Conversation with Astros President Reid Ryan

Most fans of the Houston Astros have been blacked out for more than a year from watching their team on any television platform. This is my Twitter conversation with Astros President Reid Ryan on the subject.

@robertreidryan Astros on MLB network blacked out FROM OAKLAND. Are you kidding me? Apparently, Astros organization not interested in fans.
— Larry Manch (@LarryManch) April 19, 2014

@LarryManch it has nothing to do with our choice. MLB network is always blacked out unless local RSN agrees to lift it.
— Reid Ryan (@robertreidryan) April 19, 2014

Sorry Reid @robertreidryan but in Killeen TX 197 miles from Houston we can't watch ANY Astros TV games. That appears to be an Astros problem
— Larry Manch (@LarryManch) April 19, 2014

@LarryManch Astros market is Texas, OK, LA, NM and AR. Until carriers (directv, TW, Dish, etc.) pick up CSN, games will be blacked out.
— Reid Ryan (@robertreidryan) April 19, 2014

@robertreidryan Bottom line for fans, we can't watch games we would be willing to pay for. I can't fix this - must be someone that can.
— Larry Manch (@LarryManch) April 19, 2014

This article @robertreidryan suggests the Astros are "responsible for keeping CSN from making deals …" Is it wrong?http://t.co/0i2E21MiLW
— Larry Manch (@LarryManch) April 19, 2014

The article claims: "As we first reported early this year, the Astros were primarily responsible for keeping CSN from making deals with providers not named Comcast. The agreement between the parties who own CSN (Astros, Rockets and Comcast) requires unanimous approval on any deals, approval the Astros and owner Jim Crane refused to give."

'Latest CSN Developments Could Lead to New TV Deals'

Ryan seems to feel the fault lies with cable TV carriers, directly opposite the claim made in the article, that the Astros have blocked the carriers' attempts to strike a deal and broadcast Astros games. As noted in my tweets, I suggested to Ryan that the Astros organization does not feel the need to accept responsibility, nor do they feel they are at fault. 

Clearly, the strategy is to deflect the blame and ignore the problem so it will go away. On that score, the Astros are correct – ignore the fans and they will surely go away.

Ryan did not respond to the last question.

© 2014 Larry Manch