcase their local teams to fans who would otherwise miss out on this crucial pre-season preparation.
Understanding the Audience and Games
Regional networks serve a specific purpose: they cater to the audience that is most interested in the outcomes of these games. Because the primary goal of preseason games is to assess player performance and team strategies, the interest level is not as high as it is during the regular season. In this context, the regional audience plays a vital role in providing detailed insights and analysis, which can be valuable for both players and fans.
For example, consider the impact on a California fan who might not be as invested in a game between New York teams. These fans are more likely to watch games that feature local or relevant teams to their region. Therefore, regional networks align perfectly with the localized nature of preseason games, serving as the perfect platform for such broadcasts.
In summary, the decision to air most NFL preseason games on regional networks is a strategic move based on local interest, market size, scheduling, and exclusive broadcasting rights. This approach ensures that fans are well-engaged and that teams receive the necessary exposure during the crucial preseason period.