Dear Readers,

Today’s Topic: Upcoming TV programs

1. Good news for football fans. If you haven’t upgraded to digital cable yet or one of the two home satellite services, you’ve been given a reprieve for this Sunday’s must-see game between the New England Patriots and New York Giants. This match up has history written all over it, as the Patriots try to become the ONLY team to finish a 16 game season undefeated. Originally, this game was scheduled to be shown only on the NFL Network – a channel that is not carried as part of “analog cable” offerings. Many people complained to their Congresspeople, the National Football League (NFL), and cable operators.

Therefore the non-digital crowd will be able to see the game on CBS or NBC — across the entire USA. Due to the bad press the league has received, the NFL is also allowing CBS and NBC to air 18 commercials each out of the 70 slots available during the game. Talk about a Christmas gift…. The NFL further stated that they are not backing down on continuing the operation of the “Network” and plan to televise 8 or so games on it, exclusively — next season and beyond. New developments could break at any time. I’ll let you know.

As I’ve been telling cable customers for months now — think about renting a digital box. I’d hate for you to wake up one morning and realize that channels 23 through 59 (or thereabouts) are snowed out. It’s not going to happen tomorrow…but it will…..

2. The new (original) Law and Order begins its season on January 2nd. NBC. 9 PM. 2 hour premiere.

3. “24” starring Kiefer Sutherland was scheduled to premiere on Jan. 13, 2008. Due to the Writer’s Guild strike, the season 7 start date has been postponed indefinitely.

4. American Idol — January 15. FOX. 8 PM.

Have a great weekend,

Kevin