The Big Ten TV Network

[Darrel M]

Per Dennis Dodd's 6/20 column on CBS Sportsline, expect an announcement today from the Big Ten Conference regarding the launch of its own TV network beginning in 2007. The network will have a home on DirectTV, and consist of football, basketball, minor sports, coaches' shows, and highlight programming. The Big Ten will retain a partnership with ABC/ESPN on marquee games after their current contract expires in June 2007. Whether or not lower-tier Big Ten games will continue on regional broadcast television (i.e., the current setup with ESPN+) may also be cleared up at today's announcement.

 

[jellyeggs]

Broadcasting & Cable`s reporting that Fox Cable Networks is going to be involved in the Big 10 Network (Fox/News Corp. owns a majority stake in Direct TV).

The Big Ten will be the majority owner of the new network, with Fox holding a minority interest as part of a 20-year agreement. Fox will handle the daily operations for the Chicago-based network.

No alcohol-related advertising`ll be accepted, nor will anything gambling-related. I`m guessing cable systems in the Big Ten region (markets like Chicago, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio & Pa.) will be inquiring about this channel in the near future too.

 

[oldvnewschool]

Well this makes no sense to me at all

Why create a network just to show mid major games

if you're still going to let the major networks show you the marquee games.

And plus if FOX will have a share in the network, shouldn't it be changed to

FCS BIG TEN, and why is ABC still going to air games if FOX has a share in it.

On that note, this isn't the first time the Big 11 (10) ;D tried to start a network

In the late 1950's Sports Programs, INC. (ABC Sports, INC.) Launched the Big 10

Basketball Network after CBS cancelled their deal in 1957.

One question about that, how long did it last?

 

[radiolives]

I like how the Big East does it. They use ESPN Plus for basketball and football and those broadcasts end up on the local channels in those markets the teams are from.

 

[DoctorBear]

I like how the Big East does it. They use ESPN Plus for basketball and football and those broadcasts end up on the local channels in those markets the teams are from.

Which is what the Big1T1en had been doing. The key to this for the Big Ten was getting more exposure for "minor" sports (baseball, volleyball, etc.)

Notably, this won't affect hockey (VERY big at Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio State) which is run under a different conference structure.

 

[Darrel M]

I like how the Big East does it. They use ESPN Plus for basketball and football and those broadcasts end up on the local channels in those markets the teams are from.

The Big Ten indeed did have a contract with ESPN Plus for regional football and basketball telecasts, but that will be a thing of the past when The Big Ten Channel signs on next year, leaving most local stations with empty schedule holes where these games would've been. At least the network won't sign on until over a year from now, so there's plenty of time for the conference and cable companies (especially here in Big Ten country) to talk turkey. In other words, it won't quite be the mad rush NFL Network is currently in now in reaching deals with carriers before it starts airing regular season games. (Side note: Here in Madison, NFL Network was actually dropped from Charter last year because Charter wouldn't move it to basic; now Packer fans are starting to panic in hopes Charter will re-add NFLN before the Packers/Vikings game this December.)

Notably, this won't affect hockey (VERY big at Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio State) which is run under a different conference structure.

The Big Ten does not have hockey (mens or womens) as part of their program since only 5 of their schools have Division I programs. (Michigan and Ohio State are part of the CCHA along with Michigan State; Wisconsin and Minnesota are part of the WCHA.)