So what happens when the AD of a powerful University tells it's season ticket holders and alumni to leave a cable service and choose another provider that carries the Big Ten Network?
Well, it causes press releases and even more pressure to get a deal done by both sides. As we all know, OSU's games against YSU, Troy, and most likely Minnesota will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Yes, Gene Smith AD of OSU sent a letter to season ticket holders and alumni stating the following:
“Time Warner’s decision not to carry the network is a huge disappointment,” Smith said. That is especially the case, he said, because the network was able to strike a deal earlier this year with Comcast, the other big cable company serving the Big Ten region.Smith said seven in 10 homes in Big Ten states now have the network compared to four in 10 in Ohio.“It is a shame,” Smith said in the letter, “that nearly all Michigan fans have the network, but Buckeye fans do not.”
Time Warner of course had a quick reply:
In a statement, the company said it was disappointed that Ohio State “falsely” reported that Time Warner has made a decision not to carry the Big Ten Network.
“It appears the university is not being fully briefed on the status of the negotiations,” the statement said. “We’ve had positive discussions with Fox in recent days, including the active exchange of proposals. There is no stalemate or breakdown in discussions as Smith’s letter would have our customers believe.”
Bottom Line: Both sides have a week to get this deal done or TWC is going to lose a ton of customers in Ohio. Both sides better get back to the table and come to an agreement fast.
On a side note: The NFL Network had no comment or station on Time Warner Cable.
No comments:
Post a Comment