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{{Infobox TV channel |
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| name = Versus |
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| image 1 = NBC-Sports-Network-Logo_bla.grid-5x2.jpg |
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| imagesize 1 = 175px |
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| image 2 = Versus_logo.svg |
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| imagesize 2 = 175px |
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| caption = Logo to be used beginning Jan. 2, 2012. |
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| slogan = |
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| headquarters = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] |
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| picture format = [[480i]] ([[SDTV]])<br> [[1080i]] ([[HDTV]]) |
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| launch = July 1, 1995 (as Outdoor Life Network)<br>September 25, 2006 (as Versus)<br>January 2, 2012 (as NBC Sports Network) |
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| owner = [[NBCUniversal]] |
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| sister names =[[NBC Sports]]<br>[[Golf Channel]]<br>[[Comcast SportsNet]]<br>[[Universal Sports]] |
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| former names = Outdoor Life Network (1995-2006)<br>Versus (2006-2011) |
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|homepage = {{url|http://www.NBCSports.com}} |
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| terr avail = Not Available |
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| sat serv 1 = [[Dish Network]] |
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| sat chan 1 = 151 (SD/HD) |
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| sat serv 2 = [[DirecTV]] |
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| sat chan 2 = 603 main (SD/HD) <br>604 overflow (NHL) SD <br>604-1 overflow (NHL) HD |
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| adsl serv 1 = [[AT&T U-verse]] |
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| adsl chan 1 = 640 (SD)<br>1640 (HD) |
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| cable serv 1 =Available on most cable systems |
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| cable chan 1 =Check local listings |
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| cable serv 2 =[[Verizon FiOS]] |
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| cable chan 2 =90 (SD) <br> 590 (HD) |
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}} |
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'''Versus''' is a [[sport]]s-oriented [[cable television]] channel in the [[United States]]. It was previously known as '''Outdoor Life Network''' and was launched in July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports. By September 2006, the network had become increasingly focused on mainstream sports{{emdash}}resulting in its re-launch as Versus. |
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[[Comcast]], the owner of Versus, acquired a majority stake in [[NBC Universal]] in 2011. As a result of the merger, the operations of all of Comcast's national sports networks were folded into the [[NBC Sports]] division. As a further result of its new synergy, Versus will be re-launched as the '''NBC Sports Network''' on January 2, 2012.<ref name=nbcsportsnetwork/> |
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==History== |
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===Early years=== |
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The channel originally started as the Outdoor Life Network (or OLN) on July 1, 1995; the name was licensed from ''[[Outdoor Life]]'' magazine. For almost a decade, the channel consisted of hunting and fishing shows. In 2004, they capitalized on the popularity of [[Lance Armstrong]] during the [[Tour de France]], showing virtually nothing but Tour-related coverage for over three weeks, including additional Tour-related reality programming focusing on Armstrong and his fans.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} |
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In July 2005, OLN revamped its image, focusing on more extreme outdoor sporting events. In conjunction with the revamp, their [[logo]] and American website were completely redesigned as well. As part of the revamp, they acquired the rights from [[NBC Universal]] of the [[X Games]]-type [[Gravity Games]] as well as the rebroadcast rights to the [[CBS]] [[reality television|reality series]] ''[[Survivor (US TV series)|Survivor]]'', and began airing the series from the beginning of season one on July 24, 2005. |
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In August 2005, they acquired the cable television rights to air the [[National Hockey League]]. <ref>{{cite news | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2137098&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233 | title = ESPN decides not to match Comcast's offer | first = Darren | last = Rovell | work = [[ESPN.com]] | date = 2005-08-18 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }}</ref> The NHL's deal with OLN parent [[Comcast]] also gave company part ownership of a U.S. version of [[NHL Network (U.S.)|NHL Network]], and distribution on all of its cable systems. |
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Early in 2006, they broadcast some games during the [[Arena Football League (1987–2008)|Arena Football League]]'s [[2006 Arena Football League season|20th Anniversary season]]. They televised a weekly regular-season game for 11 weeks as well as a wild card playoff game.<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://www.arenafootball.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3500&ATCLID=238885&SPID=1563 | title = OLN and AFL announce national TV partnership | publisher = [[Arena Football League (1987–2008)|Arena Football League]] | date = 2006-02-17 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }}</ref> However, the agreement was not renewed and was later picked up by [[ESPN (United States)|ESPN]].<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2702195 | title = ESPN acquires minority stake, TV rights in AFL | publisher = [[ESPN]] | date = 2006-12-20 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }}</ref> |
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===Relaunch as Versus=== |
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As a result of its increased focus on mainstream sports programming, the network was officially re-launched as '''Versus''' on September 25, 2006 (however, its [[OLN|Canadian counterpart]] maintained its original format, and still uses the OLN name to this date). The renamed Versus covered [[boxing]] with a series of fight programs promoted by [[Bob Arum]]'s Top Rank group.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/19506/?UserDef=true&catID=76 | title = Fight Night LIVE | format = television schedule | publisher = Versus | accessdate = 2007-10-15 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071013220810/http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/19506/?UserDef=true&catID=76 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-10-13}}</ref> They also began televising [[Chuck Norris]]'s [[World Combat League]], a [[kickboxing]] promotion where fights are contested in a unique round ring without ropes.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/24669/?UserDef=true&catID=76 | title = World Combat League | format = television schedule | publisher = Versus | accessdate = 2007-10-15 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070928122320/http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/24669/?UserDef=true&catID=76 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-09-28}}</ref> Versus entered into a partnership with [[World Extreme Cagefighting]] (WEC) to bring [[mixed martial arts]] events to the channel, with the first being broadcast live on June 3, 2007. They aired all the WEC events, except for [[WEC 48]], which aired on pay-per-view, with live preliminary fights being aired on [[Spike TV]].<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/29019/?tf=OLNPressCenter_articles.tpl&UserDef=true | title = Versus Announces Partnership With World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) | publisher = Versus | date = 2007-01-19 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }}</ref> |
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They also added a variety of sports events as part of the rebranding, including men's and women's college basketball, high school basketball,<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/091406aad.html | title = MWC Announces 2006-07 Men's Basketball Television Schedule | publisher = [[Mountain West Conference]] | date = 2006-09-14 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117955274.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 | title = Versus gets rights to basketball tourney; Network will televise all eight high school games live | first = Addie | last = Morfoot | work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = 2006-12-07 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }}</ref> a weekly "game of the week" for the [[National Lacrosse League]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/18737/ | title = OLN Adds National Lacrosse League To Sports Lineup | publisher = Versus | date = 2006-06-12 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> darts competitions, the [[Major Indoor Soccer League (2001-2008)|Major Indoor Soccer League]], and the [[USA Sevens]], one of the nine tournaments (then eight) that make up the [[IRB Sevens World Series]], the top annual circuit in the [[rugby sevens|sevens]] version of [[rugby union]]. Versus is also home to many [[Professional Bull Riders]] (PBR) and [[bull riding]] events. |
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In addition to the above, they acquired the college football rights to games from the [[Mountain West Conference]], [[Pacific-12 Conference|Pac-10]] and [[Big 12]] conferences.<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072706aab.html | title = Mountain West Conference Announces Updated 2006 Football Broadcast Schedule | publisher = [[Mountain West Conference]] | date = 2006-07-27 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.olntv.com/nw/article/view/20469/?UserDef=true&catID=76 | title = Mountain West Football | publisher = Versus }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003595322 | title = FSN, Versus Ink College Football Game Deal | first = John | last = Consoli | work = [[MediaWeek]] | date = 2007-06-06 | accessdate = 2007-10-15 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071010102651/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003595322 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-10-10}}</ref> totaling 19 scheduled college football games on Versus during 2007.<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/38589/?tf=OLNPressCenter_articles.tpl&UserDef=true | title = Versus To Air Eighteen College Football Games In 2007 | publisher = Versus | date = 2007-06-11 | accessdate= 2007-10-15 }}</ref> Additional details on the college football broadcasts can be found at ''[[College Football on Versus]]''. |
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They secured coverage for the [[2007 America's Cup]], which was also a staple on ESPN and ESPN2 for years. They began to show qualifying regattas in late 2005. They also aired the [[Louis Vuitton Cup]] for challengers in 2007, and the America's Cup match between the Louis Vuitton winner and current champions, won by ''[[Alinghi]]'' of [[Switzerland]] in [[Valencia, Spain]]. In 2006, they picked up American broadcast rights (in conjunction with [[The Tennis Channel]]) of [[Davis Cup]] events. |
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Versus, with [[NBC Sports]] and the World Championship Sports Network (now [[Universal Sports]]), broadcast coverage of the [[2007 World Championships in Athletics]] from Osaka, Japan, as well as the [[2009 World Championships in Athletics]] from Berlin, Germany. |
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On January 28, 2008, Versus and the NHL extended the deal through the 2010-11 season.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-nhl-versus-contract | title = NHL, Versus extend TV contract by 3 Years | work = [[yahoo.com]] | date = 2008-01-22 | accessdate = 2008-04-06 }}</ref> |
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====2008–2009==== |
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In June 2008, they moved its operations from [[Stamford, Connecticut]], to Comcast's headquarters in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.courant.com/business/hc-ap-timewarner-0806,0,5048611.story | title = Time Warner Cable Closing Conn. Offices | work = [[Hartford Courant|courant.com]] | date = 2008-08-06 | accessdate = 2008-08-07 }}</ref> |
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On August 7, 2008, they announced a 10-year deal with the [[Indy Racing League]] to broadcast at least 13 [[IndyCar Series]] events a year in HD, beginning in 2009. <ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12219 | title = Solid Partnerships | work = [[indycar.com]] | date = 2008-08-07 | accessdate = 2008-08-07 }}</ref> [[Bob Jenkins]], [[Jon Beekhuis]], and [[Robbie Buhl]] are on the broadcast team along with [[Jack Arute]], Robbie Floyd, and Lindy Thackston in the pits. Terry Linger is the producer.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12995 | title = |
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Experienced lineup | work = [[indycar.com]] | date = 2009-01-14 | accessdate = 2009-01-18}}</ref> The channel would also broadcast various motorsports series on its Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour program such as [[United States Automobile Club|USAC]] and [[Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series]]. |
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The channel aired the [[96th Grey Cup]], the championship game of the [[Canadian Football League]] in 2008. |
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2009 also saw Versus begin airing games from the [[United Football League (2009)|United Football League]]. The first season Championship aired on November 27, 2009. The UFL would return to Versus for a second season in 2010. |
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====2010==== |
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On April 5, 2010, Versus debuted ''The Daily Line''. The show consisted of a four-person panel (host Liam McHugh, handicapper Rob DeAngelis, comedian Reese Waters, and [[Jenn Sterger]]) which discussed, often with heavy satire, sports-related topics that were popular that day.<ref>Huff, Richard. "Versus seeks game-changer with 'Daily Line' news show starring Jenn Sterger." New York Daily News 02 Apr 2010, Print.</ref> After seven months on the air, they cancelled ''The Daily Line'' as of November 4, 2010 as a result of low [[Nielsen Ratings|ratings]].<ref>{{cite news | first = Michael | last = McCarthy | title = Versus cancels Jenn Sterger's sports TV show | date = 2010-10-29 | url = http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/10/versus-cancels-jenn-stergers-sports-tv-show/1 | work = [[USA Today]] | accessdate = 2010-10-29}}</ref> |
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The Ultimate Fighting Championship would air two live events on the channel due to the new contract agreement with UFC sister promotion World Extreme Cagefighting. The first edition of ''UFC on Versus'' aired on March 21, 2010 headlined by [[Brandon Vera]] vs. [[Jon Jones (fighter)|Jon Jones]] in the Light Heavyweight division. The second event aired on August 1 with [[Jon Jones (fighter)|Jon Jones]] facing [[Vladimir Matyushenko]]. Also as part of the agreement with the UFC, several UFC Countdown shows would air. There was a countdown show the week of a PPV, usually lasting for one hour, and covering 2-3 of the biggest fights on the card. |
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They air many Mountain West, Pac-10, Big-12 and Sun Belt baseball games. They also broadcasts the Sun Belt, Big-12, and Pac-10 championship games. |
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They had also struck a deal with the NBA to air 10 regular season [[NBA Development League]] games as well as 6 playoff games a year. Games will air Saturday nights. In total, they would air 16 [[NBA Development League]] games<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/dleague/news/versus_100104.html |title= VERSUS To Air 16 NBA D-League Games This Season |publisher=NBA |date=January 4, 2010 |accessdate= 2011-08-10}}</ref> in addition to 25 hours of NBA programming specials. They also aired five NBA games, men's and women's Mountain West and Sun Belt games. |
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On August 3, 2010, they began airing ''Greatest MLB Rivalries'', a one-hour show that focused on some of the biggest [[Major League Baseball rivalries|rivalries in baseball]]. Five episodes were filmed with a new show every Tuesday. The American League vs. National League, [[Dodgers–Giants rivalry|Dodgers vs. Giants]], [[Yankees – Red Sox rivalry|Yankees vs. Red Sox]], [[Mets–Phillies rivalry|Mets vs. Phillies]] and [[Cardinals–Cubs rivalry|Cubs vs. Cardinals]] were the rivalries featured. |
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Starting in August 2010, they aired nine races of the [[NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour]] and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. The races originated from a variety of locations, including [[Stafford Motor Speedway]], Tri-County Speedway, and Thompson Motor Speedway. |
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===2011: NBC Sports merger=== |
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In February 2011, Comcast acquired a majority share in [[NBC Universal]], and merged its content operations into the company. As part of the acquisition, Versus (and Comcast's other sports channels) began to be integrated into the [[NBC Sports]] division. Coinciding with the merger, President Jamie Davis was replaced by Comcast Sports Group President Jon Litner. Litner will now oversee the channel, in addition to his other duties following the Comcast takeover.<ref name="nbc-golfchannel">{{cite web|last=Renyolds|first=Mike|title=McCarley To Head Golf Channel, Davis Out At Versus In NBC Sports Group Reorg: Sources|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/463313-McCarley_To_Head_Golf_Channel_Davis_Out_At_Versus_In_NBC_Sports_Group_Reorg_Sources.php|publisher=Multichannel News|accessdate=2 February 2011}}</ref> |
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With World Extreme Cagefighting's merger into the Ultimate Fighting Championship, there will be no further WEC events aired on Versus, although they will air four additional UFC events in 2011. |
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The network also announced that they would be airing [[National Lacrosse League]] games, starting with the [[National Lacrosse League All-Star Game#2011|2011 All-Star Game]] and culminating with the [[Champion's Cup]] final. The network will air nine games total in the 2011 season. |
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They are also airing re-broadcasts of [[Notre Dame Football on NBC|Notre Dame football]] games from previous years, as well as the annual spring football "Blue-Gold" intramural game, effectively taking over from the HD-exclusive [[Universal HD]] (which formerly held cable rerun rights) as the cable home of Notre Dame football events. |
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In April 2011, NBC Sports and Versus announced they had reached a ten year extension to the television contract with the National Hockey League worth nearly 2 billion dollars over the life of the contract. As part of the announcement, the former chairman of NBC Sports, [[Dick Ebersol]] announced that Versus would be re-named "within 90 days", in order to reflect the synergy of the two networks after the Universal-Comcast merger.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Condor|title=NHL, NBC sign record-setting 10-year TV deal|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=560238|publisher=NHL|accessdate=20 July 2011|date=19 April 2011}}</ref> However, no announcement of a new name would come until August 1, 2011.<ref name=nbcsportsnetwork/> |
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On June 6, 2011, it was revealed that NBCUniversal would be extending their rights to the [[Olympic Games]] through 2020, outbidding competing bids by [[Fox Sports (USA)|Fox Sports]] and [[ESPN]] in a $4.38 billion contract. It is expected that Versus will participate in NBC's overall coverage beginning in 2012.<ref name=nbcsportsnetwork/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/07/report-nbc-wins-latest-olympics-tv-rights-bid/94902|title=NBC Wins TV Rights For 4 More Olympic Games, All Events Will Be Live Either On TV Or Internet|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=June 7, 2011|accessdate=June 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/television/update-nbc-bids-438-billion-olympic-gold-132319|title=Update: NBC Bids $4.38 Billion for Olympic Gold|work=[[Ad Week]]|date=June 7, 2011|accessdate=June 7, 2011}}</ref> |
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In September 2011, the channel premiered a new batch of daily programming. College Football Talk and Pro Football Talk airs every Monday recapping the weekend in sports. NBC Sports Talk airs Tuesdays-Fridays. CNBC Sports Biz: Game on, hosted by [[Darren Rovell]], airs on Fridays. |
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====NBC Sports Network==== |
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[[Image:NBC-Sports-Network-Logo_bla.grid-5x2.jpg|thumb|180px|left|The new logo for NBC Sports Network, when the Versus name is retired after New Years' Day, 2012.|]] |
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On August 1, 2011, Comcast officially announced that Versus would be re-launched as the '''NBC Sports Network''' on January 2, 2012. Personnel from NBC Sports will be shared between the two channels, and the network's telecasts will be produced in a similar style to those aired by NBC. This is the reverse of the arrangement between [[ESPN on ABC|ABC Sports]] and [[ESPN]], both of which are controlled by [[Walt Disney Company|Disney]]. The re-launch will coincide with multiple major events to be aired on NBC at the beginning of the year (such as the [[NHL Winter Classic]], the NFL post-season, and [[Super Bowl XLVI]]), which will be used to promote the network. Comcast also reported that Versus's primetime viewership had doubled since the merger with NBC.<ref name=nbcsportsnetwork>{{cite web|last=Fernadez|first=Bob|title=Goodbye Versus, hello NBC Sports Network|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/126495098.html|publisher=[[Philly.com]]|accessdate=August 1, 2011|work=Philadelphia Inquirer}}</ref> |
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Additionally, NBC Sports also announced a new broadcasting contract with [[Major League Soccer]] to produce games for the 2012 season on NBC and the NBC Sports Network. There will be 2 regular season games, 2 playoff games, and 2 national team matches on NBC and 38 regular season games, 3 playoff games, and 2 national team matches on the NBC Sports Network.<ref name=MLStoNBC>{{cite news|last=Goal Blogs|first=New York Times|title=MLS and NBC Sports announce new TV deal|url=http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/10/m-l-s-and-nbc-sports-announce-new-tv-deal/|publisher=[[NYTimes.com]]|accessdate=August 10, 2011|date=2011-08-10}}</ref> On the same day, the [[United Football League (2009–)|UFL]] announced it had not reached a deal with Versus to continue carrying its games, and that the league would instead give those games to [[regional sports network]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufl-football.com/news/jerry-glanville-named-hartford-colonials-head-coach-and-general-manager|title=Jerry Glanville Named Hartford Colonials Head Coach and General Manager|work=United Football League|first=Jerry|last=Glanville|date=2011-03-21|accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> |
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==Distribution== |
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In October 2005, they elected not to provide its NHL coverage to a number of distributors, including [[EchoStar]] ([[Dish Network]]) and [[Cablevision]], which both refused Comcast's request to place Versus on a much higher-penetration package. During this time, they blacked out NHL coverage on these systems, replacing them with other programming. It was believed that the reason behind these blackouts had to do with a penalty fee that Comcast would have had to pay the NHL if they did not significantly increase their distribution. {{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} |
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While Cablevision eventually came to an agreement making OLN/Versus available to any customer with digital cable, EchoStar retaliated by pulling OLN from its service; it was Dish Network's stance that few of its customers would be willing to have the channel if it meant raising rates. On April 24, 2006, the same date that OLN announced the late-September name change to Versus, Dish Network and OLN reached a long term agreement to restore the channel. |
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===DirecTV carriage dispute=== |
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On August 18, 2009, [[DirecTV]] informed its customers that it may drop the channel after August 31, 2009 if a new carriage agreement wasn't made with the network's owners [[Comcast]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/article.jsp?assetId=P6220002 |title=Versus on DirecTV |publisher= DirecTV |date= March 15, 2010 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref> |
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DirecTV dropped the channel at midnight on September 1, replacing it with the message "Versus is no longer available on this channel. Comcast, which owns Versus, has forced us to take down the channel because we will not submit to their unfair and outrageous demands. For more information go to directv.com/versus." |
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On March 15, 2010 an agreement was reached between the sides and Versus returned to DirecTV's lineup. The channel was returned to its original package on the service, Choice Xtra.<ref name=resolution>[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/directv-and-versus-reach-carriage-agreement-sports-net-returns-to-directv-lineup-today-2010-03-15?reflink=MW_news_stmp DIRECTV and VERSUS Reach Carriage Agreement; Sports Net Returns to DIRECTV Lineup Today] ''Market Watch'' March 15, 2010</ref> |
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==High definition== |
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A [[1080i]] [[High-definition television|high definition]] simulcast was launched in January 2007. Initially, they shared an HD feed with its sister network [[Golf Channel]], marketed as '''Versus/Golf HD''', airing Golf Channel programming during the daytime hours, and Versus programming at night. The shared channel were replaced by individual HD feeds for both networks in December 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Linda|title=Comcast To Launch Three HD Nets, Including E!|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/133676-Comcast_To_Launch_Three_HD_Nets_Including_E_.php|publisher=Multichannel News|accessdate=20 August 2011}}</ref> |
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Prior to the launch of the channel's HD feed, some Versus programming in the HD format was seen on the defunct [[MOJO HD|INHD]] channels. |
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When Versus becomes the NBC Sports Network, the channel is expected to take on the 16:9 widescreen letterbox format for its standard definition feed just as [[Fox Sports]], [[CNN]], and other cable networks have done. |
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==Programming== |
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{{main|List of programs broadcast by Versus}} |
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{{div col}} |
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* ''[[NHL on Versus]]'' |
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* [[IndyCar Series]] |
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* ''[[College Football on Versus]]'' |
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* ''College Basketball on Versus'' |
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* [[Davis Cup]] Tennis |
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* ''PBR on Versus'' |
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* ''WEC WrekCage'' |
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* ''Americas Cup on Versus'' |
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* ''[[World Extreme Cagefighting|WEC]] on Versus'' |
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* ''World Combat League on Versus'' |
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* ''Fight Night on Versus'' |
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* ''UFC Countdown'' (2010-2011) |
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* ''USSA on Versus'' |
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* ''[[Tour de France]] on Versus'' |
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* [[SCCA World Challenge]] |
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* ''[[SlamBall]] on Versus'' |
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*''[[United Football League (2009)|United Football League]] on Versus'' (2009-2010) |
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*''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] on Versus'' (2010-2011) |
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* ''[[IIHF]] Men's [[Ice Hockey World Championship]]'' |
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* ''Triple Crown Preliminary Races'' |
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* ''NLL ON Versus'' |
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* ''NBA D-League on Versus'' |
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* ''College Hockey and Hockey East'' |
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* ''[[Major League Soccer]]'' (2012-) |
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{{div col end}} |
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They have also aired several sports movies, like ''[[Rocky III]]'', ''[[The Big Lebowski]]'' and ''[[Miracle (film)|Miracle]]'', as well as [[rerun]]s of ''[[Survivor (US TV series)|Survivor]]''.<ref>http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/974/?UserDef=true&catID=79{{dead link|date=August 2011}}</ref> and original programming shows like ''[[Sports Soup]]'', ''TapOut'', ''The Contender'', ''[[Holy @$%*! (TV series)|Holy @$%*!]]'', ''Sports Unfiltered with [[Dennis Miller]]'', and ''Fanarchy''. |
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Versus, continuing a tradition started when the channel was still known as the Outdoor Life Network, devotes most of its daytime and weekend programming to programs of interest to outdoorsmen, with most of its shows pertaining to hunting and fishing; [[Bill Dance (television host)|Bill Dance]], [[Michael Iaconelli#City Limits Fishing|Mike Iaconelli]], [[Babe Winkelman]], and [[Tred Barta]] are among the numerous hosts seen during the outdoor programming. |
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==References== |
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{{reflist|2}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/ Official site (on NBC Sports)] |
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**{{wayback|http://www.versus.com|Versus.com}} |
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*[http://www.tsn.ca/oln/ OLN (Canada)] |
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*[http://www.olntv.com/nw/article/view/1215/?tf=OLNPressCenter_articles.tpl&UserDef=true OLN Press Release re: NHL-Versus TV agreement] |
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*[http://www.adweek.com/aw/regional/new_england/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001019001 Comcast/OLN Eyes ESPN's MLB Rights] |
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*[http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=780943&page=1&pp=30 Golf Channel / Versus HD Information] |
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*[http://www.sportsmediawatch.net/2010/07/state-of-networks-ii-versus.html State of the Networks II: Versus] |
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*[http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/towerticker/2011/03/notre-dame-football-comcast-nbc-universal-merger-helps-versus-gets-its-irish-up.html Notre Dame football: Comcast-NBC Universal merger helps Versus get its Irish up] |
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*[http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671364-infiltrate-destroy-rebuild-nbc-must-redefine-versus-to-make-tv-deal-work Sports Business: NBC Must Redefine Versus To Make the TV Deal Work] |
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*[http://fangsbites.com/category/versus/ Versus - Fang's Bites] |
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**[http://fangsbites.com/category/nbc-sports-network/ NBC Sports Network - Fang's Bites] |
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{{NBC Universal}} |
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{{Sports television in the United States}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Versus (Tv Channel)}} |
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[[Category:Comcast Corporation]] |
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[[Category:NBC Universal]] |
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[[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Indy Racing League media]] |
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[[Category:Sports television networks in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1995]] |
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[[Category:Versus (TV channel)| ]] |
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[[Category:NBC Sports]] |
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[[fr:Versus (télévision)]] |
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