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For the first time in broadcast history, a National Football League game will be simulcast across three networks. The New England Patriots drive to become the second team in NFL history to remain undefeated, has been the impetus behind the action.

On December 29, the NFL Network, NBC (GE) and CBS (CBS-A) will simulcast the Patriots final game of the season versus the New York Giants. There had been a bitter battle by cable TV operators and the NFL over the issue, which centered around additional licensing fees to the cable TV operators, who didn't have rights to the game. The NFL Network had exclusive rights to this specific game.

“We have taken this extraordinary step because it is in the best interest of our fans,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in Wednesday’s announcement. “What we have seen for the past year is a very strong consumer demand for NFL Network. We appreciate CBS and NBC delivering the NFL Network telecast on Saturday night to the broad audience that deserves to see this potentially historic game. Our commitment to the NFL Network is stronger than ever.”

It does cause problems for the local broadcasters who had rights to the game, as they'll obviously suffer from the national coverage, while adhering to the original deal.

While this is the first time ever there is a three-network simulcast, it isn't the first simulcast, as Super Bowl I was also simulcast, although only on two networks - CBS and NBC.