CSS has been in existence for 15 years. The regional sports network, owned by Comcast, announced that it will shut down on June 1.
Why is it going dark? The main reason is due to the soon-to-be launched SEC Network taking football, basketball and baseball games that would air on CSS. SEC games have been a main part of CSS’s programming schedule and without something in the pipeline to replace them, Comcast felt it had little chance to survive.
As SEC Network begins operation in August, it will air not just football and basketball, but also baseball, softball and several Olympic sports that fall under the conference banner.
CSS is available in 5½ million homes in 12 states. It’s the only Comcast regional sports network that isn’t linked to a professional team.
In addition to being home to lower tier SEC games, CSS also airs the Atlantic Sun and Sun Belt Conferences, Now both leagues will have to scramble to find a new television partner or stream their games online – not an easy task.
CSS also has been simulcasting an Atlanta sports radio morning show for several years,
Twenty full-time employees will be losing their jobs. Hopefully, they’ll be able to find work at other outlets quickly.
So CSS is the first victim of SEC Network. Will there be others down the line?
[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
