In 1992, Wirtz, who had a reputation for stubbornness and frugality,[2] ended all Blackhawks broadcast agreements with network and cable television outlets.
While vilified for this decision by many Blackhawks fans, he felt that broadcasting regular home games was unfair to the team's season-ticket holders.
However, regular Blackhawk home games did not resume airing on television until the 2007–08 season after Wirtz's death.
His son Rocky took over the team's operations and agreed to allow WGN-TV and NBC Sports Chicago to carry those games.
Similar subscription TV services were utilized for the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets by rightsholder TSN from 2010 through 2014.