Quote:
Originally Posted by fanaticbuckeye
Where are you getting the information about Dish Network? I am not saying I dont believe you, I have Dish Network and have been unsuccessfuly in finding anything concrete about their negotiations.
Thanks.
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PLease keep in mind that I used the word "might". My statement stems from the actions of Dish. They filed a brief with the FCC to try to get the BTN classified as a Regional Sports Network to circumvent the price structure. You don't go to this much trouble if you aren't interested in obtaining the BTN. They are trying to get the best deal they can. Recent statements by Silverman were favorable, in regards to Dish. The most compelling reason is that Directv is their "direct" competitor. Unlike cable customers, Dish realizes the transition from one sat provider to another is an easy one for customers who already have a sat service. Sometimes a cable customer doesn't understand the benefits of sat service or just doesn't want to bother having a dish on their house.
The other aspect is programming. The Dish already trails Directv with the NFL Sunday Ticket. Directv has announced the addition of more HD content this fall(100 projected new HD channels in the next year). This puts Dish in an awkward position. Even if they could car less about the sports content of the BTN, they have little choice. There are a lot of Dish Customers that reside in the 8 state region of the Big Ten. These customers might not switch for the BTN alone, but throw in the additional HD content and you have a great reason to switch. On top of those reasons, Directv has a very agressive sales campaign that is offering a lot of incentives for new customers. BTW, here is a partial listing of upcoming HD additions
DirecTV Confimed HD - MilwaukeeHDTV.org Forums
So let's examine the ACTIONS, not words, of 3 of the main players in this situation. First Time Warner, their track record with ESPNU. It took a year for them to pick it up. Then they are involved in the absurd "free preview" idea of showing the BTN, without signing an agreement with the BTN. It's doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to know that's not going to be given any consideration by anyone with a hearbeat at the BTN. Why waste time with such an obvious ploy.
Next up is Comcast. I only have limited space, so I won't be too long on this sleaze driven, litigation happy company. They hire a public relations firm to bash the BTN and to supply newspapers with anti BTN articles. Then the utltimate phony message. They dedicate a channel with a picure of the Big Ten Network Logo and then state that the channel is reserved for the BTN "pending permission from the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks", and then below the ad, they give you a link to their website, putting fans first.
Last up is Dish. Even when Dish filed with the FCC, that was a positive sign. They want the package, they just want the right price. They are the only one that has made any real attempt to negotiate.