It's Big Ten Network vs. Comcast
That, according to an in-depth piece in today's New York Times. A happy ending for fans (Comcast picks up BTN and puts it on expanded basic with no extra charge) appears further away than ever.
Here's the Web address:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/18/sports/18bigten.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
Here's the bottom line:
Comcast isn't going to pick this up on expanded basic at $1.10 per subscriber (BTN President Mark Silverman finally admitted to that rate in this article, while saying it will be 10 cents a subscriber outside the eight Big Ten states).
I got a strong feeling from Comcast people I spoke with a couple weeks ago that they weren't going to budge on putting the BTN on their higher-priced "digital sports tier" at that subscriber rate. The NYT found an exec, David Cohen, who would spell it out on the record.
So now the battle has gone public. No one wants to look like the bad guy. But here's what has to happen: The fans can't lose. If people in this region end up having to pay more for cable in order to see games they used to watch on regular cable, this is a FAILURE.
It's possible fan outcry will ultimately force Comcast to break down. That's the BTN's hope. But I'm guessing that, unless they come across some juicy blackmail photos of Comcast execs, the Big Ten people are going to have to lower their price.
That will mean less revenue for MSU and the other Big Ten schools. It's better they take the hit than the people who choose Big Ten sports for their entertainment and make the revenue possible.
What about dishnetwork? How are the negotiations come along for that group?
Posted by: Wes | June 18, 2007 at 02:20 PM
As a convert to DirecTV, I must say that I haven't suffered much from being away from cable. Granted some people can't use a dish because of their housing logistics. But for those people who do change to DirecTV, if they are "real" college sports fans, they will likely be won over by the rest of its coverage above and beyond the BTN. And hopefully the more upper midwestern subscribers there are to DirecTV, the more likely we will see increasing college hockey on it (and it already has more than cable).
Posted by: Michael Motta | June 18, 2007 at 04:23 PM
I know that Direct TV is carrying BTN, but have you heard anything about the DISH NETWORK? Any information would be great.
Posted by: Todd Westphal | June 18, 2007 at 09:24 PM
I think the Big Ten Network is overestimating the attraction and
value of the BTN. Getting it on
expanded basic cable was really
a long shot IMO.
Posted by: JRS | June 18, 2007 at 10:02 PM
In Shiawassee County we have Charter Communications. I called them and they don't know about BTN. Any word on if they will ever have BTN? Some Spartan games are on Comcast and not on Charter. That is really frustating. My co-workers see games I can't.
Posted by: RoyBoy | June 19, 2007 at 09:46 AM
Is DirectTV going to charge extra for BTN?
Posted by: Herb Riedel | June 19, 2007 at 10:30 AM
I also have Charter RoyBoy. I e-mailed Charter and told them flat- out I was switching to DirecTv If they didn't work out a deal with the Big Ten network. I encourage everyone to express their concerns with the cable companies and the BTN. The BTN should've had deals in place with everyone before launching this thing. If fans are hurt by this the Big Ten should be ashamed of themselves.
Posted by: Chris | June 19, 2007 at 11:10 AM
I just talked to a lady at Comcast. They are adding the Big Ten Network in the fall in a SportPackage for $5.95. Before you get all excited, the lady saved me $19.00 by switching other channels around and I did not lose one single thing! Needless to say my husband was thrilled. So was I! I talked to the disconnect service in order to get a live person! She was great. Serena at X3949. I would recommend her.
Posted by: Mary Lou Heinig | June 19, 2007 at 11:17 AM
I hate these stupid power struggles between the networks and cable providers. ESPN U and the NFL did the exact same thing, theyre basically just strong arming the cable companies into providing the network on their terms because they know the loyalty of sports fans will create a public outcry if they dont get to see their favourite teams play. Its shady business, in my opinion. Theyre using the consumer to do their dirty work.
Posted by: JB | June 19, 2007 at 12:23 PM
The solution to the problem of the Big 10 Network's being picked up by various cable companies can be summarized in two words: Season Tickets.
Posted by: dmbtierney | June 19, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Herb Riedel,
No. DirecTV is not going to charge extra for the BTN. It's simply being added to the basic package.
But as I've said before in here, the SportsPack (which does cost $12/mo. extra) is well worth adding if you are a college sports fan since it gives you a over three dozen more channels including ESPNU and CSTV.
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/channelChart2.jsp?assetId=1100069
Posted by: Michael Motta | June 19, 2007 at 05:32 PM
Dmbtierney, how does "season tickets" help me see MSU road games?
Posted by: DSJ | June 26, 2007 at 06:45 AM