Comcast and Big Ten Network still can't come to terms

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 10th 2008 at 12:38PM

Don't worry -- that feeling of déjà vu actually isn't just in your head. Going back as far as last June, you'll find disagreements between Comcast and Big Ten Network, and for whatever reason, those conflicts still exist today. Just days after we heard that BTN remained anxious to land a deal with Charter, a new report out of the Chicago Tribune asserts that wheels are still spinning between the network and Comcast. Reportedly, BTN President Mark Silverman was "optimistic" about inking an agreement last month, but here we are a month later without any sort of deal in place. Granted, Mr. Silverman still suggests that talks are continuing, but we're beginning to wonder how long it'll be before these friendly conversations lead to a bona fide business transaction.

Filed under: Industry, Cable, Sports

Tags: argument, big ten network, BigTenNetwork, comcast, conflict, disagreement, fees, licensing, licensing fees, LicensingFees, ncaa, sport, sports

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Spiza @ Feb 10th 2008 2:37PM

This is one of the big reasons I'm thinking of going satellite. If they get my locals in HD, I can say bye bye to Comcast easy.

Neutral

Izzy @ Feb 10th 2008 2:43PM

We still don't have CBS in HD because they refuse the sign a contract with DirecTV. I hate the games that both sides play in this crap.

Neutral

Student Driver @ Feb 10th 2008 11:01PM

CBS in general? I have DirecTV and I get CBS shows (such as Ghost Whisperer IIRC) in HD. What sucks is that local and national news isn't in HD (even though the Presidential address was, go figure) although NBC local and national are in stunning 1080i. My locals in are in Tucson, AZ.

Neutral

bitguru @ Feb 10th 2008 3:25PM

Before switching providers I'm waiting to see who will get Big Ten Network first, FIOS or Cox. I'm outside the traditional Big Ten region, so I fear neither will come soon. I suppose I should consider DirecTV.

Neutral

Leonardo DiCrapio @ Feb 10th 2008 4:00PM

FiOS is supposed to have the Big Ten Network in 2008. FiOS is also supposed to have 50-100 HD channels in 2008. I expect FiOS will have the Big Ten Network by August.

"FiOS to carry Big Ten network
November 6th, 2007 by Michael Sanserino
Advertisement

The Indiana Daily Student has learned Verizon FiOS will carry the Big Ten Network starting in April 2008. A little late for IU fans for this year, but this might put a little more pressure on Comcast."

http://www.idsnews.com/basketblog/?p=194

"I received this email from Verizon this week. However, the rep didn't indicate a specific date for when the BTN will be available on FIOs. I am guessing it's related to their big upgrade and addition of 150 HD channels in 2008.

From: xxxxx.xxxxx@verizon.com
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 2:34 PM
To: xxxxxx@umich.edu

Subject: RE: Where is the BIG TEN NETWORK on FIOS TV???

We plan to add Big Ten Network in 2008, and you�ll get it with the same great picture quality you�ve come to expect from Verizon FiOS TV. Meanwhile, you�ll be able to watch some Big Ten men�s basketball games on ESPN, ESPN2 and CBS, which we carry in both high-def and standard-def. Check out this schedule:

2008 Big Ten Men's Basketball Schedule

Regards,
xxxxx xxxxx"

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/10/big_ten_net_names_trio_for_col.php

Neutral

Brian @ Feb 10th 2008 3:54PM

While Comcast is not one of my favorite companies, BTN is a big time money grab by the Big Ten. The roadblock is there claim that BTN be on basic cable and that every subscriber therefore will pay them tribute. Yes, the cable dial is full of channels you do not watch but the arrogance of BTN wanting $1 per house (in there foot print) takes giant testicles. The football content is mostly third choice and this is a crass attempt to monetarize the leftovers. Comcast will make a deal when they can fatten their own bottom line along with BTN.

http://thebusinessofcfb.blogspot.com/

Neutral

Leonardo DiCrapio @ Feb 10th 2008 6:48PM

comcast wants to play both sides of the fence. comcast owns the mountain network (MTN), which caters to mountain west athletics. comcast also is in the process of starting up a southeastern conference (SEC) athletics channel. comcast has been fighting to get the mountain network on directv; directv owns about half of the big ten network, which fighting to get on comcast.

Neutral

Frustrated Consumer @ Feb 10th 2008 9:52PM

ESPN is a 'money' grab, costs MORE per subscriber and yet Comcast makes everyone pay for that one. For those of us in Big Ten country, their argument that BTN should be on a sports tier rings a little self serving...

Of course, that's why I'm on DirecTV. BTN, NHL Network, NFL Network, local RSN, all in HD. Comcast can't even come close, price or selection wise.

Neutral

Evan @ Feb 10th 2008 10:00PM

Agreed. This venture is 50% owned by News Corp. aka Rupert Murdoch....

Highly Ranked

sitruc @ Feb 11th 2008 1:57PM

What happened to the NFL Network on Comcast?

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