Fox Sports 2

[duffey3700]

Seems NASCAR is showing some of it's qualifying on Fox Sports 2 (cup last week at Talladega and truck qualifying today at Martinsville). I understand that all the truck races are going to be carried on Fox in 2014 so with Comcast not carrying Fox Sports 2 we may miss a lot of truck qualifying and maybe some races next year. Already missed 2 events in the past week!!!!!!

What do we need to do to get Comcast to carry Fox Sports 2????????????? Can't find an email address to contact them so...........................

[iwlbfree]

Having Fox Sports 1 on the line up and not Fox Sports 2, is like having the football game on Fox Sports 1 and then at half time switching to Fox Sports 2 for the second half. Comcast get with it your customers are screaming that we want Fox Sports 2 on the regular line up so we as NASCAR fans can watch all of the coverage of Nascar. Make it on the same package as Fox Sports 1.

[markdartj]

Just got off the phone with William Ward, the regional manager for Comcast, who has been in touch with our area's (Northwest) marketing department.  The short answer is no, there is going to be no FOX SPORTS 2 anytime in the near future.  I spent half an hour on the phone, using every argument for providing FS2 that has been on this forum, as well as just plain logic.

What it all boils down to is numbers.  If there were enough people clammering for FS2, they would do something, but, apparently, there isn't, at least in my area (Seattle).  The reason FOX got rid of SPEED is because ratings were so low.  One could blame that on the crappy programming they fed us in between broadcasting the racing we liked to watch, but nevertheless, they would not have disrupted our race viewing if numbers were against it. 

The whole problem is that there are a lot more stick and ball fans than there are racing fans.  That's the reality.  So, what can be done?

If you want to see FS2 on COMCAST, you have to call customer service.  Don't post your request here, as it goes no further.  The ONLY thing that is going to get Comcast to add FS2 to their line up is enough requests, period.

I also got an email from Tom K.'s office.  Here is the whole thing:

Dear Mr.Olsen, 

Thank you for contacting the Office of Tom Karinshak. My name is Gerald. I am sincerely sorry for the frustration you have experienced with not being able to watch Fox Sports2. I assure you I will do everything I can to resolve all your issues. 

I have escalated your concerns to our local support team, which is a specialty team dedicated to assisting customers that have requested additional channels. Your ticket confirmation number is ER 018784798.  

Mr. Olsen, we appreciate your business here at Comcast and thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve these issues.

Sincerely,

Gerald B.

Office of Tom Karinshak

In other words, nonthing, but if enough people bug them, not us on the forums, them about it, we may see a change in policy.  Complaints to the FCC don't work either.  They give the complaint to William Ward, who looks into the situation, just like he did for me, and then tells the FCC that Comcast doesn't provide FS2.  Then the matter is closed as far as the FCC is concerned.  They don't care, as long as the seven deadly words aren't repeated on broadcast TV. (RIP George Carlin).

So there you have it.  If you want to see FOX SPORTS 2 in your area, YOU have to call Comcast, or email Comcast ecare, and get them to "escalate" the matter to marketing.  Call William Ward.  He assured me that any calls he gets will go to marketing for your area.  His phone number is 888-966-7794, ext. # 3045010.  Don't let him BS you about how Fox won't let Comcast show FS2.  He'll try that tack.  Tell him what you know already.  Read all the entries in this forum if you need to know more.

It sux, I know, but that's what the real world is like for us race fans.  At least NBCsports is picking up some slack.  Good shows on Velocity too, as well as the perenial favorite, TOP GEAR on BBCA.

That's it.  No more from me.  Have your friends call.  Just do what it takes, I will.

[markdartj]

You can get ahold of Tom Karinshak via email at:Comcast ECARE <ecare@comcast.com>

[NWracefan]

Thanks jmarkdartj for the information though it is not what I wanted to hear. Did you tell him that Comcast was going to be losing customers or does he not care? Too bad Fox doesn't start airing the stick and ball sports on fox sports 2.

[duffey3700]

I don't mind sending them emails to express what I think and to request that FS2 be added. They'll have my first on Monday morning!!!!

[markdartj]

@ NW race fan, yes I did; but once a gain, the numbers don't add up for them, so if they lose a few customers, it's not going to ruin their day, despite what they say to us.  I told him I was ready to get rid of TV altogether, and while he sympathized, he didn't beg me to reconsider.  Maybe going onto twitter to get the word out there, but all that will do will bring out the trolls who don't like racing.  If you take that route, be prepared for a lot of abuse.  What I'm really sorry about is missing the sports car racing.  As for NASCAR, I watch that when there is no other racing on.  Face it, it's become the WWF only with cars, and I find it less engaging when I can't watch quali and the practices.  I only started to watch it when Montoya came over from F-1, and was curious to see how he'd do.

But it's the principle of the thing.  It just bugs me that I'm still paying the same and getting less of what I want to watch.

@ duffey3700, That's what it's going to take.  Call them too.  I bugged them enought that they said because of their customer gaurantee, I'll get a big credit on my next bill.  In addition, bug them about FXX being part of the "Sports" package.  I'm getting a five dollar credit a month for the next six months just for that, but you gotta keep bugging them.  It's not much, and doesn't take away the frustration, but it's something.  Keep up the good fight everyone.

[jschno200]

Fox changed the content. you weren't receiving Fuel to begin with, so Fox rebranding the channel and moving content around has no impact on your wallet at all. the easiest thing to do is:

1. go to the FS2 website and submit a request to add the channel in your area.

2. call the billing department and ask a representative to put in an ER ticket for adding a channel to your line up.

there are specific ways in which these things are tracked, specifically by region. if your bill went up $5 because FS2 was added, then there would be legitimate concern. Fox moved things around though, in a bid to outclass ESPN, and so far the coverage is pretty bad. until people go through the proper channels and there is an influx of valid requests, there isn't much that will change.

[duffey3700]

I emailed Tom Karinshak and received a similar message within an hour:

Thank you for contacting the Office of Tom Karinshak. My name is Tia. I am glad that you have reached out to us for this channel inquiry. I assure you I will address you programming concerns today.

At this time Comcast does not have an anticipated date to add Fox Sports 2 in the Richmond, VA viewing area. I have created a formal channel request on your behalf. This request is confirmed by ticket number ER 018795119. This request will be tracked with other customers in your viewing area. This request will not result in the immediate addition of Fox Sports 2 to your channel lineup; however, we will continue to track this data to determine the demand for this channel in your viewing area.

We truly value your business here at Comcast and thank you for contacting us  with your feedback.

Sincerely,

Tia W.

Office of Tom Karinshak

****

Seems like it's a copy and paste response

[Again]

Call your local franchise to request a new channel.  For the most part, it is the franchise that decides what channels they are going to carry.  If enough people call them chances are they'll start taking notice and consider putting the channel in the line up.  Take note, however, it may also take a change in your tier in order to watch the channel, and, of course, that might mean different pricing - or not.

Since this is a customer-to-customer help forum, there is little we can do here; even though there are some Comcast employees that read and respond in the forums, for the most part, they are here regarding technical issues, and adding channels is not considered a techinal issue.

I used to watch racing and for some reason got out of it, but I would almost bet that racing fans greatly outnumber baseball fans.  Since I haven't watched any racing in a while, does anyone know of any of the sports pages online have live broadcasts, even if by subscription?  If not, they're missing a huge audience.

[bodgo19]

Strike 2 with Xfinity

Fs2 had UFC Fight Night 30 last Saturday. They have Big East basketball coming up this fall/winter. Comcast has to get this added to the line up ASAP.

[sptaylor]

Seems like not only a cut/paste response but is that a real person or a faux/made-up name that handles all the complaints.

[HOOSIERPSYCHO]

There are SEVERAL racing series that were shown on SPEEDTV that are now split between FS1&2 You REALLY need to make both available!

[UP4015]

They don't read this. Call them if you expect anything to change.

[Ctstreetrodder]

Lucky for me that in the Southwest area of Florida that I have access to Verizion and they do carry FS2 in my market!!!! Come Spring, if Comcast hasn't come on board, I'm gone to Verizion. Oh by the way, my Daughter is a Comcast Supervisor & would switch in a heartbeat, but for the politics!!!!!! 

PS

Ya gotta love it when their spell checker doesn't recognize the word Comcast & prompts you to replace with "compact"!!!!!

[youngmc100]

This is beginning to feel like Tennis Channel part deux.  It gets exhausting, but we all keep fighting the good fight.  I'm a fan of all sports, especially motorsports.  We racing fans are a moderately-sized but passionate group of viewers.  We were fortunate that NBCSN became the hub for open-wheel, but we lost a lot of two-wheel action and what's worse in my opinion is FIA World Rallye Championship.  I remember when Speedvision had same day one-hour telecasts of WRC, commentator was the great Nicky Grist; they carried all three days of each meeting on the schedule.  Oh for the days of "El Matador" Carlos Sainz, Tommi Makinen, tarmac specialist Gilles Panizzi, the late Richard Burns, the late Colin McRae, Marcus Gronholm, and on and on.  And their same day coverage of the Dakar when it was still in Africa made freezing cold January days and nights bearable.  Luckily, NBCSN picked that up, too. And the WRC rights went to Velocity channel for a few recent years, and then Speed2 broadband which of course Comcast subscribers didn't (still don't) have access to.  I could bore any reader of this thread all night with the grave details of being a Comcast subscriber and motorsports aficionado.

[racerdave1]

Does any Comcast rep ever reply to questions, or do they just ignore everyone and cash the checks?

[manamok]

---

@racerdave1 wrote:

Does any Comcast rep ever reply to questions, or do they just ignore everyone and cash the checks?

---

This is a user-to-user forum.  Shouldn't expect Comcast reps to reply to questions.  For the most part it's users helping users.

[UP4015]

Seems like I said that 5 or 6 messages ago.

[manamok]

---

@UP4015 wrote:

Seems like I said that 5 or 6 messages ago.

---

You did - apparently it needed repeating.

[gk01]

COMCAST!  Carry FS2 so I can watch all the games in the Champions League tournament.

[drarsenal]

Dear Comcast Marketing & Sales Team Member(s),

we are missing out on great soccer games as we need Fox Sport2 (former Fuel TV ?) down here in South Florida (W. Palm to Beach to Key West) ASAP.  There is a large South Floridian soccer contigency that is asking for Comcast's attention. 

Also, let's  please have check the Premier League replays of the last two Weekends (Sat.+ Sun.) which "were said to be available on HDtv on Demand'. In the last two weeks the Arsenal games were not available, although NBC SN claims that all games are being made available, actually last weekend's (Oct. 26/27)

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace

game was in the menu in the

"HD Demand/Sports/Premier League/Match Replays"  

however when selecting on the show, it started just a black screen that remained for 2hrs.

Actually 4 of 6 games were actually available, I watched the Chelsea - Man. City game, thank you!

The Arsenal game and the Stoke City Vs. Swansea was advertised but not there, just black screen when selecting the game ?

So COMCAST, pretty please with 'sugar-on-top' get us the '#%^$@ FOX Sports 2' down here in South Florida and please check up on the British "Premier League Match Replays"

We are grateful for your efforts in advance,

drarsenal

[sethc]

Yes, thousands of bay area residents would be watching FS2 if Comcast carried it.  Comcast, please intitate it right away!  Otherwise I'm going over to Dish.

[markdartj]

@ Sethc,   If you want to see FS2, then you need to call your local COMCAST franchise.  Just posting on this forum won't do any good.  COMCAST just monitors this forum for bad words.  You're just shouting to the wind by requesting it here.  Read the past entries on this subject.  

[youngmc100]

This weekend is amazing for NASCAR practice/qualifying on FS1.  Every cup, n'wide and truck session is airing on FS1, except for Cup qual. on FS2.  This is EXACTLY what ESPN did when they launched ESPN2 in the early 90s.  They hardly had any deals with cable companies to carry "the deuce."  And then ESPN did the unthinkable, by airing the Duke-North Carolina basketball game on ESPN2.  Arguably the best rivalry in College Hoops.  And the conference title and top seed in the ACC tournament was on the line.  Within weeks, ESPN2 started getting picked up by the MSOs.  Fox is starting to play hardball like ESPN did back then.  You just wait, some big Pac12 or BigTwelve football or basketball game or the reconfigured Big East with tradional rivalries in the northeast, I guarantee they will move a big game with lost of implications for postseason on the line on FS2, and then the mainstream media will pick up on it and Comcast will have no choice.  The latest numbers were in the Wall Street Journal yesterday: DirecTV gained 139,000 new subscribers in the third quarter last year.  Their profit grew by 24%.  Comcast lost 129,000 in the third quarter.  Their stock dropped 65 cents per share.  But how about this, they off-set their losses by raising prices.  So we pay more for their mismanagement.  They are losing video subscribers and are just focussing on Internet/broadband, it's obvious.  But video is their cash cow as they rob Peter to pay Paul with their products.  At some point, they will lose enough TV subscribers that they'll have to start paying attention to what we consumers want and can easily get elsewhere. I live in a duplex and my neighbor has FIOS and they have both FS1&2, from the get-go.  And her internet speed is faster than Comcast, too.  I am probably going to switch, but if I did it right away, I'd have to pay a big ETF, as I signed up for two years last year and get HBO for just $10.

[Ctstreetrodder]

Give FIOS a call and they will give you a bonus that will cover your cost. I'm in the same boat here BUT there is no FIOS in my area yet!!!!!

[duffey3700]

I just went to the Comcast chat (Xfinity chat>trouble>cableTV>other) and begin a chat saying "I cannot seem to find Fox Sports 2. Is is offered? If not when is it going to be added to the lineup? Thanks"

This was the conversation:

Jose: Jerry, currently Fox sports 2 is not yet offered in all areas. THis is currently for areas who have available Fuel TV channel. Last August 17 2013, FUEL TV will be renamed FOX Sports 2. Fox Networks made the decision to capitalize on the FOX Sports brand and coincide with the launch of FOX Sports 1.

Jose: FOX Sports 2 will continue as the network that features UFC, motocross and soccer while expanding its programming to cover other top sports. It will be an extension of FOX Sports 1.

Jerry: Seems there is more and more of NASCAR activity on FS2 and we are missing it.

Jerry: Does Comcast plan to add it or should we be looking at other cable services?

Jose: Jerry, we are already working on that to make fox 2 sports available in your area however for channel availability this is mainly decided by the channel provider which is fox since this will be base on local franchising which is mainly regulated by the channel provider. All cable providers do not have authority to make certain channels such as fox 2 available in a specific area since this is mainly being decided by the channel provider. For more details if when will it be available, you can also contact Fox channel for more specific details.

Jose: You can reach Fox channel service representative at this number: 310-369-3353 or you can visit there website at www.fox.com

Jerry: Ok, thanks. Please forward my question up the line so management will be aware of it.

Jose: We already have forwarded this concern Jerry since we have a lot of subscribers who wants to watch fox 2 sports. They will have the final decision to make it available in your area.

Jerry: I will contact Fox but most likely they will say it's in the hands of Comcast.

Jerry: Is "they" Comcast management or Fox?

Jose: They are mainly fox management Jerry. Channel avaibility is mainly decided by the local franchising team of the channel provider since broadcasting a TV program to a specific area will mainly cost the channel provider. As the cable provider, we only relay signals that is already available in your area however for channels that are not yet available, this is mainly decided by the channel provider local franchising team to make it available or not.

***************************************************************

Seems we need to worry the heck out of Comcast and Fox so if everyone will start emailing, chatting or calling both of them maybe we will get some results!!!!! I'm going to check out the Fox website above and see if there is a email to contact them.

[duffey3700]

This is a response I got back from Fox concerning adding FS2 to Comcast in the Richmond Va area:

From: Fox
To: duffey3700@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2013 3:07:32 PM
Subject: Re: FS2

Thank you for letting me know. It is my understanding that the addition of FS2 is in the works, as they need to make some internal changes to add new channel to their system. I recommend contacting Comcast again for a status update. 

Hope this helps!

M H

Director, Affiliate Engineering

Fox NE&O

*************************************

Recommend everyone contact both Comcast and Fox.

[Ctstreetrodder]

Thanks for the email address. Just emailed her about the Florida market. Will post her reply.

Tom

[NWracefan]

I emailed Marilyn Hollenbaugh about the NW and she said she did not know the details of the carriage agreements between Fox and Comcast and to contact Comcast. No help. I guess I didn't ask the right question. I am getting tired of calling and requesting. I am giving Comcast until Feb. to add FS2

[duffey3700]

As I figured....Fox says to call Comcast and Comcast says to call Fox.....getting the run around!!! A bunch of BS if you ask me!!!! Guess all we can do is keep calling and emailing and hope for the best.

[Jalpa_Mike]

The thing I find weird is for years we have had double channels for ESPN and ESPN2.  Anyone else have this?

In the Seattle area, we have:

173 - ESPNHD

174 - ESPN2HD

623 - ESPNHD

624 - ESPN2HD

Never understood why... sometimes they'll tell you they don't have enough channels.... excuse me?  But you have two HD channels each of ESPN & ESPN2.

Seems to me you could add Fox Sports 2 and the "MAVTV" (which carries a lot of the old SPEED shows: Gearz; Chop Cut Rebuild; My Classic Car, etc....)

[webbwoman]

Comcast has done a huge disservice to its NASCAR FANS by making FS2 unavailble.

With the NASCAR CUP series coming to an end shortly, why would Comcast not allow

their faithful viewers the opportunity to see all Cup action - especially qualifying  for the upcoming

Phoenix race.  Is this what we are to expect next season??  If so, I guess many of us will be

shopping for another cable company.

Hopefully Comcast has received enough complaints from its' viewers to correct this.

[mass5boys]

We really need this channel especially with Big East basketball coming on this channel

[Jalpa_Mike]

And not only that, tonight we couldn't even watch the start of the Camping World Truck series because of a stupid college basketball game. They kept scrolling across the bottom of the screen "Tune into FOX SPORTS 2 for Truck Race". Oh sure! With COMCAST we don't get FS2! By the time that stupid basketball game ended, the race was already 20 laps in when they switched ober to the race coverage.

[mxforty]

Motorcycle racing that aired on Speed channel will be on fox sports 2 next year. Comcast if you don't have Fox Sports 2  in 2014 I will move to another provider. 

[duffey3700]

You need to call Comcast and tell them this!!!!  

[sptaylor]

Just an FYI.....Sprint Cup banquet will be on Fox Sports 2!!!

[duffey3700]

Where did you hear/read this?

[ken0965]

Friday, December 6, 2013: Sprint Cup Awards Banquet on FoxSports2 at 9:00pm/et
Sunday, December 8, 2012: Sprint Cup Awards Banquet (re-air) on FoxSports1 at 12:00noon/et

Monday, November 24. 2013: Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series Awards Banquet, FoxSports1 at 8:00pm/et

http://www.jayski.com/news/pages/story/_/page/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Awards-2013

[duffey3700]

What can I say.....who's screwing us? FOX or Comcast? Fox could show the live show on Friday on FS1 if they really wanted to. I do believe $$$$ is involved in the long run.

[Ctstreetrodder]

Absolutely!!!! SHOW ME the MONEY!!!! BUT we are the ones being playes as pawns! I wish there was a way I could tell them BOTH to "Kiss my grits"!!!

[Jalpa_Mike]

The thing I can never understand, is why it is that it takes forever for COMCAST to add a channel?  From reading some of the earlier posts here, it was brought to their attention back in August and resolution was "near".  Uh, Beavis?  Here we are 4 months later and still nothing.

And, what makes it even more maddening, is you call the helpline and they don't know anything.  I just don't get this company at all.  We see these COMCAST commercials day in and day out about "Customer Service" and yet people call, ask the question, nobody knows anything.  You ask a question here and again, no answers.

[ken0965]

With Comcast Corp. revenue topping $60 billion and a cast of new, high-powered friends,

http://articles.philly.com/2013-11-11/news/43889689_1_comcast-corp-other-cable-tv-companies-roberts

[Ctstreetrodder]

Try this email address! It just might make it to someone that will note the problems!!!

ecare@comcast.com

[Racingdream]

Comcast needs to step it up ASAP and add Fox Sports 2 !!! Not a fan of Fox but they are the only alternative to what was the Speed Channel.

[Ctstreetrodder]

As a further update on the Ecare email address, received this:

"Thank you for contacting the Office of Tom Karinshak. My name is ShaRonda. I am genuinely sorry for the inconvenience you experienced regarding not being able to view Fox Sports 2 on your channel lineup. I can definitely provide you more information about Fox Sports 2.

I have looked into this for you and found that Fox Sports 2 channel is going to be added but I was not able to find the time frame. I have forwarded your comments to our programming and development department for further review. Our programming and development work daily to bring you the best, most expansive programming possible. We value knowing that you appreciate our service, and thank you for taking the time to contact us with your insightful feedback. Comcast take all requests for programming very seriously, and that we carefully consider the overall impact of the customer's viewing experience. Here is a website that you can stream Fox Sports 2 on http://www.tvvie.com/while waiting for Comcast to add this channel. On August 17 2013, FUEL TV will be renamed FOX Sports 2. Fox Networks made the decision to capitalize on the FOX Sports brand and coincide with the launch of FOX Sports 1. FOX Sports 2 will continue as the network that features UFC, motocross and soccer while expanding its programming to cover other top sports. It will be an extension of FOX Sports 1. For more information you can visit: http://msn.foxsports.com/  and http://www.fuel.tv/ 

I know that your experience has prompted you to strongly consider a decision of whether or not to switch to another provider. You are a valued customer here at Comcast and we would definitely like to retain your business. We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Comcast as your provider.

Sincerely,

ShaRonda J

Office of Tom Karinshak

[Ctstreetrodder]

You bet your Bippie, they appreciate my business!!!! To the tune of $250 + each month!!!!

[UP4015]

It's a stock reply. I got the same one only with my name on it. Do you really think they care or that this will make a difference? NOT !

[ken0965]

did anyone notice today on FS1 was a ball game,but on FS1HD was nascar at the same time? now why can't they do this all the time and do away with FS2