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Time Warner shows no inclination to back down
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The public relations staff at the Big Ten Network sent out a graphic earlier this week regarding BTN access in the Big Ten states.
The network had just announced a deal with Comcast, which became the country's first major cable company to forge an agreement with the controversial channel. The e-mail attachment showed the percentage of households in which the BTN is available through their cable or satellite provider: 89 percent in Indiana, 87 percent in Illinois, 83 percent in Pennsylvania and 79 percent Michigan.
And there was Ohio, with its 40 percent.
Time Warner Cable is still resisting the BTN, not wanting to make similar compromises on placement to expanded basic cable and the rate (Comcast is paying a monthly fee of 70 cents per subscriber; the BTN was reportedly asking $1.10). Even though Comcast has ended its struggle, Time Warner is moving on strong.
If you're an upset Ohio State fan who's going to miss more games at home this season because Time Warner doesn't carry the BTN, it's tough to know which side to blame. Which is greedy? Which doesn't care about its customers? Which is too stubborn?
Both sides are taking a big risk in losing supporters the longer these negotiations — if they're even happening — drag on. I would be shocked if Time Warner has a deal by the end of the year and even more shocked if one exists by football season.
Now that Comcast has the network, though, Time Warner is missing a major ally.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or
knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.
