Will Time Warner & BTN Cut A Deal?
August 21, 2008
CENTRAL OHIO – Buckeye fans: Ohio State’s opening game against Youngstown State is days away.
The game will be shown exclusively on the Big Ten Network, and Time Warner still doesn’t have the network.
BOTTOMLINE: A Big Ten Network spokesperson said negotiations with Time Warner are ongoing. Time Warner officials said it still hopes to have a deal in place for the start of the season.
Big Ten Network and Time Warner negotiations are "ongoing," according to BTN spokesperson Elizabeth Conlisk. The two sides remain "far apart," though, she said.
The major sticking point? Channel placement, NBC 4’s Paul Stelzer reported.
Big Ten Network wants to be on basic cable. Time Warner thinks BTN should be on a special sports tier. Time Warner customers who want BTN would pay extra for it.
BTN is flexible on price but not on channel placement, Conlisk said.
She also said BTN officials didn’t have a role in the letter sent to Ohio State alumni Wednesday.
Athletic Director Gene Smith advised alumni and fans to consider switching to a provider that does carry BTN in the letter. He also wrote that it appears unlikely that a deal between BTN and Timer Warner will be reached before the Bucks first game against Youngstown State.
Time Warner officials said it still hopes to have a deal in place for the start of the season.
FAST FACTS
- Many providers around the region have signed on with BTN.
- Seven in 10 homes in neighboring states have BTN currently.
- All providers of BTN carry it on the expanded-basic level of service.
- Four out of 10 Ohio homes have BTN.
As it stands right now, three of the Buckeyes’ first five games are expected to be on Big Ten Network: Youngstown State on Saturday, Aug, 30; Troy University on Saturday, Sept. 20; and Minnesota on Saturday, Sept. 27.
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