FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Wednesday...lets get this thing done........

This week's TTAMIS.........

The Big Ten Network...

Last summer when I heard from a friend of mine that works in the Big Ten Office that a network of all things Big Ten was coming our way I was gleeful..excited even.  Here we are a year later and most of the rank and file Big Ten fans may not even be able to see it. According to a recent article published in the Akron Beacon Journal the Conference is still fighting with cable robber barron Time Warner Cable.

See: http://www.ohio.com/sports/9144486.html

The Big Ten wants to have access to its network for even basic cable subscribers, while greedy Time Warner wants it classified as a "premium channel".  For once embattled conference commish Jim Delaney is being more than generous with it's collective wants and needs. Delany said it is are asking $1 per subscriber in the conference's eight-state region and 20 cents per customer outside of it. That's not money grubbing; it's recognizing your limitations (ABJ).

I for one welcome this sludgefest in that it could serve as a wakeup call to companies like Time Warner. 10-15 years ago they may have been the only game in town, but now they need to realize cable customers have other options.  Here's hoping this is a sign of things to come.  Recently, the Ohio Senate offered a bill that would allow states to take more ownership into the cable TV market by setting pricing standards.  Some states who have already embraced this control have even gone into the market of offering cable subscribers a ala' carte option.  Meaning, you as the customer gets to select ONLY the stations you want...and pay for ONLY those stations.  You realize that even as a basic cable subscriber you, and me, are underwriting the viewing pleasure for other customers who MUST have skinemax.  How many other products and services do we use that requires us to purchase not only the things we don't need, but also things we don't use?

When was the last time you went to the doctor's office and they make you get your adnoids out because you had a colonoscopy?  When you buy an automobile you get the options that you WANT within the framework of the model's package.  You don't buy the 2008 Gremlin with soundproof windowsw unless you want it.  For those who have ever ridden in a Gremlin, you know why soundproof windows are nice.  Here's hoping that we will be able to see the Big Ten Network in all its glory soon.

Thanks for the ear....

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