Indiana University Athletics
A Letter to Hoosier Nation from Fred Glass
8/30/2012 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 30, 2012
Dear Hoosier fans,
I am writing with an important message about Big Ten Network that will greatly affect some Indiana fans. As you may know, BTN reaches more than 50 million homes nationally through partnerships with more than 300 cable, satellite and telco providers. The network televises dozens of IU events every year, and will carry this Saturday's season opener against Indiana State.
However, the carriage agreement between Dish Network and BTN is set to expire Saturday, September 1. Dish Network plans to drop BTN from its programming lineup before Saturday's game vs. Indiana State.
The American Television Alliance has reported that during carriage disputes Dish Network has dropped 22 networks from its channel lineup in the past two and a half years alone, including sports networks like MSG and SNY, which broadcast NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS games, and non-sports networks like AMC that air popular shows such as Mad Men and Breaking Bad.
Now, Dish Network plans to drop BTN before the first Saturday of the college football season. If you want them to keep BTN in their programming lineup so that you can continue to watch the Hoosiers this season, plus the premiere of The Journey: Big Ten Football 2012, Tailgate 48, #BTNLive, 105 men's basketball games, 55 women's basketball games and your other favorite Big Ten Network programming, here's what you can do to help:
• Visit IWantBTN.com to learn more
• Call 1-855-926-8210 to reach Dish Network customer service
• Leave a comment on Dish Network's Facebook page
The Big Ten Network is an indispensable partner for IU Athletics and has been a tremendous help in improving our athletic programs across the board. We greatly appreciate your support for the Big Ten Network and Indiana University Athletics.
Sincerely,
G. Frederick Glass, BA'81, JD'84
Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Indiana University
