DISH subscribers learn U-M football game isn't airing due to Big Ten Network contract dispute
University of Michigan fans expecting to watch the Wolverines battle UMass via a DISH Network subscription learned Saturday that they needed to find an alternative.
Due to unresolved contract negotiations with the Big Ten Network, DISH isn't airing at least eight Big Ten football games on Saturday for which the BTN is producing televised coverage.
According to the BTN website: "Despite BTN's best efforts to finalize an agreement with DISH, we are disappointed to tell you that DISH decided to drop BTN. DISH customers will miss all 8 BTN matchups today. Find another BTN provider at IWantBTN.com."
The announcement reportedly came early Saturday, leaving fans of the day's Big 10 games looking for alternatives if they'd planned to watch them via DISH.
DISH subscribers in Ann Arbor are finding a screen on the BTN channel saying: "We asked the Big Ten Network to leave their programming up while we continued to negotiate. Unfortunately they refused and removed their signal from DISH. We continue to try to work around the clock to work out a deal. Thank you for your patience."
The screen also directs viewers to other televised Big Ten games if they want to watch football today. Among them: the Michigan State University vs Notre Dame game at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Elizabeth Conlisk, BTN's vice president for communications and university relations tweeted the news shortly after midnight Saturday:
"As of September 14th, BTN's distribution agreement with Dish expired despite our best efforts to finalize an agreement. We are disappointed that Dish does not see the value in the network in the same way that so many of their customers do, including Big Ten students, alumni, fans and viewers across the country who continue to pay Dish for a channel they no longer receive."
In a release on their website, BTN is saying DISH dropped the channel on Friday after attempts to reach a deal fell through.
"(DISH) continued to insist on preferential treatment by demanding better terms than our agreements with their competitors," the release said.
Last week, DISH signed a deal to air PAC-10 games, and reports had indicated a deal with BTN was getting close.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Comments
wlhneighbor
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Was I the only Comcast subscriber without the BTN? I turned the game on, and after about 10 minutes the game went away, and the screen said ONE MOMENT PLEASE The channel should be available shortly. Ref code: s0a00 It's a day later, and the message is still there. I heard the game on the radio, but it's not the same as watching. I called Comcast, and the person I spoke to had no clue as to why I wasn't getting the BTN.
Fat Bill
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.
dish is silly if they think they have the market share to demand a better deal than Directv or Comcast. Their service, equipment, and personnel leave a lot to be desired. Customers will continue to leave in droves; eventually leaving Directv as the last satellite TV provider...
jns131
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
You really think those are going to flock to ComCast? ComCast sales are also down as well. If you can stream to your television great. But you will need a service provider to do that.
jns131
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
We left Dish for Direct TV. Why? Because Dish is also in dispute with A&E, WE and two other cable networks over contracts. This also includes the football contract dispute as well. We don't play games when it comes to banning channels because they feel they are in the right. Also, ComCast is Xfinity and you will be totally messed if you get into their contract boondoggles. We love Direct TV because it leaves us out of contract disputes. So, if you want to see your A&E shows in October? Ditch the Dish and remember to recycle the dish too.
jns131
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
We do have a contract with Direct. The point is why buy a channel just to watch it when it was already a part of the basic package? Direct TV is part of that package. I won't spend anymore then I have to and I won't be a bargaining chip to those who have disputes with cable networks.
ThaKillaBee
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 6 p.m.
I think you mean AMC. Dish actually gave out free Roku units and a $10 monthly discount so people could buy their AMC shows. I can't see Direct TV or Comcast doing that. And what do you mean you don't have a contract with DirectTV? I thought you had to sign one in order to have their service.
murphthesurf
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.
dish is blaming it on the b.t.n. i was able to get 6mos of the multi-sports channel for free. they still don't have the a.m.c. either!!
JRW
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
DISH and Comcast are both huge ripoffs. There is no real competition in the broadband and cable arenas, and the customers continue to pay exorbitant prices for these services due to lack of competition. An internet connection is becoming a necessity, and we are all getting fleeced while Comcast and DISH CEOs fly around in their fleet of private jets. People need to pressure legislators who give these monster corporations whatever they want and continue to keep out competition.Or vote with your feet and cut the cord on cable and dish.
Mark
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 12:21 p.m.
Be smart about it, JRW, and buy stock to hedge your high utility cost.
ferdcom
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
Let's tax the 1% and provide free TV for everyone!!
Borbsi
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
Then what, Verizon?????
doctrsnoop
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
In case anyone is indignant with Dish, read this. Essentially BTN wants more money, their right I suppose. Dish can decide to pay it, then either eat the cost or pass along the cost to the consumer. Or they can decide not to pay it, then hardball ensues which is what this is. Then the cost might come down and Dish pays it. The same thing will happen to Comcast in a few years, and DirecTV as well. It's an annoying part of the deal The only solution seems to be making it all a la carte and letting people decide directly if they will pay the price, and not have the cost hidden by the satellite/cable provider. But there are probably ramifications to a la carte as well.