Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 5
Why Cubs, White Sox fans' demand for spring-training broadcasts isn't being met
It’s that time of year when baseball fans long to watch baseball. They see cloudy skies out their windows and seek sun-drenched fields on their screens. Though they’re blessed to have meaningful games this spring, thanks to the World Baseball Classic, any kind of exhibition game would suffice.
But for Cubs and White Sox fans, their menu is limited. The Cubs’ Marquee Sports Network is scheduled to air 11 of the team’s 32 spring-training games, and the Sox’ Chicago Sports Network is slated to carry nine of 33. Combined, our regional sports networks — which are subsidized by those who watch them — will broadcast less than one-third of scheduled spring games.