Comcast Takes a $236 Million Write-Down on Houston RSN

https://www1.snl.com/interactivex/article.aspx?KPLT=7&id=31463256

Comcast Corp. recorded impairment charges in 2014 related to CSN Houston.

The cable and media company booked a net $236 million of impairment in investment and loans related to the Houston-based regional sports network, according to a Form 10-K filed Feb. 27.

CSN Houston broadcasts the games of MLB's Houston Astros and NBA's Houston Rockets. Comcast owned a 23% stake in the network while the Astros owned 46% and the Rockets had the rest. But the network had difficulty getting carried by a pay TV operator because its fees were among the highest for RSNs.

After CSN Houston filed for bankruptcy, AT&T Inc. and DIRECTV bought the network. AT&T owns 40% while DIRECTV holds 60%. The new RSN was relaunched as Root Sports Southwest.

The Astros and Rockets gave up their ownership and voting rights but will collect rights fees.

No MLB In-Market Streaming Expected for Opening Day and Beyond

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/03/02/Media/MLB-streaming.aspx

No U.S.-based MLB team will have in-market streaming services on Opening Day in April, a development causing mounting frustration among regional sports network executives.

Despite public statements to the contrary, sources familiar with the discussions say MLB and the companies that run RSNs have not made any progress in negotiations since last fall.

Furthermore, several media executives said they are angry that the league is not accepting the same TV Everywhere streaming terms that other leagues and content providers are using. Privately, they say they are skeptical a deal will be completed at all for the 2015 baseball season.