Big Ten Network's Plans for 2007-08 Wrestling Coverage

ideamark · 11-14-2007, 09:19 PM

This article answers some of our questions/concerns, but...

... the biggest issue for most of us is -- NOT being able to view the Big Ten Network in our homes.

From the Wrestling Mall http://thewrestlingmall.com/htmls/ne...t=4&View=16094

Mike Vest of the Big Ten Network Discusses 2007-08 College Wrestling Coverage

11/14/2007 11:23:00 AM

Wrestling fans have been wondering just what’s in store with the new Big Ten Network and the amount of wrestling the network will cover this year.

The Wrestling Mall recently emailed some questions to Mike Vest, Media Relations Manager with the Big Ten Network, to find out just what lies ahead.

Here is some information on what to expect below, from Vest:

• The Big Ten Network will televise approximately 22 hours of wrestling this season.

• The events will be edited for broadcast and will typically air late Friday afternoons beginning in January.

• The network will televise the Big Ten Tournament, but specific details have not yet been determined. Once those are made, you will find the broadcast schedule at www.bigtennetwork.com/schedule

• The Big Ten Network will collaborate with the conference office to determine the overall programming schedule. Wrestling will receive significant additional coverage on Big Ten Tonight, the network's signature nightly studio show.

• The Big Ten Network owns exclusive cable rights to Big Ten wrestling, although that agreement does not preclude over-the-air networks, such as Iowa Public Television, from covering events. The rights to events such as the Las Vegas Invitational or the Midlands lie with the tournament promoters and not the Big Ten Conference. However, when possible, the network will most certainly explore all broadcast opportunities. For example, we have plans to televise portions of the Midlands event.

• The broadcast crew for wrestling has not yet been determined.

- Matt Krumrie

Wiltz · 11-14-2007, 09:24 PM

sounds better 22 hours isn't a whole lot. Considering even editing would cut a dual to around 2 hours.

Wiltz · 11-14-2007, 09:25 PM

Thanks Mark for the info.

Stardust · 11-14-2007, 09:33 PM

Since I don't live in Big Ten country, I haven't kept up too much with all this. However, this part jumped out at me from the article:

• The Big Ten Network owns exclusive cable rights to Big Ten wrestling, although that agreement does not preclude over-the-air networks, such as Iowa Public Television, from covering events.

This gives me the impression that CSTV will be limited in its coverage. In the past, I've watched quite a few Big Ten duals on CSTV, as well as the conference tourney. Does anybody know if this means that CSTV will no longer be covering Big 10 matches?

Flop The Nuts · 11-14-2007, 10:07 PM

This gives me the impression that CSTV will be limited in its coverage. In the past, I've watched quite a few Big Ten duals on CSTV, as well as the conference tourney. Does anybody know if this means that CSTV will no longer be covering Big 10 matches?

It sounds like the worst possible solution. The Big Ten Network owns exclusive rights to Big Ten wrestling, yet they choose to run a total of 22 hours of programming? So, instead of lots of Big Ten wrestling being available on CSTV and other networks, we'll have a grand total of 22 hours, edited and on tape delay.

W. T. F. ?

therick · 11-14-2007, 10:33 PM

That's how I took it too, flop.

I also used to get some on the fox college sports networks, but now I'm sure that's over too. At least on those I'll still get some big12 wrestling on fcs.

I'm curious about how this will affect our local cable access guy Bob Dieli? I can usually catch tOSU home meets the following week or two on his Wednesday night Mat Side show.

gg121and2 · 11-15-2007, 06:16 AM

As Mark pointed out - for some of us, the larger issue is that the battle between The Big Ten Network and the major cable providers apparently won't end by the time the Big 10 tournament rolls around leaving us without access. For some of us, switching to Direct TV is not a viable option.

square · 11-15-2007, 06:31 AM

wait what are you on about............. me no comprenday

Wiltz · 11-15-2007, 06:32 AM

GG, If you live in Cedar Rapids you can always switch to Imon (formerly known as Mcloed). That aside I'll take the 22 hours plus iptv and cstv. It's better than having nothing. I think the BTN will figure out its programming and give us some more Wrestling next season.

square · 11-15-2007, 06:42 AM

Nah i live in da asshole of nowhere...... in lreland.....dont laugh