The entire thing is a double-edged sword. If BTN was granted basic cable listing, then the precedent for all conference networks, will be to get the same placement. Thinking that my bill would go up around $5-$10 for each "$1.10 subscription fee," we'd be looking at a $40 bill increase because of these channels. However, perhaps to test the ratings, the cable companies and BTN should set a sort of "time-table" for a calender year, where they have it on basic, and monitor the ratings. If it gets X viewers during
MBB and
FB seasons, and it maintains at least X/2(or 3) during the off-season, they'd keep it there. Otherwise, off to tier it goes.
I know this is just wishful thinking so this terrible kidney stone would pass, but oh well.
