Indiana University Athletics
Big Ten Network Frequently Asked Questions
8/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 6, 2007
Frequently Asked Questions About the Big Ten Network
What is the Big Ten Network?
The Big Ten Network is a new national cable/satellite programming service dedicated to covering both the athletic and academic content of the Big Ten Conference. The network will launch August 30, 2007, as part of a 20-year agreement between Fox Cable Networks and the Big Ten Conference. Showcasing a wide array of sports as well as original programming produced by the conference's 11 institutions, the Big Ten Network will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Big Ten Network will be made available to all cable and satellite carriers and distributors nationwide. Most events and programs will be produced in High-Definition television (HDTV).
In addition to traditional distribution through cable and satellite, select Big Ten Network content will also be made available through alternative media platforms such as the Internet, iPods, cell phones and/or other emerging technologies.
What will be on the Big Ten Network?
• 35+ football games per season
• 105+ regular-season men's basketball games
• 55+ regular-season women's basketball games
• Big Ten championship events
• Archived Big Ten events, including bowl games
• 170+ Olympic sporting events
• Coaches' shows
• 660 hours of campus programming
• Nightly Big Ten wrap up
Who carries it?
As of August 5, 2007, the Big Ten Network has deals with: • DirecTV (part of Total Choice, the basic package) • AT&T (basic level of service)
More than 80 local cable operators throughout the Midwest, all of which call for the network to be carried on their basic cable package at no extra cost to consumers. Once additional deals are signed, they will be announced publicly.
As of today, there are no deals with other large cable companies, notably Time Warner, Comcast, WOW and Insight.
What is the latest news?
DirecTV has announced the network will be carried on Channel 220. In addition, DirecTV subscribers will have access at no extra cost to each game televised by the network. Alternate channels will show games that are going on at the same time. For example, an Indiana fan in the Chicago area could watch Indiana and Purdue play on a different channel if they are playing at the same time Illinois is taking on Northwestern.
What can I do to get my cable/satellite operator to carry the network?
All Indiana fans, whether they are inside or outside of the Big Ten footprint, are encouraged to contact their cable or satellite provider to ask if they plan on carrying the Big Ten Network. We fully expect all cable systems and satellite providers to carry the network because they understand how important this programming is to you. By calling to inquire if your provider plans to carry the Big Ten Network, you will reinforce what they already know.
Second, you can call 1-866-WANT-B10. You'll have the opportunity to record a message about your desire to get the Big Ten Network, and be connected directly to your cable operator.
What if I live outside of the Big Ten "footprint" (the eight states home to Big Ten schools)?
You should check with your local cable/satellite operator. If you live outside of Indiana, but still within the Big Ten footprint, the Big Ten Network is working with satellite and cable distributors to offer all of the games produced somewhere in their channel lineups. The Big Ten Network has national appeal as 4.5 million Big Ten alumni live throughout the country. National agreements have been made with DirecTV and AT&T and the Big Ten Network has significantly reduced the cost to cable operators to carry the network outside the Big Ten states, so we do expect them to agree to do so, especially when they realize how many of their customers are Big Ten alumni or fans.
What Indiana football games will be on the Big Ten Network?
Indiana's first two home games, against Indiana State Sept. 1 and Akron Sept. 15, will be televised by the Big Ten Network. Other games may be added to the channel's lineup.
The Big Ten Conference has entered into long-term agreements with ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 and the Big Ten Network for its home football games. As part of this agreement, the Big Ten Network will be able to air more than 35 football games per year. In football, for example, ABC will still have the national game each week, and the Big Ten Network will rotate selection of the other games with ESPN and ESPN2. Half the time, the Big Ten Network will choose the second or third game.
What about basketball?
It is expected that 12 to 14 games this season will be on the Big Ten Network. Other games will be picked up by ESPN/ESPN2 and CBS.
How does the Big Ten Network contract benefit the conference and Indiana?
The Big Ten Network gives Indiana fans across the country better access to the Big Ten in general and IU, specifically. Particularly in the eight state "Big Ten footprint", fans will be able to see more football, basketball, and Olympic sports than ever before. In addition to live action, the BTN will have programming that includes a nightly sports recap, classic games, coaches' shows and hundreds of hours of campus programming from Universities to showcase their excellence.
In addition to the formation of the Big Ten Network, the new ABC/ESPN conference TV contract will place more basketball games on ESPN throughout the season and will also result in more viewers being able to watch national football games on ABC/ESPN (as opposed to "regional" games in the past).
Additionally, each Big Ten member institution is allowed to air 60 hours of academic programming each year. This opportunity allows us to tell the story of the great academic achievements at IU, especially in the area of research.
In recent years, it has been difficult to gain clearances around the state of Ohio. Now all games not televised by CBS or ESPN will be on the BTN.
What about soccer, women's basketball and other sports?
Similar to football and men's basketball, other sports may be subject to selection by other networks, including CSTV, ABC/ESPN, and CBS. Many other sports will air on the Big Ten Network.
What it really boils down to is that the Big Ten Conference will have the most broad-based and comprehensive exposure of any league in the country.
