What's Happening?
The St. Louis Blues and Gray Media have entered into a multi-year partnership to simulcast 10 select Blue Note+ telecasts over-the-air. These games will be broadcast on First Alert ABC in St. Louis and across 10 other markets within the team’s five-state
broadcast territory. The 'Thursday Night Blues' package, featuring games played on Thursday nights or afternoons, is scheduled to commence on October 22. Viewers in St. Louis can watch these games live on First Alert ABC (Channel 32). For those in affiliate markets, local listings or stlouisblues.com/watch will provide broadcast windows and channels for each game. JD Sosnoff, KMOV General Manager, stated that this expanded relationship solidifies the station as a premier destination for sports in St. Louis. Chris Zimmerman, Blues President and CEO, Business Operations, emphasized that the priority of this distribution strategy is to offer fans wide access and multiple viewing options to watch Blues hockey on their preferred platform.
Why It's Important?
This partnership significantly expands the accessibility of St. Louis Blues games for fans across a broader regional footprint. By making 10 games available over-the-air on ABC, the team is reaching a wider audience beyond traditional cable or streaming subscribers, potentially increasing fan engagement and viewership. This move is particularly important for fans who may not have access to or choose not to subscribe to premium sports packages or streaming services. For Gray Media and First Alert ABC, securing a multi-year deal with a professional sports team like the Blues enhances their local sports programming, potentially boosting ratings and advertising revenue. It also positions First Alert ABC as a key player in the regional sports broadcasting landscape, strengthening its market presence. The 'Thursday Night Blues' package creates a dedicated viewing slot, which could help establish a consistent audience for these broadcasts and further integrate the team into the local community's weekly routine.
What's Next?
The 'Thursday Night Blues' broadcast schedule is set to begin on October 22 with a game against Vegas. Following this, nine more games will be aired live on First Alert ABC in St. Louis, including matchups against New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Colorado, among others, concluding on March 25 against the New York Islanders. Viewers in St. Louis and regional communities can access ABC through various platforms, including over-the-air (Channel 32.1), Spectrum Cable (Channel 12), Dish Network/DIRECTV/AT&T U-verse (Channel 30), and several streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV. Affiliate markets will need to consult local listings for specific broadcast details. The success of this initial season's broadcasts will likely influence future programming decisions and the scope of the partnership between the St. Louis Blues and Gray Media.
Beyond the Headlines
This broadcast deal reflects a broader trend in sports media where professional leagues and teams are exploring diverse distribution channels to maximize reach and cater to evolving consumer viewing habits. The inclusion of over-the-air broadcasts alongside streaming options demonstrates an understanding that a multi-platform approach is crucial in today's fragmented media landscape. This strategy not only serves existing fans but also aims to cultivate new ones by lowering barriers to access. The emphasis on regional markets highlights the importance of local fan bases for sports franchises and the value of local television affiliates in connecting with those communities. This partnership could set a precedent for other regional sports teams looking to expand their viewership and engagement through similar hybrid broadcast models, blending traditional television with digital platforms to create a more inclusive viewing experience.
