5 issues to clarify regarding the Chicago Blackhawks' television broadcasts problems

The Chicago Blackhawks getting their television product to the fans has been quite the challenge.

The Chicago Sports Network is still not on Comcast's Xfinity. That is a huge problem since that is the largest carrier in Chicago.

Five issues must be cleared up regarding this problem for the Hawks.

By clearing up, it means putting some context around what exactly is going on. Fans definitely have every right to be upset about this. CHSN is dragging its feet to get a deal done before the puck drops in Winnipeg.

That is the first issue that must be cleared up so a fan can properly direct his or her fury at.

Comcast has an offer on the table.

According to CHGO Blackhawks podcast host and reporter Jay Zawaski, a deal can be struck at any time so long as CHSN agrees to Comcast's terms.

One reason providers are running away from regional sports networks is the high carrier fees they are demanding to pay the high broadcast rights fees teams desire. Since providers are starting to wise up that RSNs appeal to a niche audience and therefore, they do not want to pay those high fees.

Well, they fear passing along the costs to customers who are fleeing their product. Cord cutting has been driving this problem. That is why providers want to put them on their higher-tier packages. That means less carrier fees that team owners want to avoid because it could mean less money in TV deals.

It appears Chicago Sports Network is a by-product of NBC pulling out of the RSN business.

Now, CHSN is around in part because of Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf propping up his Stadium content. At least that it is the belief.

Another reason CHSN is in place is because NBC is pulling out of running RSNs. Having NBC as a partner had its advantages because it was guaranteed to be on all tiers.

Since NBC is walking away from fronting the RSNs, CHSN had to happen. The Hawks could have gone it alone, but either way, it sounded like the NBC partnership was ended

CHGO Blackhawks is not CHSN.

Jay Zawaski, Mario Tirabassi, and Gregg Boysen cover and talk about the team. Just because both start with CH does not mean those three and the crew at All-City is responsible for this.

YouTube TV reportedly does not want to carry CHSN.

This one cannot be put on the Blackhawks, Bulls, or Sox here. YouTube TV is a popular carrier among Generation Z.

It sounds like YouTube is making the call to not offer the channel to their subscribers.

YouTube typically does not carry RSN, so it is not like they are treating CHSN any differently.

Fans can still access CHSN depending on their carrier or willingness to use old technology.

Fans with DirecTV or Astound will have CHSN. Also, having an antenna for those living in Chicago, Rockford, or South Bend can access the game tonight.

Yes, it seems old-school to use the old rabbit ears. If a fan wants to catch the game in those areas, then they can use that antiquated technology.