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BTN likely to be cast off as quick as ESPNU
Monday, August 13, 2007
> Are you worried about not seeing Ohio State games?
Last October, the Ohio State football team hosted Indiana in a relatively nondescript midseason Big Ten game. But it became hugely important to Buckeyes fans when the game was broadcast only on ESPNU, a station to which cable subscribers didn't have access.
All that week, we ran lists of sports bars and restaurants in the paper that would be showing the game, which ended up a 44-3 rout.
Extras
That week, ESPNU was a big, big deal. Now it's ESPNWhat?
ESPNU came up again this week when Time Warner Cable announced it will start carrying the college sports-specific channel on a digital tier with 30 other channels for an extra $6.23 per month. The news was met with a collective yawn.
Once Ohio State football is not involved, people aren't that concerned. That's not a good omen for the Big Ten Network.
The BTN, which still is negotiating with cable operators in a clearly contentious way, is counting on its fans to want conference content all day throughout the entire year. Yes, it is holding some $1 million chips in Big Ten football games, but the rest of the programming, to most fans, amounts to small potatoes.
The BTN will be as big a deal as ESPNU was for that one game last season during football Saturdays. Outside of that, people are about as excited as they are about this season's ESPNU football schedule — which includes the big Benedict-Kentucky State tilt.
Comments
By Ev Fenner
September 3, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Why do the networks try to complicate things? Money? Greed? everything was just fine all these previous years. I’m a 79 year old who has been following the BUCKS for years, and cannot for the life of me, can’t see why they don’t just leave it alone, so we can see them play. DO NOT NEED A BIG 10 NETWORK, AND TIME-WARNER NEEDS TO JUST LET IT GO AND TELEVISE THE GAMES AS BEFORE!!!!!
By Dee Nixon
September 1, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
I have been watching the OSU games for over 60 years, I don’t think I have missed one at all. From now on, I WILL NEVER watch another game. It is a shame that People from Ohio cannot even watch their great OSU games. It is a shame that Ohio don’t even care for Ohioans, enough to let them watch a game. OSU is supposed to be one of the greatest ball teams ever, but it has lost a lot of spectators due to not being able to watch the games on TV. Of course, it would be different if we had money
By A-C-C A-C-C
August 29, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
If Big Ten succeeds, then there will be a SEC network and an ACC network and a Pac-10 and a Sunbelt network all clamoring to be in the basic lineup. It’s great when its your team/conference but not so great when you have to pay for everybody else’s channel. Big Ten should be in the sports package.
By Paul
August 20, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
It seems the battle between the BTN and Comcast has caught the fan in the cross fire. To the those that have to switch away from their current cable/satellite provider I suggest diverting funds from your annual alumni contribution to cover the cost.
By Bob540
August 17, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Mark Silverman, head of Big Ten Network, said in an interview that “everything is negotiable”, except the demand that BTN be on a cable company basic package and not relegated to a sports tier. So, that means price is negotiable? Silverman should offer Time-Warner and Comcast the BTN for 10 cents per subscriber per month, just as they do subscribers in other areas of the country. I highly doubt the cable companies or their subscribers would balk over 10 cents. Sadly, it IS ALL ABOUT $$$!
By Dan S
August 16, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
Time Warner will launch ESPNU in OH before the end of the month…..how can you say ESPNWhat?
By Joebob
August 14, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
I won’t blame Time Warner if they don’t carry the BTN. It’s just another way people are trying to make money off of these college athletes. Boo the BTN. This is exactly like what ESPNU tried to do…make you go running to your cable company begging them to carry this new network that there is no need for….none. If the BTN wasn’t around, the OSU-YSU game would be on ESPN Plus shown on channel 7. There is absolutely no need for the BTN.
By olbuzz
August 14, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Unfortunitly this type stuff will not go away..I’ll catch those few BTN broadcasts at the local sports bar or at a friends house. I’m fed up with Time Warner. They use Roadrunner to hold some of us hostage. And for the sad Buck bashers….OSU has the largest living alumni base in the country. Meaning that they are probably the most popular team in the country outside of its own borders. of course you can’t count N. Dame and their religious base.Sadly.. Alabama isn’t no.1 in their own state.
By Doc Holiday
August 13, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
I am sick to death of being manipulated by the cable/dish tv services. When the voting rolls around, I will be writing more letters to legislators that think the way I do. We should be able to buy into these “providers” and pick the channels we want. You want 50? That’s a tier. You want 75? That’s a tier.
You get what I mean. Can they do it? Sure can.
Do they want to? Not hardly. If they pick your 50,they will be sure you get all the shopping channels, and religious channels.
By Doug
August 13, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
I’m an OSU fan, more so of football than basketball but want to respond to the actual question poised. I think such a Big Ten (or any other confernece)network like this is, is great for the fans/alumni that don’t live in the geographic vincinity of their favorite teams; however, I think it really stinks and is unfair to make the local supporters of their favorite teams pay a premium to watch them.
By Brett
August 13, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
92,192 fans, 12 teeth. Only in Alabama. Also, how is it being married to your sister?
By Will Davis
August 13, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
I like to see all Big Ten events but the basketball portion is what I really enjoy. Indiana basketball is king.
By Joe
August 13, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
As a Big Ten follower since 1953, YES the year Indiana won the National Championship in Basketball. I’ve lived in Indiana, Ohio, and will be moving to Kentucky, but I will still love Big Ten Basketball. With Time Warner broadcasting most games last year it was much easier to learn about the conference, recognize players on the opponent teams, etc.
Some of the best Soccer Teams are in the big 10 but don’t get much recognition. (Soccer wasn’t being played when I was young
By Rich
August 13, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Big Ten Yawn, you’re a moron. i’ll put an OSU crowd up against an Alabama crowd any day of any week in any year and a guarantee you there will ALWAYS be more OSU fans then Alabama fans. Your counting your spring game cause you think that the second comming of Christ is now coaching there, please! Bottom line, you’re an idiot.
By Big Ten...yawn...
August 13, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Not that the Big Ten has a small following, but it wanting compared to the SEC fan base. In the South, SEC football reigns supreme. I moved to OHio 30 years ago from Alabama. I find fans here to be upbeat, but not nearly as rabid as those who follow the SEC. Case in point — this past spring’s “A-Day” at Alabama. The gates had to be closed with thousands standing after 92,192 fans filled the seats (more seats being added). It’s infectious, unlike Big Ten or OSU football.
By Bob540
August 13, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
The proper purpose of BTN SHOULD be to serve those who don’t already see much Big Ten coverage: those residing in non-Big Ten states. From what I’ve read, OSU fans in Western states, in the southeast, etc. will pay a small fraction to get BTN compared to what fans in Big Ten states will pay. BTN officials know Big Ten is not that big in other parts of the country, so they have to charge very little or no one would subscribe. Then, turn around and screw over the in-state fans. Real nice, BTN!
By Pastor Buckey
August 13, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Born and bread a Buckeye. But at age 32, my family and I moved to Florida where I’m a youth pastor.I’m in the Jacksonville area and I see more scarlet and gray than you could possibly believe. In fact I had to take the youth group to a youth convention during the weekend of the OSU-UM game. The second day of the convention we left early to let them go to Downtown Disney in Orlando. There was so many buckeyes at Disney; my wife said we’re in C-bus. We even seen a Buckeye tailgate on I-dr.
By Stephen
August 13, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Non-OSU fan is mistaken. The Big Ten without question has the largest national following, and fan base than any other conference. That is not to say that the Big Ten is better than the SEC, only in terms of national ratings, the Big Ten games pull in larger ratings than any other conference. That is why the SEC is watching what happens with BTN. If BTN fails, they will not even try to start an SEC network, if the BTN can’t pull in enough ratings or revenue, then no other conference will either
By bucksfan
August 13, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
The problem w/ the BTN is that Time Warner doesn’t wanna give up an extra 1.10 per subscriber to get the channel on cable along w/ Directv. I have directv so I’m not worried, I just forsee Time Warner having a lot cancellations just before OSU starts football this year.
By Non-OSU Fan
August 13, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
I wish people in Dayton (Even over C-bus) would realize OSU football is mainly only that important in OHIO…not many other places. Not to say that fans are not all over the US but they aren’t that big. They only have a large in-state following. My suggestion would be either “Buck” up and get Direct TV if it’s that important or just watch a good confrence like the SEC…really ANYTHING but Big 10 football. Lets see if OSU, U of M and MAYBE Wisconson aren’t good it’s like watching the MAC play.
By Jim
August 13, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
I’ll be at all home games in person. I don’t like the idea of a BTN though. It was fine the way it was, B10 decided to get greedy plain and simple. I feel for the Buckeye fans that won’t get to see them play as often.
By longdon
August 13, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
What some people are forgetting in the hundreds of thousands of Big Ten alumni and fans, dispersed all over the country. We often do not get to see conference games, instead getting more regional action.
I would consider paying my TV provider (DirecTV) a reasonable fee for the opportunity to watch more of the Big Ten football & basketball games. Judging from the number of OSU and UM bumper stickers, license plates, T-shirts, and so on I see down here, Florida will buy it!
By Bob540
August 13, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Miles, you have a choice. BTN already has a contract with Direct TV, If Big Ten basketball means that much to you, switch to Direct TV. If so many people REALLY want BTN that much, they will switch to Direct and in effect force the cable operators to deal with BTN or continue losing customers. My hope is that most cable customers will stay put, forcing BTN to be more reasonable or face possible extinction. If BTN wins this, we will ALL be paying increasing amounts to watch televised sports.
By Miles is a hillbilly, too
August 13, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
Miles, too, needs to get a life.
By Miles
August 13, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Im not so much interested in the football as I am basketball, im one of the people BIG ED must not really think much of. I will pay ust about anything to watch Big 10 basketball on tv, if I cant see the games then im going to be miserable. I just want a deal done, regardless. Let me choose to pay if I want to or not, just give me the chance!
By Bob540
August 13, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
If Comcast and Time-Warner don’t cave, BTN will fade into the dust. The network should be called “Big Ten Greed”, cause that’s all it is: Charging people whose tax dollars already support the State University, and charging people who already pay high cable bills, even more money to watch the team. Its ludicrous. Some people will pay any price to watch (e.g., Bengals ticket holders), but I will simply watch other schools/conferences play, or listen on radio.
By Big Ed is a hillbilly
August 13, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Big Ed, you need to get a life.
By Big Ed
August 13, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
The only big ten team I care about is Ohio State and the only big ten sport that I care about is football. I can’t see buying 24/7 BTN coverage when I’m only interested in 30 odd hours of programming per year.
By buckeye bill
August 13, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
I do not care if they are not on TV, lost in a BCS Bowl game, or just beating Michigan. I will follow the best damn football team in this hear land The O H I O State Buckeyes on TV all year long, because I have the BTN and I have a Radio.
So: Analyst can just start kitting her New Maze and gold Blanket for the cold hard winter.
Radio and BTN forever: ESPNU never
By Alex
August 13, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Kyle OUGHT to be required to mention that he is a graduate of Missouri and a Big 12 fan when he writes stuff like this.
Thanks, Kyle. I’ll do it for you.
By Buck Nut
August 13, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
I agree with Lloyd - ESPNU is totally different than BTN
First - BTN is regional - will only show Big 10 events where as ESPNU will show events that local folks have no care for.
Second - BTN will show many if not all Big 10 Basketball games (all the ones normally not shown on TV). For the upcoming hoops season this is a big deal.
Third - A lot of local athletes are competing in various sports at Big 10 campuses or teams that will compete against Big 10 - so local followers can watch
By Llllloyd
August 13, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
How soon we forget the nineties. What Tressel has done in the last 6 years should be staggering. He’s only lost two bowl games and has gone 3 for 4 in BCS games. Oh, btw, he’s also 5-1 against TSUN. True Buckeye supporters anticipate the next game/season no matter the outcome of the last one. OSU wasn’t supposed to be good last year despite their preseason #1 ranking and they had an opportunity to play for the national title. How ‘bout we let the boys on scholarship decide how good they are.
By Wake Up
August 13, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Look long term, people. The next step is ALL the games on this stupid network. How long will we allow ourselves to be gouged? The most expensive ticket (last time I looked) in college football is at The Ohio State University. The time for consumers to respond is now. We’re already paying for cable and satellite. The greed knows no bounds. Don’t buy the BTN at any cost.
By Dave
August 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Has anybody noticed how there is always a super-positive comment about the big ten network on every single article about it on the internet? I’m starting to thing the big ten has some troll somewhere who just surfs these pages and posts these comments to drum up support for their crappy network.
By Lloyd
August 13, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
It seems that stupidity abounds in the Dayton area. The BTN is a pioneer and will be wildly successful. Look for them to announce deals with Dish Network and Time Warner in the near future. To compare it to ESPNU is just plain ignorant and lazy. Do some research! That is what you’re paid to do!
By Analyst
August 13, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
After last seasons flop in the Chanpionship game, the wind has been knocked out of my sail. Can’t get to excited at what ever they do. Still can’t believe what I saw last year, went to bed at half time. Where was OSU in that football game ?
By O-H-I-Oh well...
August 13, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
This is a moot point. Ohio State will be a mediocre team this year. Whether or not they’re shown on network TV, cable TV, or the Disney channel.