Sat Oct 26 00:00:00 UTC 2024: **Summary of St. Louis Blues Broadcast Changes:**

– **New Partnership:** Diamond Sports Group announced a commercial partnership with FanDuel, rebranding the broadcast of St. Louis Blues games to “FanDuel Sports Network Midwest” from “Bally Sports.”

– **Games Coverage:** FanDuel Sports Network will air the remaining 68 games of the Blues’ season that Diamond Sports is contracted for.

– **Broadcast Team:** The on-air team remains the same, including play-by-play announcer John Kelly, analyst Jamie Rivers, and reporter Andy Strickland, along with Blues Hall of Famer Bernie Federko for pregame and postgame coverage.

– **Stability Amid Bankruptcy:** The Blues are assured that their broadcasts are not in jeopardy despite Diamond Sports Group’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. CEO Chris Zimmerman stated their regional sports network is not included in the bankruptcy filing.

– **Future Considerations:** Zimmerman acknowledged the uncertainty in broadcasting while exploring alternative strategies, noting the decline of traditional cable subscriptions.

– **Exploration of Options:** The Blues have considered different broadcasting models, including:
– Victory+, a free streaming service used by the Dallas Stars
– Scripps Sports, the official streaming service for the Florida Panthers
– A combination of free local television and streaming, similar to the Anaheim Ducks.

– **Commitment to Fans:** The Blues aim to find effective ways to reach their fan base, emphasizing entertainment and growth. Zimmerman stated the new deal with Diamond will have “zero effect on hockey spending.”

– **Long-Term Strategy:** Despite challenges, the Blues feel secure in their broadcasting strategies, with a stable broadcast team and a commitment to delivering their games effectively to fans.

– **Continued Investment:** Zimmerman highlighted the substantial investment in navigating the broadcasting landscape and expressed confidence in their current position.

Overall, the Blues are adapting to the changing media environment while ensuring their games are accessible to fans.

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