BTN: public tide turning against Comcast.
by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Oct 10, 2007 3:30 PM EDT
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PrintThe problem is Comcast doesn't have all the facts right.
But the most egregious "spin" on Comcast's part is the assertion BTN is offering games ABC/ESPN didn't want. A Comcast Web site, www.puttingfansfirst.com, says columnists call them "fifth-tier games." That simply isn't true. This week, BTN is airing Purdue (5-1) at Michigan (4-2) and Indiana (5-1) at Michigan State (4-2). Does that sound like "fifth-tier games" to you?The fact is after ABC selects first, BTN receives the second or third choice of games during six weeks of the football season. While BTN President Mark Silverman won't disclose the actual selection process, you have to think the network used one of its second picks for Purdue-Michigan. Earlier this year, BTN had Illinois' big victory over Penn State. Certainly, Comcast subscribers in this area would have enjoyed being able to watch that game.And how about this for a game ABC/ESPN "didn't want"—either Wisconsin-Ohio State on Nov. 3 or Illinois-Ohio State on Nov. 10 will be on BTN. The Buckeyes have yet to play a league game on the network, a requirement for all schools. Ohio State's upcoming Big Ten games against Michigan State and Penn State already have been designated for ABC and ESPN or ESPN2, and the season finale Ohio State-Michigan showdown is a lock for ABC. That leaves either the Wisconsin or Illinois games to be aired on BTN.Both those games could have Rose Bowl, not to mention BCS implications. You have to think ABC/ESPN would have some interest in the one that airs on BTN.
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Does he even believe himself? Seriously, his reason customers have G4, HGTV, and the Food Network instead of the BTN is "the stations are the stations." Wow, I mean, I knew Comcast was a bunch or greedy, arrogant SOBs, but wow.
Anyway, I've heard I'll be able to get AT&T cable before basketball starts. If that is true then I'm planning a very enjoyable goodbye to those MFers at Comcast.
by Tim on Oct 10, 2007 10:51 PM EDT reply actions
The Big Ten shouldn’t have gotten into the TV business in the first place. Considering that the largest cable operator won’t carry them makes me wonder how thought out this whole network plan really was. Unfortunately, only the fans suffer because they can no longer watch all the games they’re used too. Thanks Big Ten Network
by Anonymous on Oct 11, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions
by John M on Oct 11, 2007 4:50 PM EDT reply actions
Additionally what about the other consequences of the BTN. I did a search and found an article in the Detroit Press, from the 13th, which contends that the BTN is hurting the conference by limiting exposure. Here's an excerpt:
"The diminished television distribution of Big Ten football has cost the conference in the national rankings. You could always count on one or two Big Ten teams filling out the bottom of the Associated Press media and USA Today coaches polls, but there isn't one Big Ten team ranked 20th through 25th in the AP poll.
"How is that possible when you've got a 5-1 Purdue and 5-1 Indiana?
"It's primarily because voters don't have as much access to those games as previously under the conference's old cable arrangement with ESPN. The Big Ten had the exclusive national window noon-3 p.m. Eastern on ESPN or ESPN2. That window is now shared with the Big East and the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Mid-American Conference has taken over the noon ESPN regional network position that weekly put Michigan or Michigan State on a local non-cable channel.
"That's valuable exposure that the Big Ten willingly -- and foolishly -- sacrificed for the sake of exerting more control over product distribution."
Here the link so you can see the whole article: http://159.54.239.117/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071013/SPORTS06/710130307/1048
This is just another reason why the BTN was not totally thought out. Sacrificing the success of the conference for some extra-revenue doesn't seem like it's in the best interest of the conference.
by Anonymous on Oct 15, 2007 2:57 PM EDT reply actions
For those of us that don't watch a minute of sports and pay taxes to SUBSIDIZE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS BIG 10 SCHOOLS, and build stadiums and arenas that feed private corporate profits, I say enough is enough!
Where is the return on investment to the taxpayer?
The "privilege" to buy an $8 beer if I can afford to buy the family tickets? Shame shame...
The spin doctors stick to "free-market, intellectual property, and licensing" dogma as if its a 100% private sector business; when the scenario really IS free market and not subsidized by tax dollars, I might agree.
Place the blame squarely where it lies: the professional and college sports business machine, a private industry TAXING citizens, in many different ways.
by Anonymous on Oct 17, 2007 12:21 PM EDT reply actions
by Rick Michigan on Oct 17, 2007 12:31 PM EDT reply actions
I used to get all the Illini games free on the local channel.
by Anonymous on Oct 17, 2007 12:34 PM EDT reply actions
Sports is a NICHE. Deal with it BTN and allow Comcast and others to offer it as a PAY channel that the super fans can sign up for.
I already, though my taxes, subsidize IU fans and their addiction to sports - I certainly don't want to subsidize it with my cable bill.
Could it be that the BTN would just be embarrassed when only 10% of the populace cares enough to sign up for its product?
by TEW on Oct 17, 2007 1:42 PM EDT reply actions
by Anonymous on Oct 17, 2007 5:01 PM EDT reply actions
by not a fan on Oct 17, 2007 8:30 PM EDT reply actions
by Anonymous on Oct 17, 2007 9:17 PM EDT reply actions
A Indiana resident
by Anonymous on Oct 19, 2007 10:13 AM EDT reply actions
In my opinion Rupert Murdoch, the Fox corporation and the BTN care much more about gouging the average fan rather than appealing to them!! My interest in Big Ten football has waned significantly so far this season and I am sure I will have even less interest in the basketball season. Thanks a lot BTN for turning away a loyal fan!
by Denny on Oct 20, 2007 2:23 PM EDT reply actions
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