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NFL Network Signs 75 To Game-Carriage Deals

Staff

New YorkNew York - Service Electric Cable TV Inc., Blue Ridge Communications and telco Qwest Communications International Inc. are among 75 small and midsized operators that will carry the NFL Network's new eight-game Thursday and Saturday night package of National Football League games as part of new deals they struck with the 35-million subscriber sports service, according to network officials.

The distributors join DirecTV Inc. in reaching new carriage pacts that include the $300 million, eight-game package, which begins Thanksgiving night.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed - nor would the pro football league's network release any additional operator names - but network executives said the deals mandate distributors place the service on highly penetrated expanded-basic tiers.

Officials at NFL Network would not comment on its affiliate fees, but executives close to the service say it ranges between 50 cents to 75 cents, a substantial increase over its previous rate card calling for between 20 and 25 cents per month.

HBO"s Hopkins-Tarver Draws 330K Buys

Staff

New York - Home Box Office continued its run of …