NFL NET TO CABLE OPS - GOD'S ON OUR SIDE!

Comcast's and Time Warner's holy war continues against NFL Network, but the football channel now has an ally with even higher power.

In fact, some would say Almighty.

NFL Net signed a distribution deal with Sky Angel, a self proclaimed "Christian-Centered" subscription service based in Naples, Fl. Founded in 1980, Sky Angel was originally delivered to homes via satellite, but is now changing to internet delivery to televisions via set top boxes. Sky Angel's IPTV service is currently taking pre-orders for an expected launch next month. The company will not say how many satellite subscribers it has or how many IPTV subscribers it expects.

One thing Sky Angel does not have is a wealth of sports programming. NFL Network joins a sports line up that consists of networks such as Tennis Channel and The Sportsman Channel.

Make that only consists of Tennis Channel and The Sportsman Channel.

Golf Channel? Nope. Versus? Sorry. None of the 5 ESPN networks are offered either. Then again, Dana Jacobson is clearly not Sky Angel material.

The World Wide Leader has plenty of company. Sky Angel's line-up does not include many "traditional" channels across the board.

How will NFL Network mesh with Sky Angel's other programming? CEO Rob Johnson says, “NFL Network fits in with our desire to provide America with more programming that the entire family can enjoy together.”

We're betting Johnson's entire family hasn't seen "NFL Cheerleading Playoffs" or the cheerleading documentary series "Making Of The Squad".

It has been widely reported that NFL Network charges secular cable companies and satellite providers 70 cents per customer, per month. Details of how much Sky Angel will pay per customer were not released.

Regardless, while their deal with Sky Angel may only amount to a few pennies from heaven, it's now clear that NFL Network is "On A Mission from God".

New Outlet Gets Set To Scratch A Niche

Because there's never enough work out there, we're very excited to bring you the news about Women's Sports TV. If you've had your fill of testosterone-fuelled tests of machismo or if your life wouldn't be complete without working a NWFA game (that's National Women's Football Association), maybe this, uh, network (?) is for you.

Conveniently headquartered on Madison Av- Hang on... Where? Oh. Based in Madison, Tennessee, WSTV plans to show all women's sports, all the time.

The lady footballers from the NWFA will have plenty of company too. The following shows are coming soon, according to the official WSTV web site:

• HER SPORT AND FITNESS MAGAZINE WITH DAWNA STONE
• THE BIG "W" SHOW WITH ELISSA WALKER CAMPBELL
• THE FINISH LINE WITH CHRISTINE MADDELLA
• WOMEN'S GRIDIRON MAGAZINE SHOW
• WOMEN'S PRO RACQUETBALL TOUR
• THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
• TENNIS TIPS WITH TRISH FAULKNER
• CANADIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY
• WOMEN'S FLAT TRACK DERBY (ROLLER DERBY)
• WOMEN'S FLAG FOOTBALL
• WOMEN'S LACROSSE
• WOMEN'S PRO RODEO ASSOCIATION

WSTV takes requests too! Not only can you submit show ideas, but if you have great game footage on DVD and want to show the world, they'll air it! Presumably the footage must be of women playing something.

Who's to say this won't work? Who's to say WSTV can't fill a few holes in your schedule?

Who knows?

One thing though. We'd give them a better chance of success if they correct the typos on their web site and add an apostrophe to the "womens" in their logo.

Good luck girls!