Comcast, Big Ten Network Spat Down to the Wire

Cable's biggest operator won't budge ahead of Thursday's BTN launch

By Shirley Brady

The Big News this week: the Fox-owned Big Ten Network's failure to clinch a deal with Comcast, which has Big Ten fans like the Gary, Ind., Post-Tribune's Brian Hedger hopping mad (at both sides). An editorial in the Chicago Tribune this morning chides Comcast and supports a la carte as a solution to such carriage disputes.

BTN backer DirecTV is the biggest distributor on board for Thursday's BTN launch, along with some smaller cable operators who've agreed to Fox's demand for expanded basic carriage. AT&T's U-verse TV service is also on board, and this morning trumpeted its commitment to offer BTN in its basic U100 package for $44/mo., while an extra $10/mo. gets U-verse subs BTN in HD.

DirecTV's rival satellite TV service, the EchoStar-owned Dish Network, has not yet signed a carriage deal but is touting the availability of Big Ten games on other channels it carries by posting a Big 10 sports schedule on its website.

Fox Cable Sports Networks head Bob Thompson issued a statement late last week saying he doesn't expect a deal with Comcast in time for the network's launch. BTN states its case for basic cable carriage on its website, where it's also linking to articles supporting its negotiating stance with cable operators.

While Comcast Midwest Division president Bill Connors told the Chicago Tribune that the companies had a "meaningful conversation" Wednesday, he also issued a statement (picked up on Mlive.com) reiterating Comcast's "sports tier or bust" stance to BTN and other sports networks it doesn't own.

Comcast isn't the only major cable operator hold-out — Time Warner Cable, Charter, Mediacom, Cox, Cablevision and Insight are also balking at BTN's carriage demands. But Comcast, as the biggest operator, has been taking the most heat from Big 10 fans and sympathetic press.

Perhaps Comcast execs could have taken a leaf from Insight Communications' CEO Michael Willner's P.R. playbook. Already adept at reaching out directly to customers on chat boards such as Broadband Reports, Willner explained his company's BTN position in a video posted on Insight's What Is the Big Ten Deal website.

(Update: Insight Communications will carry BTN after a deal signed a day before the network's launch.)

Meanwhile, Indiana state representative Dave Crooks (D-Washington) is seeking the Hoosier state's help to force a deal between Comcast and BTN. Stay tuned, Big Ten fans — but don't hold your breath, Mr. Crooks.

Comments (5) for "Comcast, Big Ten Network Spat Down to the Wire"

Contrary to the article's statement, Dish Network has not signed on to carry the Big Ten Network and ironically if you follow the link, it reveals a list of Big Ten games you can already watch on Dish Network on other channels/network. Which is all very unfortunate as I'm a Dish Network subscriber.

Posted by David on Monday, August 27, 2007 @ 11:59 AM

Are you sure Dish Network is on board?

Posted by Lathe Moore on Monday, August 27, 2007 @ 12:09 PM

Did some checking on dish. They are NOT carrying the Big Ten Network. They are being slick about advertising carrying games of the Big Ten. But, they DO NOT have the Big Ten network.

Posted by Lathe on Monday, August 27, 2007 @ 12:13 PM

You're both absolutely right — thanks for pointing out, now corrected. If there's any news of a BTN carriage deal with Dish, I'll be sure to post.

Posted by Shirley Brady on Monday, August 27, 2007 @ 12:19 PM

Our tax dollars go to help fund state schools. Some of the revenue created by the Big Ten Network should be given back to the tax payers, not just the schools.

Posted by Edwin Ellis on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 @ 02:31 PM