10TV's NFL Information

Q: How does WBNS-10TV choose which games will air?
A: Ultimately the decision is up to CBS Sports and the NFL. However, WBNS-10TV can request a game change once an assignment is made. The main factor we use to choose the games is what the potential number of viewers are for a given game. We track this through overnight ratings throughout the season.
Q: Why can't you show one team on your analog channel and one team on digital?
A: The NFL requires that we show the same game on both channels. Multi-casting is not an option for us.
Q: Why don't you show the other team on ONN?
A: The NFL will not allow us to place a game anywhere else but on WBNS-10TV.
Q: Why aren't all games shown in high-definition?
A: HDTV broadcasts are at the discretion of CBS Sports. WBNS-10TV has no say in which games are broadcast in HDTV. You can comment directly to CBS concerns regarding HD coverage at: audsvcs@cbs.com.
Q: Why don't you conduct a poll to determine which game to air?
A: Ultimately, the decision on which game to air is up to CBS Sports and the NFL. They ask that we not do polls because they can't guarantee that this will be the game we receive. Additionally, many Web sites and message boards solicit entries weight the polls, and make them invalid.
Q: How can I contact CBS Sports?
A: CBS Sports can be contacted through CBS Audience Services by e-mailing: audsvcs@cbs.com.
Q: Why don't you conduct a poll on who has more fans: the Browns, Bengals or Steelers?
A: WBNS has research that is done annually showing the number of people that say they follow one team or another. The number of people for both Browns and Bengals fans are statistically even with the Steelers just behind the Ohio teams. However, our main concern is what team will bring the majority of viewers. While die-hard fans will watch their team it is the average fan, that may not be loyal to any team, that will skew the ratings. They traditionally want to watch a good, compelling game. If the team is playing well then that usually equates to higher ratings.
Q: How do the networks determine who has the doubleheader games from week to week?
A: CBS, FOX and the NFL negotiate the doubleheader weekends each Spring. In June, they release the weekly schedule of available games to affiliates. When WBNS-10TV has a single-game weekend, we must not only choose between specific teams, but we must also choose between an early game or a late game. Subsequently, on single game weekends, you will see other programming where you might have seen NFL football during a doubleheader weekend.