beIN SPORTS is informing its loyal viewers on Comcast/Xfinity platforms that they have lost access to the network’s valuable programming.
“We are shocked that Comcast would mislead its customers concerning the negotiation of its carriage of beIN SPORTS programming. In fact, beIN offered to extend the agreement with Comcast on existing terms, and Comcast refused. Just like Comcast has refused to offer our networks in high definition or allow its customers to use beIN CONNECT. Unfortunately, Comcast would rather continue to exercise the chokehold it has on the pay-tv market and squeeze customers for more money by only carrying beIN in high priced tiers. beIN remains committed to delivering unparalleled sports content to the broadest audience and continuing to build fan engagement for its’ content partners, ” said Antonio Briceño, beIN SPORTS’ Deputy Managing director for the U.S. and Canada.
Briceño added “we face a disheartening trend of media consolidation, where the big get bigger and innovative brands like ours that serve diverse audiences to get pushed out. This is almost always to the detriment of consumers who end up paying the price. We hope it stops now.”
This announcement comes four months after beIN SPORTS was forced to file a carriage complaint against Comcast due to violating program carriage rules and the non-discrimination condition attached with the FCC’s approval of its purchase of NBCUniversal.
The network took legal action to ensure beIN SPORTS content is made available to the largest possible audience of fans, in line with the position of other major sports networks. beIN has expressed concern that this action is in retaliation for exercising its right to file with the FCC.
Subscribers who would like to keep beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español can visit www.keepbeINonXFINITY.com or call 1-877-789-1392 to file a complaint to their cable provider directly. Their support can make the difference #KeepbeIN #StopCarrierBarriers!