Big Ten Network, Cox and Lakewood

Mike Deneen · Post by **Mike Deneen** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:02 am

I was hoping to do a print column on this, but I didn't have the time.

Does anyone out there have an opinion regarding the new Big Ten Network/Cox Cable negotiations? The channel will be launching August 30, and it's almost certain that Cox customers won't have access. Direct TV and the new AT& T thing apparently will have it. Those without the channel will miss Big Ten games, including some Ohio State games.

As a Northwestern alum, I have a natural bias toward the network. It will televise lots and lots of games, including the nonrevenue sports. However, most of the highest profile events will still be available on traditional outlets like ABC and ESPN.

The conference is the most popular and powerful in the country, and is looking to maximize revenues and gain exposure in the new 500 channel universe.

In Cox's defense, the channel has been heavy-handed in its negotiations. It is demanding $1.10 per household, which is higher than any channel other than ESPN. It is also demanding to be on basic cable, not on a specialized digital tier. Cox, like most major cable systems, is refusing to carry it, in part due to fears that other sports conferences and leagues will launch similar networks and make similar demands.

Where do you stand?
Do you know anyone that cares enough about OSU (or another conference school) to switch to satellite?
Which local watering holes already have Direct TV?

Todd Shapiro · Post by **Todd Shapiro** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:15 am

Any bar the has the NFL Sunday ticket has DirectTV because that product is only available with DirectTV

Stephen Eisel · Post by **Stephen Eisel** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:38 am

I just made my second payment for the NFL package. I only have to hide 4 more Direct TV bills from my wife

Mike Deneen · Post by **Mike Deneen** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:44 am

I'm curious...why did you get the NFL package?
It seems to me that most of the NFL games are already on TV...three on Sunday afternoon, one Sunday Night, one Monday Night and the occasional Thursday/Saturday games.

ARe you fan of an out-of-town team, or are you a fantasy league player?

Of course, no upstanding member of the LO Deck would ever be involved in illegal gambling, so I'm sure that is not the reason.

Stephen Eisel · Post by **Stephen Eisel** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:06 am

Mike Deneen wrote:I'm curious...why did you get the NFL package?
It seems to me that most of the NFL games are already on TV...three on Sunday afternoon, one Sunday Night, one Monday Night and the occasional Thursday/Saturday games.

ARe you fan of an out-of-town team, or are you a fantasy league player?

Of course, no upstanding member of the LO Deck would ever be involved in illegal gambling, so I'm sure that is not the reason.

Fantasy Football!

I am in two fantasy leagues and is great being able to watch all of my players play.

Bryan Schwegler · Post by **Bryan Schwegler** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 12:48 pm

Personally I wish cable, etc was required to offer ala carte pricing so I wouldn't be forced to pay for a bunch of channels I'd never watch.

I don't watch sports, I don't need any of those channels. I could probably cut my cable bill by 25% if they'd just let me get rid of them.

Stephen Eisel · Post by **Stephen Eisel** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 1:13 pm

Bryan Schwegler wrote:Personally I wish cable, etc was required to offer ala carte pricing so I wouldn't be forced to pay for a bunch of channels I'd never watch.

I don't watch sports, I don't need any of those channels. I could probably cut my cable bill by 25% if they'd just let me get rid of them.

I use Cox cable for phone and Internet but Direct TV for the Tele.. You think that ala cart for TV would increase business for them.

Mike Deneen · Post by **Mike Deneen** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 1:37 pm

Actually, both the networks and cable systems are opposed to a la carte systems.

The networks want to be available in as many homes as possible. That way they can tell advertisers, "we reach X percent of the country". If there were a la carte pricing, every network's reach would drop, even the big boys like ESPN, Fox News and USA.

Actually, in a way I am glad there isn't a la carte. For example, when I first subscribed I'm sure I would have declined the Food Network. After all, who wants to watch cooking shows all day? However, over the years I have found myself watching it.

Stephanie Toole · Post by **Stephanie Toole** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:51 am

"Personally I wish cable, etc was required to offer ala carte pricing so I wouldn't be forced to pay for a bunch of channels I'd never watch."

That is exactly what I wish they would provide its customers. We do not have cable at our house. Just don't want the battle with the kids over the channels that are not family friendly. The sports fans in my house go to grandmas or a friends to catch all their games.