Big Ten network in trouble?

**Oldgeezer** · 11-10-2007, 08:48 AM

Couldn't get the Cyclone game up here near the end of the earth, so I checked out the "new" Hawkeyes on the B10 network. Poor game, 2 bad teams fumbling around. Justin Johnson hit 7-11 3s and Idaho state made 1-18 and that was the game. But the thing I noticed was Carver arena was nearly empty, and The Big 10 network has no paying advertisers. Most of the time outs were filled with Big 10 promos and what the few commercials were from unknowns, like loan consolidation, etc. Their only real programing comes on Sat. afternoon when they show the poor football matchups. The good games are on ABC or ESPN. Who is going to pay the bills with no advertising revenue?

**goldmember** · 11-10-2007, 09:24 AM

Directv, Dishnetwork and Cable Subscribers that pick up the network pay the bills. The little 11 network charges each customer $1.10. The annual payout to each conference school is 11 million. Having said that, none of the large cable companies have put the BTN on their system.

**Cyclonepride** · 11-10-2007, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by goldmember

Directv, Dishnetwork and Cable Subscribers that pick up the network pay the bills. The little 11 network charges each customer $1.10. The annual payout to each conference school is 11 million. Having said that, none of the large cable companies have put the BTN on their system.

Isn't that a little bit like trying to run a newspaper based only on the profits from selling the paper? With most, if not all media, that cost is incidental to advertising revenue.

**goldmember** · 11-10-2007, 09:35 AM

I'm not saying advertising isn't important, I just know they receive a large part of their revenues based on paid subscribers.

**MNclone** · 11-10-2007, 09:35 AM

I believe the BTN programming is supposed to be better next year. This year they still had their contract with ESPN/ABC, but I don't think that is still there next year. So they are supposed to have a lot more games then.
But until they pick up their major markets, they are in a world or hurt.

**Cyclonepride** · 11-10-2007, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by goldmember

I'm not saying advertising isn't important, I just know they receive a large part of their revenues based on paid subscribers.

Right, hopefully it didn't sound like I was implying you were wrong there. Just pointing out that basing a network on that is a recipe for a disaster. Of course, I am sure they are not, but it's not a great start by any stretch.

**cigaretteman** · 11-10-2007, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by MNclone

I believe the BTN programming is supposed to be better next year. This year they still had their contract with ESPN/ABC, but I don't think that is still there next year. So they are supposed to have a lot more games then.
But until they pick up their major markets, they are in a world or hurt.

They just signed a new 10 year contract with ABC/ESPN in 2006.

The Big Ten Conference Announces Media Agreements Increasing National Coverage of Big Ten Sports :: <blank>

**CyBobby** · 11-10-2007, 10:41 AM

If the BTN keeps the same programming and does NOT improve said programming...Guess what guys...The Fabled Big Ten Network is...DOOMED TO FAILURE!!!!

**herbiedoobie** · 11-11-2007, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by MNclone

I believe the BTN programming is supposed to be better next year. This year they still had their contract with ESPN/ABC, but I don't think that is still there next year. So they are supposed to have a lot more games then.
But until they pick up their major markets, they are in a world or hurt.

What? Are they going to start showing Big 12 games?

As long as they are going to be the "Big Ten Network" their product will suck.

Because the Big Ten sucks.

**brianhos** · 11-11-2007, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by CyBobby

If the BTN keeps the same programming and does NOT improve said programming...Guess what guys...The Fabled Big Ten Network is...DOOMED TO FAILURE!!!!

Umm, what? The BTN has great programming. I have been able to watch multiple different big10 games at the same time this year. Take off the big12 glasses for a sec and look at it. If I live in calif, I can watch every single big10 game no matter what. I think they have great programming.

**isucyfan** · 11-11-2007, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by brianhos

Umm, what? The BTN has great programming. I have been able to watch multiple different big10 games at the same time this year. Take off the big12 glasses for a sec and look at it. If I live in calif, I can watch every single big10 game no matter what. I think they have great programming.

Yep, I'd love to have a network that I could see all of ISU's games on regular satellite instead of having to fork over 100 bucks for Full Court every year.

**Rogue52** · 11-12-2007, 01:41 AM

Big 10 Network = Great Idea, Horribly Implemented.

Advertisers will come over time I'm sure, but they did the wrong thing by requiring the carriers to pay a massive amount per subscriber out of the gate.

**BryceC** · 11-12-2007, 08:04 AM

I'd love a big 12 network, best thing for us would be to have the Big 10 network succeed with flying colors.

**bellzisu** · 11-12-2007, 08:08 AM

I have never seen a game or anything on the Big 10 network yet. That goes to show that most normal people can go without it. I don't mind watching Big 10 stuff but I have Mediacom I don't feel like switching. I don't think the Big 10 needs to charge as much and bully their way into the market.

With that said, I would love a Big 12 network. Would I care if it was on a sports tier?? No, I would buy it. I hope the Big 12 doesn't make the same mistakes that the Big 10 does.

**cytech** · 11-12-2007, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by bellzisu

I have never seen a game or anything on the Big 10 network yet. That goes to show that most normal people can go without it. I don't mind watching Big 10 stuff but I have Mediacom I don't feel like switching. I don't think the Big 10 needs to charge as much and bully their way into the market.

With that said, I would love a Big 12 network. Would I care if it was on a sports tier?? No, I would buy it. I hope the Big 12 doesn't make the same mistakes that the Big 10 does.

I would think a large majority of big ten fans would buy the package if it was on a sports tier too, the thing is the BTN does not care about the fans, they have clearly displayed that. All they care about is the all mighty dollar. And I don't think the BTN can succeed until they start putting themselves in the fans shoes. Once they do that the money will follow from both subscriptions and advertising dollars. I would even buy the sports pack if mediacom put the BTN on it, just because I like watching games.