OT: Big Ten Network, Comcast reach deal
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:08 pm
By Mark Alesia
Posted: June 19, 2008
After two years of acrimonious negotiations, the Big Ten Network and Comcast announced a deal today that will place the channel on expanded basic cable in Indiana, giving far more viewers easy access to many conference sporting events.
Comcast, the largest cable company in Indianapolis, the state and the nation, will carry the Big Ten Network on expanded basic cable from Aug. 15 until the spring of 2009. After that, the company has the option of moving the channel to digital cable -- but not a sports tier -- provided there are enough digital subscribers. Digital cable is more expensive than basic cable.
The placement on expanded basic includes Comcast systems in the Big Ten's geographic area, except Philadelphia. Outside the Big Ten's geographic area, Comcast can place the channel on any level of service, or none.
The Big Ten Network has been controversial since it was announced in June 2006 and launched on television in August 2007. Although the league's best games were still available on traditional television outlets, numerous fans in Indiana missed other games to which they had easy access in the past.
Posted: June 19, 2008
After two years of acrimonious negotiations, the Big Ten Network and Comcast announced a deal today that will place the channel on expanded basic cable in Indiana, giving far more viewers easy access to many conference sporting events.
Comcast, the largest cable company in Indianapolis, the state and the nation, will carry the Big Ten Network on expanded basic cable from Aug. 15 until the spring of 2009. After that, the company has the option of moving the channel to digital cable -- but not a sports tier -- provided there are enough digital subscribers. Digital cable is more expensive than basic cable.
The placement on expanded basic includes Comcast systems in the Big Ten's geographic area, except Philadelphia. Outside the Big Ten's geographic area, Comcast can place the channel on any level of service, or none.
The Big Ten Network has been controversial since it was announced in June 2006 and launched on television in August 2007. Although the league's best games were still available on traditional television outlets, numerous fans in Indiana missed other games to which they had easy access in the past.