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December 26, 2007

Channel 10's bid to air Pats-Giants a waiting game

WJAR-TV NBC 10 still hasn't heard from the NFL on its request to broadcast the New England Patriots' final regular season game Saturday night against the New York Giants.

The Patriots, 15-0, have the chance to finish the regular season undefeated. But a lot of Pats' fans in Rhode Island could miss the momentous event, since the game will be available locally only to subscribers to the NFL Network.

Lisa Churchville, president and general manager of NBC 10, sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Monday offering to clear the station’s Saturday prime time schedule to air the game.

The station had not gotten a response as of about noon today, according to Barbara Beresford, the station's director of marketing. "We're hoping to hear today," Beresford said.

WPRI-TV Channel 12 carried most of the team's games this season, while NBC 10 has carrried two.

As currently scheduled, Boston's Channel 5 is the only New England station scheduled to carry the game on free, over-the-air television.

Rhode Islanders and other fans across New England will only be able to view the game if they are paid subscribers to the NFL Network, visit a bar or restaurant that subscribes, or if they can pick up Channel 5 in Boston.

Your turn: Will you be able to watch the Patriots-Giants game? Where?

-- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 1:01 PM | Permalink