Not such a smooth switch by CBS

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Loved watching the Jets and Patriots on L.A.’s Channel 2, loved wondering how often Mark Sanchez was thinking about what a good decision it was in leaving USC. After all, the Jets are 2-0. The Trojans aren’t.

But then it was time for Game 2 of the doubleheader. First we got a taste of the post-game show and then a crawl saying that due to contractual obligations Channel 2 would be soon going to the Chargers-Ravens game. OK, fine, we get San Diego. Saw a little more of the show. Got that crawl again. And again. Then a commercial. Then the switch. And for a glorious moment (confession, as a native of suburban Chicago this made me happy) Channel 2 sent us SoCal viewers to the Bears-Pittsburgh game. Just a tease, just enough to make a few of our hopes rise. Then there was a clunky cutaway to the Chargers game.

This isn’t a criticism of the game Channel 2 was showing. And this is with the understanding that it’s possible to get all the NFL games by switching from our cable system to DirecTV. But, come on. This isn’t a newfangled thing, switching to the game of contractual obligation. It shouldn’t be so difficult.

-- Diane Pucin