Big Ten Network snubs fans
I originally liked the idea of the Big Ten Network, but the fact that they can’t work out deals with the major cable and dish providers like Charter and Dish Network and they still plan to into the season with it, just perplexes me. Basically, the Big Ten Network is required to watch some of the games this season. In fact, this season, a lot of the football games will be on the Big Ten Network, and unless you have Direct TV you won’t be watching the game.
Why you shouldn’t be mad at Charter and Dish?
Big Ten Network wants more money per customer($1.10) than the NFL Network(70 cent range). Are you kidding me? Based on those numbers, this is clearly only about money, and whoever is behind the Big Ten Network should be ashamed of themselves. The Big Ten shouldn’t be about the money, it should be, first and foremost, about providing a means for Big Ten fans the opportunity for better coverage.
Unfortunately for me, my condominium has hook-ups for Dish Network and cable, but no Direct TV, so I’m screwed. What about all the bars that show the game? Do they all need to drop Charter and Dish Network to get Direct TV? It sounds like a conspiracy to me.
What can I do?
Email the following people:
Elizabeth.Conlisk@BigTenNetwork.com
Annoy their corporate sponsors
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August 23rd, 2007 at 6:34 pm
You are incorrect. The Big Ten Network will provide some fans with the ability to watch games that were not even televised before. Comcast and Charter are the problem. They have no problem forcing their networks on football fans (The Golf Channel, E!, Style, Fashion, We, Oxygen, The Science Channel, etc.). Why should a person who only watches five channels be forced to buy 105? I don’t mind some forms of cross-subsidization, but this is ridiculous. The Cable companies need to realize that their monopoly comes with the responsibility to give football and basketball fans access to live events on the basic tier.
August 24th, 2007 at 8:03 am
You’re partially right. The BTN is actually trying to charge more than the NFL Network, and require that it be part of the cable companies “basic package”. If BTN would let the cable companies offer it as an additional cost, there wouldn’t be as much of an issue. BTN is forgetting one thing in all of this…..THE FANS!
August 26th, 2007 at 10:35 am
It only costs the cable companies $1.10 for people in states where there is a Big 10 school. In states without a Big 10 school, they are only charging 10 cents a customer. I personally live in Missouri, which doesn’t contain a Big 10 school.
I read one article where it said based on the location of all Charter customers, the average price per customer would be 30 cents per customer per month.
I don’t think 30 cents is too much more then a regular HD channel (which this one is HD).
August 27th, 2007 at 10:26 am
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