By Tom McGregor, CCTV.com commentator and editor for CCTV.com, based in Beijing
The mainstream media (MSM) appears indestructible. They control a media narrative that endorses ‘globalist first’ and social justice warrior (SJW) principles. And despite the MSM’s dwindling audience numbers, Western media empires refuse to change and have continued a relentless assault on US President Donald Trump and his supporters.
The big TV networks — Fox, CBS, and NBC (along with ESPN-owned by ABC) — are bankrolled by ad revenues generated from broadcasting NFL (National Football League) games. The ‘cash cow’ allows the MSM to pursue their own political agendas, while media executives and reporters can enjoy the high-life with superstar salaries and benefits.
Trump Telling Like It Is
Apparently, Trump has taken notice. According to video footage, Trump spoke at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama on Friday. He blasted NFL players for taking a knee in front of the American flag during the national anthem, which is considered unpatriotic since players and spectators are expected to stand at that time.
“We are proud of our country, we respect our flag,” said Trump. “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b**** off the field, he’s fired.”
Trump also highlighted the NFL’s slide in ratings, which are “down massively, massively.”
And here’s the huge dilemma, TV networks pay enormous sums for NFL broadcasting rights.
Back-Breaking Deals
In Dec. 2011, the NFL signed a nine-year TV deal (2013-2022) worth over US $27bn.
According to Forbes magazine, “Financial terms have not been released, the three networks (CBS, Fox, and NBC) are expected to pay roughly $3bn. a year, (compared to prior contract — collective annual payment, $1.9bn.) ESPN re-upped its deal with the NFL … at an annual rate of $1.9bn.”
Meanwhile, MSM reporters have encouraged football players to take a knee to support the Hillary Clinton-inspired resistance movement. Hence, TV networks have signed on to a suicide pact to keep ‘identity politics’ mainstream.
Momentum Set for Failure
TV ratings for the NFL may continue to plunge, especially since most die-hard football fans are pro-Trump and many have joined the NFL Boycott. Some fans have posting videos of themselves burning their team’s jerseys and memorabilia.
The demise of the NFL would eventually lead to lower salary caps for teams, and perhaps the day may arise when players score touchdowns for minimum wage. But the hardest hit will be the MSM and we may witness bankruptcies coming soon.
When ad revenues decline for TV networks, they can no longer afford to pay for broadcasting rights of the NFL. But they must pay off their debts and if unable to do so, they must file Chapter 11 (bankruptcy declaration) to renegotiate payments to creditors.
Point of No Return Has Arrived
The TV networks, as well as NFL owners and players, can no longer change their fortunes under their control. Last week, more than 200 NFL players took a knee to protest the flag and fans are unlikely to forgive them.
To make matters worse, Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Guard Alejandro Villanueva, an Army Ranger, and veteran of the Afghanistan war appeared to have taken a heroic stand last Sunday as the lone player on his team to stand up for the flag.
What a shame, but the snowflake and SJW crowds have assumed control of America’s stadiums and we can expect them to demand safe spaces for non-football fans to join players in taking a knee.
The TV networks may soon realize that politicizing the NFL does not boost profits and former fans will eventually find a new sport to cherish.
