UPDATE: Charter Strikes Deal With Big 10 Network

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UPDATED Thursday, August 28, 2008 --- 2:20 p.m.

Will you switch your TV provider in order to get the Big Ten network?

Yes

From Charter Communications, Inc:

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) announced today that Big Ten Network (BTN) will be added to its channel line-ups throughout most of its cable systems throughout Wisconsin in time for the Badger-Akron football game this Saturday.

Charter will position BTN on expanded basic channel 73 and High-Definition channel 795 in the Madison area. Expanded Basic is the level of service other core programming services are located on, such as CNN, USA Network and ESPN. Charter customers viewing the Network in High-Definition need an HD television and an HD receiver from Charter in order to view the HD version of Big Ten Network.

“Our engineering team has done an incredible job in a short period of time to install and test the electronic equipment needed to bring BTN to our customers in time for this Saturday’s kick-off,” commented John Miller, Charter’s Director of Communication.

Charter announced Wednesday that it had reached a multi-year distribution agreement with BTN, in which Charter will carry the Big Ten Network and related programming throughout the Big Ten territory, including its systems in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Northern Illinois.

For more information, or to order Charter Cable, call Charter at 1-888-GET-CHARTER (1-888-438-2427).

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UPDATED Thursday, August 28, 2008 --- 12:55 p.m.

Big Ten Network will be available THIS EVENING! They're hoping by around 5 p.m.

Charter credits its engineering staff with quick work to make it happen.

INFO:
BTN will be on expanded basic channel 73
HD channel 795

They will send more info in press release today. Check back with NBC 15 and nbc15.com later for more details!

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UPDATED Wednesday, August 27, 2008 --- 9:15 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Charter Communications and the Big Ten Network said Wednesday they've reached a distribution agreement.

The multiyear deal allows the St. Louis-based cable company to carry the network's programming throughout Big Ten territory, including systems in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Northern Illinois.

Charter spokesman John Miller says the network will be included in Charter's expanded basic level of service for the upcoming Big Ten sports season. After that, Miller says the company will re-evaluate the best place for the channel.

It's uncertain whether the agreement will be completed in time for Charter to carry Saturday's telecast of Wisconsin's football opener against Akron at Camp Randall.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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UPDATED Wednesday, August 27 --- 7:10pm

Here is the announcement and quote from Charter Communications on the agreement with the Big Ten Network.

“Charter is pleased that an agreement “in principle” to offer the Big Ten Network to our customers has been reached. We believe this agreement is in the best interests of all Charter customers and look forward to an exciting season of Big Ten sports. We will work closely with BTN to add the channel as soon as possible to our line-ups, hopefully in time for this Saturday’s opening games.”
-John Miller
Director of Communications
Charter Communications

JOINT STATEMENT FROM CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
AND BIG TEN NETWORK

August 26, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) and the Big Ten Network have reached an agreement-in-principle on terms of a multi-year distribution agreement in which Charter will carry the Big Ten Network and related programming throughout the Big Ten territory, including its systems in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Northern Illinois. Big Ten Network and Charter are currently working together in an attempt to ensure that the majority of these same systems can launch the network on its expanded basic level of service in time for Saturday’s Big Ten college football openers.

For more information, or to order Charter Cable, call Charter at 1-888-GET-CHARTER (1-888-438-2427).

READ Our Previous Story.

With kickoff less than four days away a good chunk of Badger football fans with cable could be getting their wish.

Charter Communications spokesman John Miller tells NBC 15, "Charter is in active negotiations with the Big Ten Network and is optimistic that a deal can get done soon."

He added that both sides in this agreement are "very close" and that a "deal is imminent."

All this after Time Warner announced a deal with the Network, leaving the Madison area and Charter as the only remaining major TV provider in the area without a Big Ten Network deal.

But the threat of not seeing the first two games of the year is too much for some customers who say Charter's time has run out.

They are the moments that make being a badger fan worthwhile, but when they're being carried on the Big Ten Network they're the moments many fans miss.

Paul Wood says, "I guess I would say that I'm a die hard Badger fan."

Even the die hards suffer.

Wood says, "It sucks when everybody has to go make special arrangements. When the only cable provider you can have is Charter and you can't get it, it's very frustrating."

With the Badger's first game just days away and no deal yet reached between Charter and the Big Ten Network, this fan is making a substitution.

He's cutting cable and bringing in satellite.

Wood says, "I decided I wanted to give Charter a chance until the start of this football season and it never happened so I had to make the switch."

One installer says they've been tackled by requests for satellite in the days leading up to the season opener, despite optimism from both sides for months that an agreement would be reached.

Just a few weeks ago Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman said, "There is enough time to get this deal done in time for football season and that's what we're focused on doing. "

For Wood and many others Charter's time has run out and satellite is winning this game because with days to go, some need a guarantee.

Wood says, "My wife said probably as soon as I get the dish in they'll get the deal done so lets hope that doesn't happen, I'd hate for her to be right."

Charter tells NBC 15 that if the deal is completed, it will still take a few days to get the necessary equipment to make BTN available to Charter customers.

Charter hopes the necessary equipment would be in place by the time the Badgers kickoff on Saturday.

______________________________________________________

UPDATED Tuesday, August 26 --- 6:00pm

There is movement with the Big Ten Network.

NBC 15 spoke with Charter Tuesday evening, and Director of Communications John Miller confirms that both sides of the negotiations are "very close" to an agreement, and that a "deal is imminent." This news follows an agreement between Big Ten Network and Time Warner that was announced earlier Tuesday. Many customers in southcentral Wisconsin are clamoring for the deal to be completed, as the Wisconsin Badgers have their first game on the Big Ten Network this Saturday.

Miller tells NBC 15 that if the deal is completed, it will still take a few days to get the necessary equipment to make BTN available to Charter customers.
The equipment is owned by Fox (who owns 49% of the Big Ten Network and is in charge of the negotiations). Charter hopes the necessary equipment would be in place by the time the Badgers kickoff on Saturday.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Updated Monday, March 10 --- 6:10pm

Badger fans may not have to suffer through another season with no Big 10 Network.

According to the Sports Business Journal, cable provider Comcast is close to reaching a deal with the network.

The Big Ten Network would be launched on expanded basic to the majority of Comcast customers.

Most observers have long said when Comcast gets a deal in place, other cable providers like Charter and Time Warner, would follow suit.

DIRECTV, DISH Network and a number of other cable providers carry the Big Ten Network.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted Friday, November 16, 2007 -- 5:34pm

Wisconsin: Big Ten Network deal to generate $6.1 million

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor John Wiley says his school will earn more than $6 million this year under its agreement with the Big Ten Network.

Wiley says 70% of the revenue will go to the athletics department to support its strategic plan. The rest will be used for financial aid for low-income students and to support the school's library system.

The university is releasing the details shortly after state lawmakers have started to question the deal.

Many fans are angry they can't get some Wisconsin games on cable TV since the state's two biggest cable companies and the network have failed to reach an agreement.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted Friday, November 2, 2007 -- 12:04pm

A letter to Badger fans ...
Madison, Wis.
November 2, 2007

Dear Badger fans,

With the recent announcement that Saturday’s game against No. 1 ranked Ohio State would be broadcast by the Big Ten Network, and as we get closer to the start of a men’s basketball season in which 20 games will be aired on the Big Ten Network, we have received a number of phone calls, letters and e-mails from Badger fans who are frustrated that those broadcasts are not available on the state’s two largest cable systems. We wanted to take a moment to bring you up-to-date on the issues and try to address some of those expressed concerns.

The development of the Big Ten Network, which launched just 65 days ago, has been in the works for nearly three years, and it included input from conference officials, school presidents, athletic directors, faculty representatives and more. In the opinion of those folks, the establishment of the Big Ten Network was the right thing to do to insure the long-time stability of Big Ten athletics. It is important from a recruiting standpoint, a financial standpoint and a marketing standpoint. It’s a network that will focus on our schools and our student-athletes and the issues of importance to Big Ten fans.

From the outset, the network was offered to all satellite and cable providers. The only non-negotiable Big Ten Network demand was the inclusion of the network on the expanded basic package in the Big Ten region. Within 30 days of launch, the network was in nearly 30 million homes nationwide – the most successful launch of its kind in cable television history. It is being carried on Direct TV, Dish Network and approximately 157 cable systems, including 15 in the state of Wisconsin – and all of those are offering the Big Ten Network on their expanded basic lineup and none of them is charging anything extra to subscribers.

Unfortunately, the two major cable carriers in Wisconsin – Time Warner and Charter -- have chosen to not carry the Big Ten Network. (It’s important to note that our local contacts at both those companies have long been supportive of Badger Athletics. Many of the employees of those companies are Badger fans; many are graduates of UW-Madison or have children, friends and relatives who attend or have attended UW-Madison. They are Badger fans who recognize the importance of carrying the Big Ten Network and who understand the unprecedented demand for television coverage of Badger Athletics in this community. Unfortunately, the decision to not carry the network is being made in places other than Madison and Milwaukee.)

We’ve heard from cable company spokespersons that the Big Ten Network is too expensive. If small cable companies in Wisconsin like Mt. Horeb Telephone Co. or Tech Com in Richland Center or Vernon Telephone Cooperative in Westby can negotiate a price that is acceptable, why can’t Charter and Time Warner do the same?

We’ve heard from the cable companies that the Big Ten Network does not belong on expanded basic cable, and that their customers shouldn't’t have to pay for a channel that they may not watch. We simply ask that you review the lineup of 70 or so channels that are currently included on your expanded basic package with Charter and Time Warner, and we think you’ll agree that the Big Ten Network would be among the more popular channels in that lineup. And again, if the 15 smaller cable operators, Direct TV and Dish are placing it on expanded basic, why can’t Charter and Time Warner?

We’ve heard cable spokespersons say that you don’t need to get the Big Ten Network because all the good games are on ABC, ESPN and other stations already on their expanded basic. We would suggest that Badger fans don’t need to be told by the cable companies what games are “the good games.” Most Badger fans would agree that the good games are those in which the Badgers play. Saturday’s game against Ohio State is a perfect example of that.

We’ve also heard that there’s really no good reason to have the Big Ten Network and that the Big Ten and all of its schools should have kept things the way they were. First of all, many of us have been around here long enough to remember when it was a struggle to get ANY game on television, much less an entire season of broadcasts. Also, don’t forget that last year, three of our football games were broadcast on either ESPNU or ESPN360, with significantly limited distribution. And in men’s basketball last year, four games were limited to ESPN360, one game was on CSTV and six other Badger games were not televised at all.

Please understand that the role of our athletic department, much like the local folks at Charter and Time Warner -- is limited. We believe strongly that we are doing all that we can to assist the Big Ten Network staff in their negotiations. But, simply put, until the major cable companies are willing to negotiate, our role in the process will remain extremely limited.

We’ve been asked often if there is anything you as Badger fans can do to help us work our way through this. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

First, when in discussion about this issue, please share the information in this letter. There are always two sides to a story, and we think the information in this letter can help counter some of the misinformation being put forth in the marketplace by those who don’t want the Big Ten Network to succeed.

Second, if you are comfortable in doing so, we ask that you continue to try and contact your local cable provider and let them know that you want the Big Ten Network on your expanded basic lineup, and that even though you may have not made the switch to satellite, that doesn't’t mean you don’t have an interest in the Big Ten Network and you want them to carry it. It really doesn't’t matter how you make that contact -- phone, e-mail or letter. Let them know that you’re a Badger fan; remind them that they are the temporary holders of a municipally regulated cable franchise in your area and are obligated to respond to your community and its programming mandates.

Finally, please understand that most of you do have options. The Big Ten Network is available throughout Wisconsin on Direct TV and Dish Network. Switching from cable to satellite is not something that everyone wants to do, but it is available and it is an option to most households in Wisconsin. Increasingly, that is an option that is being acted upon. In the Madison area, for instance, we’re told that nearly 30 percent now have satellite and that number continues to trend upward.

In summary, we feel strongly that a successful Big Ten Network is good for Wisconsin Athletics. It provides unprecedented marketing opportunities; a distinct recruiting advantage and a steady, guaranteed stream of incremental revenue over a 20-year period that will help Wisconsin remain a nationally competitive athletic department. It’s a network about your student-athletes, your teams and your school.

We want to thank all of you who have contacted us in recent weeks. We hear your voices. We share your concerns. Please know that we will continue our efforts to bring broad distribution on the Big Ten Network to Badger fans in every corner of this great state of Wisconsin.

We thank you for your patience and for your continued support of Badger Athletics.

On Wisconsin!

John D. Wiley
Chancellor

Barry Alvarez
Director of Athletics

Walter Dickey
UW Athletic Board Chair

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted Friday, November 2, 2007 -- 6:11pm

Despite cable dispute, UW athletics will keep Charter ads

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- When it comes to Charter Communications, many Wisconsin fans are seeing Badger red. But the university's athletics department still sees green.

Fans are steamed the state's biggest cable company is refusing to carry the Big Ten Network. That means Wisconsin's football game against #1 Ohio State Saturday won't be available in their homes.

University officials say they aren't happy about that. But they also made clear Friday that Charter's advertising contract that brings in big money for UW Athletics isn't jeopardized by the standoff.

So Charter will continue to be allowed to advertise on the scoreboard at Camp Randall and inside the Kohl Center and during Badgers' radio broadcasts.

UW officials say and a Charter spokesman say the company's sponsorship of UW athletics and the dispute over the Big Ten Network are separate issues.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted Thursday --- November 1

Madison: Lawmakers may force cable companies and two sports networks to reach a deal.

When the Packers played the Vikings on the NFL Network last fall, most fans went to the bar.

When the Badgers played Indiana on the Big Ten Network last week most fans missed the game.

But Tom Prochnow says the prospect of missing Wisconsin play No. 1 Ohio State was the straw that broke the Badger's back. "Monday, when the announcement came out the Ohio State game was going to be on the BigTen Network the phones really started ringing."

Star Satellite used to install 7 to 10 dishes a week. Now they're averaging 6 a day, and big reason is the Big Ten Network or the NFL Network can't be found on most cable systems. "Their last question would be, 'Is there any chance we could get this in by Friday or Saturday?'" says Prochnow.

"Last Saturday I went to the local pub to watch the game because I couldn't have it, it wasn't on my cable." Dave Hansen is one of those fed up fans. But he's also a State Senator, so rather than switch from cable to satellite, he's just proposing a bill to force the networks and cable companies to reach a deal. "The Fair Access to Networks act is kind of out of frustration."

Currently, most cable companies and the networks each say the other side is unreasonable and talks have stalled. "We want to fix it, set up a 3rd party to arbitrate this Give their best offers, the cable companies, NFL Network and the BigTen and let the arbitrator decide," says Hansen.

A spokesman for Charter Communications says they would question the constitutionality of forced arbitration and they believe the best venue to reach a deal is private negotiations.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 2, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Annie, you care. Otherwise, you would have moved on before posting. Sitting on your butt blogging about people sitting on their butts makes you a hypocrite.

Posted by: Annie Location: Madison on Sep 2, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Again, who cares? it is only football- a game- kids play it in fields in neighborhoods all the time. Or, and here's a startling new idea- get some friends, or get some friends on the phone, go to the park, and throw one yourself! sofa king we Todd did!

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 2, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Utah!

Posted by: Anon on Aug 30, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Appalachian State! So you keep your criminals, we get rid them here.

Posted by: Rachel Location: Madison on Aug 30, 2008 at 02:10 AM
I see two really great responses here... Tina and Tom! Tina, sorry about the probs you are having! I never thought of that until I read your post, then realized how much I was using my eyes to do the on-screen programming"! Tom, way to go! (maybe that could help Tina & guy?)! I remember back in the "good old days" (and I'm only 29- really, I mean it, only 29, not that 59 y.o. woman saying 29 stuff!) my dad out in the garage, working on a car, wood stove burning away, with his radio on, or mom in the kitchen listening as she made Sat. dinner for us. shame some people have to have a couch growing out their asses to enjoy a game!

Posted by: MI fan Location: Madison on Aug 29, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Well, we may have a backstabbing coach, but at least we have enough players not on probation or parole to attend away games! too bad the badger team needs four busses, one for the coach and his big head, one for the band, one for the players, and one for the P&P agents to monitor their cases! Oh, speaking of winners like Lance Smith- know how many badger players it takes to beat a misdemeanor conviction? nobody knows, none of the team have managed to do it yet! Badger football is worth about as much to BTN as wisconsin dairy cows are to veggie eaters!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Could be worse. Could be a Michigan fan who's team brought in a backstabbing coach. It will all come down to OSU vs. WI. followed by Ill. and PSU. Oh..wait a minute I think I forgot someone... Never mind I that was it.

Posted by: MI fan Location: madison on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:00 PM
who cares? the badgers aren't going to be worth spit this year anyway- so if you crybabies want to spend your time boo-hoo-ing about badger not being on cable- well, that's just sad. you suckers make good brats, but this year's football is going to suck like a Hoover vacuum cleaner!

Posted by: anon Location: madison on Aug 28, 2008 at 03:40 PM
give it a few years and charter will be charging for that service individually. charter is such a money monger it is not even funny!

Posted by: interesting... on Aug 28, 2008 at 03:24 PM
of all the stories in current events, this one not only gets more flare on the website, but also more comments than all others.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:39 PM
I dropped Charter this week and went with DirecTV. Very happy so far. Went from about 20 HD channels to 95 now, plus have the NFL Network, NFL Sunday Ticket, all for cheaper than Charter!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:46 AM
They could drop a few of the channels and keep the price the same. Let's see. WGN, TBS, The golf channel, soap network, bravo, maybe a couple cartoon channels...actually the could reduce the price.

Posted by: Get Real on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:40 AM
anon 8/26 5:37 Why are you wasting time here? Sounds like you have plenty to do. If we spent time all of our time worrying about the problems in the city, we'd be crazy like you. BTW, you worry about American Idol while we discuss football programming.

Posted by: tf Location: madison on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I dropped charter last year and couldn't be happier.. They have the worse customer service and ever increasing prices.

Posted by: dish fan Location: fitchburg on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:27 AM
we left charter last year- great having the big 10, but even better having a lower bill AND actual customer service that answers your questions and come when they say!!we ditched due to lack of customer support and prices- bonus was having big 10 and will never go back!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:10 AM
charter may be taxed but its better than dish and directv by far. hopefuly they get the channel by sat.

Posted by: Tom Location: Madison on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:55 AM
there is a thing called a radio to listen to the games

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:22 AM
dish sucks. we left them for charter. this is great.

Posted by: Charter still sucks Location: Madison on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Who cares? Too little too late Charter! This customer left 2 years ago for Dish and have been very happy ever since! For the price and option, Dish or DirecTV are WAAAAAAY better values.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:56 AM
So of course the most important info is left out of the story, how much extra will Gangster Cable, or I mean Charter Cable customers have to pay for the BTN?

Posted by: Nikki Location: Madison on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Way to go Charter- Now what are all the Charter bashers going to talk about. I hope they all enjoy the other "junk" that somes with Big Ten

Posted by: Shouse Location: Monroe on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:31 PM
I think its about time Charter does something with getting the Big Ten network onto their channel listings. With the high rates of cable as is, its about time Charter puts something on that can benefit the consumer and not hurt them. I really hope they can get a deal done soon, so the Big Ten network can come to charter!

Posted by: Tina Location: Windsor on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:37 PM
yeah- and the great thing about all these dish networks, and expanded digital cable systems is the on screen programming that you have to use to pick your channels! that really works oh so great for my blind boyfriend! and just try complaining to charter about it! I think it is great how charter has gone out of their way to hire people with disabilities- because it sure seems when my boyfriend or I complain about how user unfriendly their services are, they fall on... you guessed it, deaf ears! (but at least they can still use charter digital, b/c they can see to pick channels that have closed captioning!) and sats are no better!

Posted by: Shane Location: Sauk City on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:26 PM
DILLIGAF

Posted by: Sue Location: Sun Prairie on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:19 PM
I'm very close to going to Direct TV to get Big Ten Network, NFL Network and all of the NFL with their Sunday Ticket to see Brett play as a Jet, which some areas of Wisconsin will be getting on cable. This addition to Charter would go a long way to keeping me as a customer...but I will still want more.

Posted by: Gary Location: Sun Prairie on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:19 PM
The BTN is doing nothing more than eroding the Badgers fan base. I'l read the recap in the next days sports page...

Posted by: john g Location: madison on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:39 PM
we like directv we now get 150 for only 34.99/mo. call 1-866-379-1191 or see cablesnake.net we got the big network. lets go big red

Posted by: anonymous Location: madison on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:37 PM
so... who the hell cares? if you really love the badgers, go see them play! if you can't afford tickets, there are only like a thousand places in Madison where they do subscribe to the dish networks that carry the big ten network, so go watch it there! Is this really the "news" we need to be worrying about right now in Madison with fights in the streets, unsolved murders, the highest number of drunk driving arrests/ deaths in the country- and we worry about... football on TV?

Posted by: Robert Location: Janesville on Mar 13, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Enron and the Big Ten Network. Greed is a terrible thing. Your recruiting will suffer greatly.

Posted by: Krista Location: Madison, WI on Mar 11, 2008 at 05:21 PM
UW has become an elite club. There was a time when this university was for the people of Wisconsin. The good old days in The Fieldhouse for basketball and the average person could get tickets and they were affordable. Now, everything is season tickets, which no one in the average catergory can afford. UW says screw you to the average Badger fan and for that, I will never support that school ever again. Season ticket people miss half the games anyways when the average fan would appreciate just one game a year and even thats not possible. When the university turned into a snobby elite club only for the rich, I stopped supporting them. This is a tax based and supported university by the people of this state, yet only a elite few is able to attend such games, ridiculous! UW-- get over yourself, your not any more special than any other university and STOP the greed!

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 11, 2008 at 01:56 PM
anon. at 9:36 I am a charter customer. When charter first decided to put spanish channel on their line up, my bill when up. Maybe what Charter can do is at it to their digital line up. Then custome like you will not need to pay extra. You can have basic and expanded for the cheaper price.

Posted by: Geoff Location: Madison on Mar 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I have seen more UCONN games this year than Wisconsin games. Enough said.

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 11, 2008 at 09:36 AM
good for charter for not just giving in. Reading some of these peoples complaints about charter makes me realize how uninformed people can be.The big ten network is terrible and I'm not paying extra because I am forced to have it as a charter customer.

Posted by: Terry Location: VERONA on Mar 11, 2008 at 06:48 AM
with no one watching, or going to games due to higher prices, OUR VOICES MUST BE HEARD.!!

Posted by: Local Fan Location: Portage on Nov 19, 2007 at 07:24 AM
I am also a graduate of the UW, and a life long fan of UW Madison sports. Ticket prices have continued to sky rocket, as well as tuition - with no end in sight. I dont see any change with this addtional 6m. My children cant afford to attend the UW - Madison, ticket prices are much too high, and now we cant see the games on local television. Isn't the UW a STATE SCHOOL? Where are my taxes going? It looks more and more like a PRIVATE UNIVERSITY every day.

Posted by: Tammie Location: Sun Prairie on Nov 19, 2007 at 07:19 AM
I think every Badger fan should be switching to a satellite provider and put Charter out of a lot of business. We recently switched to Direct TV and found out it was cheaper than Charter. So there are options out there. It didn't cost us anything to switch. Itis really ridiculous that a large cable company like Charter are refusing to listen to the customers they have. Half of the channels your get with expanded people don't want or watch and they get all of them so saying that people shouldn't have to get something they don't want is a crock of ????. When we had Charter we didnt' watch half the channels we had because they were worthless and now that Charter is raising prices again and adding more worthless channels, who voted for those, not me. So Charter is a money hungry company who doesn't care about their customers. We glad we switched.

Posted by: Resident Location: Columbia County on Nov 19, 2007 at 07:16 AM
So does this mean that ticket prices will be lowered so that the AVERAGE fan can attend the games - seeing how we can no longer get them on TV?

Posted by: JIM Location: CAMBRIDGE on Nov 16, 2007 at 09:21 PM
What a crock of crap! I graduated from that university, my family has had football, basketball, hockey, and softball tickets for 49 years. The university can cram them up their you know what's!!! I'm done.

Posted by: Eric Location: Janesville on Nov 16, 2007 at 08:10 PM
$6 million from BTN to support strategic goals of the athletic department. Why not pay student athletes some of that cash. Or better yet, pay those NCAA players with injuries just like workmans comp would do. If charter won't carry BTN, I'll just have to watch Rutgers play on ESPN. Their uniforms are red too.

Posted by: Dick Location: Arlington on Nov 16, 2007 at 07:53 PM
Ha Ha! This is about greed on the Big 10's part, as well as the UW. You can't listen to Badger sports on the internet because the Big 10 and UW block it (without paying for it - double dipping by the U). They dropped baseball and now have to raise money for the sports they replaced baseball with. Bleed the football, baseball and hockey fans. sign me fustrated.

Posted by: David Location: Madison on Nov 5, 2007 at 07:34 PM
I have been a Badger fan for over 35 years. Long before anyone other than his mother knew who Barry Alveres was. I attended UW and went to many football games when they couldn't give tickets away. I have been a taxpayer in Wisconsin since I got a work permit in 1974 at 14. To see Barry on TV telling me what to do if I want to see the football and basketball teams on TV is beyond galling. Who is Brett Belima? Did you know who he was until he came to Wisconsin? I doubt it. Yet he thinks he has has all the answers to what you and I should do to watch Wisconsin sports. Maybe when the Badgers lose out to end the season his large head (ego) will be brought to earth. Then he can take his own advice and go sit in a bar for 3.5 hours and have a hamburger and a beer. I give Brett about 3 more years before UW realizes he can't coach a lick. And Berry A.you've worn out your welcome. And give up the announcer dreams, nobody will pay you for your opinion for very long. Barry & Bret bye bye......

Posted by: Brenda Location: Madison on Nov 5, 2007 at 03:10 PM
GREED GREED GREED, but no one should be surprised by that... No one sees UW tuition going down for the students, regardless of how much $$ is made, or spent on games or some televison demand. All sports in WI (or any state for that matter.) should be on local TV, and radio, for every game, for every person in the state for free, period!!! We have Dish and some games have been there, NOT ALL by far there are still black out's that we cannot see. I'm thrilled with dish! Cant get Charter anyway, and am quite happy about that, as they have too many issues all around

Posted by: Sarah Location: Madison on Nov 5, 2007 at 02:50 PM
As much as this is an issue to many fans, other supporters chose to hear about the team's success through other means without requiring that basic cable prices increase due to the expense of carrying the BTN. My husband and I are appalled that the BTN expects that all customers want this channel with the expanded basic when some customers already fel cheated by not having the educational channels and are yet stuck having 7 sports channels already. Good for Charter and Time Warner--they actually are looking out for the interests of their customers. This may be the only time I praise the cable companies, but the BTN shouldn't force their way into our homes. I enjoyed watching the BB games on CBS when they were on. I don't specifically seek them out and nor do I care to do that. Let the people who want the network pay for it. Obviously they like sports and need to have their fix.

Posted by: Bill Location: Mazomanie on Nov 5, 2007 at 12:50 PM
All I can say is shove it where the Sun don"t Shine !!!! I refuse to pay to watch The Badgers or the Packers if I have to pay !!! We pay our taxes to keep the U.W. going so why would I pay to watch the team that I already payed for !! SHOVE IT..

Posted by: Scott Location: Earth on Nov 4, 2007 at 10:15 PM
WAIT a minute. If I understand right: Charter wants BTN in the sports tier; BTN is DEMANDING it be placed in a basic or expanded tier, which is included in the price. Well, don't you think most of us common sense people would pay the MEASLEY, MINSCULE $5 extra dollars a month to watch the BTN? I would, big deal, it's only $5 bucks. THINK OUTSIDE of the box people.

Posted by: Pat Location: Green County on Nov 4, 2007 at 09:43 PM
I watch the games when I can but when I can't get them its not the end of my world . These people need a life other than the games and their couches. I agree 100o/o with anonymous form Sauk City,listen to the game on the raido while doing something PRODUCTIVE.

Posted by: S Location: Madison area on Nov 4, 2007 at 11:09 AM
As much as I would like the NFL network, and would probably also pay for the BTN, I stand by Charter in not allowing themselves or their subscribers to be "muscled" into paying higher prices. It appears with both the NFL and BTN networks, it is their way or no way. Well, I say no way. I could afford to pay a higher premium for those services, and I agree that Charter has many useless networks....how many shopping venues do you need? However, the idea that a person on a fixed income should pay for the "right" to see a BTN game...give me a break! I have had satellite and would never go down that avenue again. I will stick with Charter until I can find a reasonable alternative. Until then, I say, buy a radio!

Posted by: kevin Location: atwood on Nov 4, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Charter sucks for many reasons. I switched to direct-tv a couple of months ago and could be happier. Not on outage since. And switched to a dsl for internet and not one outage since. No problems with my bills also.

Posted by: M on Nov 3, 2007 at 11:15 PM
The problem is not the selection of your stations... it is charter. The problem is that charter controls the democratic party. The problem is that our govenor just signed a bill to tighten charter's grip on the Madison area. I am a student and I cant get dish or direct tv. Student living is liminted to CHARTER. As a UW student I have every right to watch my team play away games as well as home games. My rights are being violated when the only cable company on campus refuses to supply me with a channel to allow my rights.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Madison on Nov 3, 2007 at 06:00 PM
UW and the Big 10 quit whining! The Big 10 Network is a joke and now a bigger one. They need to get say $1 Million per year from Cable subs by trying to ramrod their position and suck at Charter's profits. I say put it on the sports or digital tier and be done with it. Where else does a business take such hits on expenses and not be able to pass on. I think the Big 10 and now UW should be ashamed of the greed they show. Hip Hip Hooray for Charter and Time Warner. UW, BIG10 and NCAA continue to amaze me as they pander high prices of luxury box seat where beer and liquor is alowed when us lackeys in the stand are 2nd hand citizens. How's that feel not to get your way. I feel the same way when I want one beer at a game. Only way to get that is to knock on the luxury box and beg for one. Maybe UW should look aat how it treats its fans. Its a shame

Posted by: james Location: windsor on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:57 AM
GREED! This whole situation can be described with that word. Charter won't add BTN because it is going to cost them MONEY. BTN won't offer their network unless Charter pays them MONEY. And the reason Wisconsin is a member of BTN is because they want more MONEY. I have listened to or watched Wisconsin football since the early 1940's. My solution is simple...no more wasted 3 1/2 hour saturday afternoons watching one hour of football and 2 1/2 hours of ads.

Posted by: Jean Location: Verona on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Although I have acquired the BTN, because I love my Badger and Packer Football, I do have reservations about BTN. It does seem to me that it is an awfully greedy move by the Athletic Departments. We have had Badger football Season Tickets since 1956, and we have not been able to attend games for several years due to health problems. We have supported the team and most of WI does. The additional costs of being a fan never quits and they may well price themselves out of fan support. Every kid dreams of going to a game and that soon may be impossible.

Posted by: jim Location: madison on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:42 AM
This whole thing is all about money! Let's face it, the athletic department has an insatiable appetite for $. If you think that is so important, then the next time you need a heart or lung transplant, call bret. He is making in excess of a million $ so he must be good!

Posted by: Tom Location: Milton on Nov 3, 2007 at 09:46 AM
How much are Whiley and Barry putting into their pocket on this Big Ten Network Deal. The congressional members in Wisconsin should cut off all money to the UW for their football and basketball programs until they put the games back on Local TV.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 3, 2007 at 08:32 AM
This is once again an example of sports being greedy. Why does UW Athletics need more money? It seems to me they have been doing just fine. They just finished spending lots of money on the stadium last year. Look up the facts about what BTN is demanding. This letter from the school is quite biased. They fail to mention that the BTN is priced much higher than other networks. Then you add there demand that it must be offered with expanded basic (many people won't watch). Why should BTN decide how charter offers the network? Those of you that think charter should eat the cost are being unreasonable. Charters goal is to make money. They are a business. Would any business make a decision to eat a huge chunk of profits? NO. Not to mention that not everybody would watch it. Maybe half of madison would watch, but if you look at the percent across the state it would probably be quite low.

Posted by: Ben Location: Madison on Nov 3, 2007 at 06:43 AM
The only reason the Big Ten Network is not on cable is because they insist that it be put in the expanded basic line up. The cable company is then to pay the BTN something better than a dollar per month, per cable subscriber... get real. You "Wisconsin Fans" act as if all of us share your love of the Badgers. As a 50 year resident of Madison, I like to see them win too but guess what, it was not that long ago that I could go to the game, on the day of the game, buy a ticket for less than ten bucks and have a good time. Now the Badgers think they are the Packers, the coach makes something like a million per year, what a joke! Just call it what it is, semi-pro football, pay the players and quit asking me to give money to the UW. You football boosters need to get a life. I find having the fastest consumer internet service under the sun much more important than missing a couple of Badger games on tv. Learn how to use your radio, it has much better coverage of the game than tv anyway.

Posted by: Karl Location: Wisconsin Dells on Nov 3, 2007 at 06:03 AM
After reading & hearing the various complaints, I can see the BTN & NFL networks have convinced everyone that they're the ones in the right. BTN & NFL are the villians here. They're the ones looking to get into the consumers pocket. If you think the satellite co's. aren't going to raise your rates because they're now carrying these networks, I've got some land in FL I'd like you to buy. I have no love lost for the cable co's., but at least they didn't cave the way satellite did. Maybe if satellite didn't cave to BTN & NFL this discussion wouldn't be, because there would be no BTN & NFL networks and the games would be on regular broadcast or cable networks. This is all just a money grab by the colleges and especially the NFL owners.

Posted by: jeff Location: madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 11:08 PM
having looked into this, the blame goes to the big ten network. compared to other channels, what they are asking for is completely unreasonable. never did i think i would side with charter, but this is the one time i will. with the continuing college parity, i can't imagine the big ten won't suffer a bit from lack of visability. while a die hard badger fan, i somewhat hope it happens ... screw the big ten network.

Posted by: Susan Location: Madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:32 PM
I can't even get a dish! The bulding mangement where I live has so many restrictions on getting a dish that the might as well say no. So no Badgers for me.

Posted by: Mark Location: Beaver Dam on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:22 PM
I personally don't have cable or dish tv, and know quite a few others that refuse to pay ransom to greedy cable companies to watch our favorite teams. The radio seems to do just fine, then catch the highlights on the news. The only time my tv gets turned on is for the news, Packers, and Badgers when accessable. Everyone is complaining about not being able to get games from their cable providers, but, I haven't heard anyone mention why over the air broadcasters can't get, or provide the service. With the NFL, I believe it is a law that a local station must have the right to air the local game so long as it is sold out. Why doesn't this also apply to college access? Thank you for your time, Mark

Posted by: Janice Location: Waunakee on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:17 PM
I can't believe that Ohio State the no. 1 team in the big 10 is not televised on a regular channel. Who are they televising? I used to watch all the WI basketball games on TV and knew all the players and stats but will not be able to watch this year and I guess the UW will be the loser. Money is the only reason we can't get the games. Wake up UW you are losing fans and alienating people to UW sports. I will not switch from Charter to get the games I will just not follow UW sports any more. Money is not everything!

Posted by: MWZ Location: Wausau on Nov 2, 2007 at 09:57 PM
I would like to see more auto racing...football, whatever.

Posted by: Doc Location: Madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 08:56 PM
Did you know that there is at least 20 men's basketballs game on the BTN? What bull! So 20 games out of about 35-37 games we cannot watch. What a crock!

Posted by: Jack Location: Fox Lake on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:47 PM
The "problem" and "solution" is under one topic! MONEY!! Cable is out to make a BIG profit on dedicated Badger Fans! How does cable make their money? By selling subscribers "Premium" Packages or Channels that has a large demand! I am NOT saying to discontinue your cable subscription, but to show Cable that Badger Fans DO have a voice in this if ALL subscribers would discontinue ALL the "extra" premium channels they pay for maybe the loss of this huge revenue would get their attention. Instead of watching HBO and all the premium Movie channels go to the video store and rent them. Cable internet. Find a fast internet connection elsewhere. Who needs cable phone service? Maybe then Cable will understand that Wisconsin Fans like their teams as well as the Cubs and Braves do which broadcast almost every game for their fans! DON'T blame the atheletes, coaches, ect. Blame the people who tells US what we can watch and NOT watch! Isn't that a Monopoly? Just hit Cable where it hurts!

Posted by: Rich Location: Madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:47 PM
Let me pick what stations I get from Charter. I might find 10 goods stations. Have a price set for each channel I pick. Charter makes their money and I do not get 60 channels that take up space.

Posted by: Alan Location: Sun Prairie on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:24 PM
I can't get dish due to landlord. For those who don't "get it", This is just CHARTERS & TIME WARNERS way of trying to get us to pay more for the network. They are the ones that want us to pay extra for it. The Big Ten wants us to get it on expanded basic. As for you who think we don't need it, I would rather have BTN than the other 55 Channels I don't watch and still pay for.

Posted by: Terry Location: madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:29 PM
voted with my dollars. I'm now a Directv customer. I feel bad for those that do not have the option of satellite.

Posted by: Bobby Location: Columbus on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:27 PM
Hey Fred...what do you watch on TV. I am willing to bet it is something that I am paying for but never watch. It wouldn't kill you to pay for the BTN so I could watch it. Maybe we would be even then. DIRECT TV BEING INSTALLED NEXT WEEK0-SCREW CHARTER

Posted by: Scott Location: Madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:07 PM
I think it's rediculous that the Big Ten is charging people to watch games that have been free to Madison viewers for years. I applaude Charter for not caving in to the Big Ten Network. The Dish Network is NOT cheaper and does NOT have better service unless you own only one TV. What is Charter supposed to do, eat the cost themselves. Why is the Big Ten network charging us to watch games? This is college football and basketball and the letter that the University sent out is rediculous. I am a Badger Alum and former UW athlete and I refuse to pay to watch my home team that I live 5 miles away from. Shame on you Big Ten and University of Wisconsin.

Posted by: Jim Location: Stoughton on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:06 PM
Put the games on pay per view. Then those that want to watch it can pay for it. We don't need to pay for games we never watch. Cudos to Charter.

Posted by: Robert Location: Janesville on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:29 PM
My taxes pay for the U of W. They pay for the instructors salaries, they pay for the coaches and ADs salaries, they pay for the schlorships. The games are sold out. Now they don't have enough brains to put the games on TV, so we can see them. What a tremendous recruiting tool. This is called GREED. It has nothing to do with the cable or satilite companies. They are making complete fools of themselves and the conference. I'm not going to run around town trying to find some bar that has the Big Ten network on tomorrow. I'll just sit home and watch some real football teams play like I did last week. People are really getting turned off by all of this nonsense. I am losing my interest in Badger sports. My kids use my season tickets, or they would go back. The president of the college and the Athletic Director should be embarassed by all of this, if not fired.

Posted by: Dan Location: Madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:27 PM
Satellite has NOT been allowed by management in the three apartment buildings I've rented since moving to Madison (and becoming a rabid Badger fan). While "it is an option to most households in Wisconsin", according to the UW letter, it is not to a large number of renters.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sauk City on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Geeze Louise, You're all complaining about TV. Oh for cry yi yi!! It's TV not a life supporting necessity! I don't have cable or a dish nor do I ever intend to get it. Rabbit ears is all we have and it'll stay that way. We're too busy to spend 3 hours sitting on our collective a**es watching TV. I turn the game on the radio and go about my business. I love listening to Matt Lepay get all wound up saying "he's at the 30,25, the 5 TOUCHDOWN WI-SCONSIN!!!!!! That rocks! The TV guys are always some national dude getting paid to broadcast a game. They have no connection to the school, the state or whatever. They don't put much emotion into it at all. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see the Badgers play Ohio just as much as anyone but you can bet I wouldn't sit on my butt throughout the entire game. I'd pass through the TV room, stop, watch for a minute or two then move on to what I'm doing that is actually PRODUCTIVE!

Posted by: kd on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:17 PM
I have been interested in the noise related to the Badger Network (I think that's the name of it). I am not much interested in sports, so I don't understand the big fuss. What I do understand is that I am a Charter customer who has a plethora of sports channels to choose from, which I never watch. It's okay with me if Charter decides to add the Badger channel, I don't want to pay for it. It annoys me greatly that I have to pay for the ones I have. You all do a great job. I am glad I no longer have to miss the news when I am on the road.

Posted by: Dick Location: Boston on Nov 2, 2007 at 04:43 PM
The BTN is nothing more than a continuation of the internet blackout of Badger radio broadcasts. It's frustrating being here in Boston and not being able to keep up - Especially when the number 1 game of the weekend is not available on radio or cable. And by the way, Comcast is just as bad as Charter.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Not a UW fan, Couldn't care less about it, but it is not right for those who are. I think everyone needs to dump those cable providers and go with satellite like Gary says!

Posted by: steve Location: madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 04:29 PM
CORPORATE MONEY IS ALL THAT THIS IS ABOUT. BY THE BIG TEN, WISCONSIN, AND CORPORATE CABLE COMPANYS. WHAT WE NEED TO REMEMBER IS WHEN WISCONSIN WAS 0-50 THERE WERE FANS, NOT JUST "THE PLACE TO BE". I WILL NOT "DONATE" TO WISCONSIN OR ANY COLLEGE FROM NOW ON. THE GREED HAS NOW GOTTEN TO THE COLLEGES, MAYBE SOON TO HIGH SCHOOL. 80,000 PLUS FOR EVERY SEAT TIMES $50 IS NOT ENOUGH. MAYBE THEY NEED MORE TRAINING TRIPS OVERSEAS TO "PROFECT" THE GAMES THAT THEY PLAY. AT LEAST THE PRO'S GET PAID AND HAVE TO EARN MONEY.

Posted by: Gary Location: Madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 04:16 PM
People, what you need to do is stop complaining that Charter does not carry BTN. Do what I did DUMP THEIR SORRY A***S and go to Dish Network. By doing so you have accomplished 2 things. 1) You are now able to receive BTN 2) Show Charter (which is way over priced and really does not care what you, the comsumer thinks)you are sick and tired of them and their price raising ways!! They can charge you this and decide for you what to watch simply because you people continue to use their service! Stop whining and change providers!

Posted by: charles Location: madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 03:55 PM
a ranked wisconisn tame playing the number 1 team in the country why is this game even on the big ten network? The game between ohio state and penn state was the prime time game last week, but this week a higher ranked wisconsin team can't even make it on espn or abc at any time slot? I also think Barry didn't have a clue what he was getting into, another great call coach now all of madison and the surrounding area can't watch bucky play the number 1 team in the land.

Posted by: kris Location: madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 03:40 PM
At this point this doesn't matter - the fans are being hurt by this - couldn't this have been worked out before it became this big of an issue. The UW is a publicly funded university - if this is going to bring in so much money - then maybe the State should take that money away from the UW.

Posted by: Mike Location: Madison on Nov 2, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Charter is such a bully! I can’t wait for the day that AT&T gets into the cable market because the technology they are currently developing is far superior to Charter’s, and by the time that happens Charter will have burned so many bridges that everyone will jump ship. Charter’s days are numbered!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2007 at 02:20 PM
Why did the Big Ten devolop their own channel? To make more money!! That is the only reason. I hate Charter, but the Big Ten is not smelling like roses either. It's just to bad that the fans/consumers are the ones who suffer from all of this.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Amy some of us are unable to recieve dish service do to landlords refussing. My current landlord told me that I was unable to have dish tv, because it was a fire hazzard. Her exact quote was " What if lighting hits the dish and starts the dish on fire". My respons to her was what if lighting hits a tree.

Posted by: Linda Location: Wisconsin on Nov 2, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Quit whining about cable and get a dish!

Posted by: Tom Location: Madfison on Nov 2, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Radio was here long before TV therefore I Will listen instead of the seeing games .

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2007 at 12:49 PM
I concur with those who have said switch to dish if you want BTN. If you don't want it, stick with Charter. It's that simple people. I made the switch to Dish before BTN or the NFL Network was created because Charter kept raising rates without offering any new channels and THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE STINKS! I would never ever go back to Charter, not in a million years. And their bundle is not that good of deal anyway! One thing to remember about BTN is that profits get split between the BTN and all the schools. That doesn't happen with CBS, ABC, or ESPN, they keep all their profits.

Posted by: Amy on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:46 AM
I mean really, lawmakers have more important things to worry about. If you want to watch - get a Dish! If you don't want to buy a dish, listen to it on the radio. I'm really sick of this story...move on!

Posted by: Jim Location: Madison on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:16 PM
I am so glad that our representatives have decided to step into the negotiations. Now I may be able to force the cable and dish networks to carry MY favorite shopping/technology/religious/sports/animal/food/travel/crime channel. I can imagine no better use of time, money and government intervention by a public representative then in the capitalist free market. Hello, if the market forces make it in the interest of Charter and a sports/other channel to make an agreement they will. Legislating based on personal/back yard interests is what produces governmental stalemates and a general lack of progress. Use your market leverage to solve this, not legislation.

Posted by: Cathy Location: McFarland on Nov 1, 2007 at 08:49 PM
If they force Charter to carry this, I imagine they'll use that to raise their rates again and I am almost on the edge of not being able to afford plain expanded basic cable anymore. Why does everyone except the consumer have to make such a huge profit on this stuff? Why can't we have affordable cable in the first place, much less force another excuse for them to jack up their rates again?

Posted by: Brad on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:58 PM
Give this story a rest already.I'm tired of hearing people complain that they don't have the Big Ten Network.People,you do have a choice.You can chose cable tv or dish network.I've been happy with my dish for over 6 years.Are people so addicted to tv that they can't hear the Badger game on the radio?I do like to watch Badger and Packer football.However,if Charter had the Big Ten network and the NFL network,I still wouldn't switch back to them.I'd be just happy hearing the game on the radio.Unless you have a terminal illness,I don't feel sorry for people crying fowl about not being able to watch the Badger game from their home.Enough is enough,life goes on.

Posted by: Fred Location: Dodgeville on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:14 PM
The Big Ten Network wants a set dollar amount from each cable subscriber. Even the ones that are not interested in a sports channel. I don't want to pay for something I am not going to watch.

Posted by: Fred Location: Rock Co. on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Why are they picking on Charter? I get at least 3 mailings from Charter every single week telling me how great their football coverage is and how much I could save if I would only pay them more for services I get cheaper elsewhere. I guess if you buy the "Bundle" you can get screwed 3 ways at the same time. I called Charter to ask when I would get the NFL and Big 10 networks and was given a very helpful answer. She said I would get them as soon as Charter offered them. Thats good to know, now I'm happy to wait because I'm sure Charter is only looking out for me.