Committee urges broadcast deal for Padres Games

Time Warner Cable and Fox Sports San Diego Agree to Discussions

SAN DIEGO – At the request of the Rules and Economic Development Committee, representatives from Time Warner Cable and Fox Sports San Diego today agreed to meet next week and discuss how best to reach a broadcast deal for Padres games.

Council President Pro Tem Sherri Lightner, who serves as chair of the committee, called the special meeting because of repeated complaints she has heard from constituents about their inability to watch Padres games on television.

Currently, Fox Sports San Diego has reached agreements with four of the five major television providers in San Diego: Cox, DirecTV, AT&T U-Verse and Dish. The fifth major television provider, Time Warner Cable, which provides cable service to most of the communities that Lightner represents, has yet to agree to a deal.

With Opening Day fast approaching on April 1, Lightner said it was imperative that the city use whatever resources it has to get the two sides back to the negotiating table.

“The City of San Diego and its citizens have made a real, tangible investment in the Padres, and it is critical city leaders highlight this issue and encourage the two sides to come to the plate and strike a deal,” Lightner said.

The Rules and Economic Development Committee also asked City Attorney Jan Goldsmith to explore what rights the city has in reviewing Time Warner Cable’s financials as part of its franchise agreement with the company. The Committee also passed a resolution encouraging the two sides to work together to negotiate a deal in time for Opening Day. That resolution will be heard by the full City Council on March 26.

“The Padres generate economic activity, promote San Diego to a national audience, and boost civic pride,” Lightner said. “I am hopeful that the two sides thoroughly understand the City of San Diego’s commitment to seeing a speedy resolution to this impasse. Let’s play ball.”