Detroit Free
More about the Big Ten Network
June 26, 2007
A few tidbits that didn?t make it into today?s Big Ten Network story:
-- Rep. John Dingell?s entrance into the Big Ten Network controversy seems somewhat unusual.
After all, if he was that concerned, couldn?t he deal with Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany privately and get all his information? Of course not, because that wouldn?t allow him to use public pressure as his ally.
Though Dingell?s committee ? energy and commerce -- oversees telecommunications and could call for hearings, that seems a long-shot just to see a few more football games. It?s an example of a powerful man using his voice to try to sway a debate.
It?s not the first time for Dingell. In late March 2005, he sent a similar letter to the owners of WWJ-TV and UPN-50, asking why there were fewer over-the-air Detroit Tigers games.
The Tigers spent that season exclusively on cable.
-- It?s a fair point he?s making, wondering where all the free televised college football games have gone.
Cont...