My Take on the Media (Part 5)

Alright, it's time for me to wrap up this minseries in my blog by focusing from the end of the NHL lockout to what the sport is today. When the lockout ended after the 2004-05 season, ESPN gave up their rights with the NHL and were picked up by OLN (now Versus), which is a cable network. As one would believe, ratings were very low and have risen over the years, but are not where they were before the lockout. Now that Versus is included in most basic cable packages, there are more viewers watching regularly. With Versus covering many regular season games, NBC decided to step in and helped with broadcasting the NHL, especially the Stanley Cup Finals. Now, Versus and NBC share the broadcasting rights with a lot of small networks all around the country. With all of these stations covering hockey and with satellite radio making a huge help, the NHL and hockey overall is growing, and continues to increase its fan base every year. Personally, i enjoy watching the games now, especially on NBC. They do a great job with their commentary and the way they represent the sport when they air it. Although i am not happy with the time NBC airs its games (Sundays at like 10:30am, i'm still asleep), i believe they do a reat job with the NHL and i hope it continues. After the lockout, many thought the NHL would fold all together. But with the expansion of audiences, the NHL is as strong as ever.