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The CSN Houston bankruptcy case has put together a plan to sell the network to DirecTV and AT&T. If the sale goes through the network would rebrand as Root Sports Houston. However, the plan has to be approved by Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur on October 2. Tuesday, the network notified 75 of its 110 employees that their jobs would be eliminated if the plan is approved.
AT&T/DirectTV plan to drop the Houston Dynamo contract but have expressed interest in a new contract for 2015. Two years ago the Dynamo signed a three year deal with CSN Houston. As part of the deal CSN Houston provided weekly shows during the season, pre-and post-game coverage in addition to showing Dynamo games. Root Sports has a much more bare bones approach that leans towards lower quality coverage. However, the distribution would be much greater. Most of the homes in Houston did not have access to Comcast and as a result few were actually able to see the coverage that CSN Houston provided.
Just spoke with Chris Canetti about the TV deal. Adamant this is a priority for the club. Said that ROOT is on the table to carry gms....
— Darrell Lovell (@DarrellLovell) September 17, 2014
Next year but the club will look at its options. Lots of positives to say about CSN and the work they did during games and to cover the club
— Darrell Lovell (@DarrellLovell) September 17, 2014
Reiterated that this is all contingent on the bankruptcy case decision. Said what has been reported that remaining gms are scheduled to air.
— Darrell Lovell (@DarrellLovell) September 17, 2014
Also from speaking with Canetti he reiterated that the Dash will be retained by proposed network.
— Darrell Lovell (@DarrellLovell) September 17, 2014
Among the employees who were notified that they would be laid off is Sebastian Salazar who was the Houston Dynamo sideline reporter and was in the booth for Houston Dash games. Salazar was also a part of a number of the extra programming involving the Dynamo on the network.
Humbled by support & kind words this AM. To fans of #Dynamo/#Rice/#Dash/#Houston: It was a real privilege serving you & covering your teams.
— Sebastian Salazar (@SebiSalazarCSN) September 17, 2014