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Charter to carry Big Ten Network

By Stacy Vogel ( Contact )   August 27, 2008 - 8:05 a.m.

Charter Communications and the Big Ten Network have reached a multi-year agreement, according to a joint statement released this morning.

Charter will carry the channel on its basic expanded cable lineup, the release said.

It remains unclear if the channel will be available in time for the opening of the college football season this weekend.

"Big Ten Network and Charter are currently working together in an attempt to ensure that the majority of these same systems (in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and northern Illinois) can launch the network on its expanded basic level of service in time for Saturday’s Big Ten college football openers," the release said.




reader COMMENTS (48)
Bellagio_Bound
Aug 29, 2008 at 8 p.m.
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yes snazzy, we get it. We get that you are a fair weather fan...you can only root for a team that has won a super bowl or championship. What a joke.

badgerbacker
Aug 29, 2008 at 3:41 p.m.
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Yes snazzy, we get it. You like NFL, we like Badger sports. NFL Network and BTN are the same channel just with different groups they aim to please. We all pay for all the channels we don't watch so why complain about this one any more than the rest.

snazzyj1977
Aug 29, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.
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you guys still, still, don't get it.

whybesad
Aug 29, 2008 at 8:06 a.m.
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Snazzy there are a bunch of TV stations on cable and dish that I don't watch (Oxygen channel,Home shopping network, Food network, Soap network,BET, etc.) I just don't watch them I still have to pay for them. Just turn the channel. The Packers don't even play a game on the NFL network this year. When the Packers do play on the NFL network then I take full advantage and go to the local watering hole with some buddies and watch the game or go to a friends house and make it an event. It's really not that devastating. ESPN lets me keep tabs on other teams just as much as I need to know sometimes more than I want to know. I really don't think what the NFL network is offering to charter is worth it. They want the NFL network on the basic package and charter wants it in their sports tier package (which makes sense) Have the people that want to watch sports pay for that not all charter customers should have to pay for that. The big ten network is all sports not just football. So, it's a much better choice to bring in the BTN instead of just a football channel at the present time. If the NFL wasn't asking so much I would guess we would have the NFL network in place. Whine to the NFL network not charter.

snazzyj1977
Aug 28, 2008 at 10:36 p.m.
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I figured I would hear back from rude people (just felt insulted with you all calling me an idiot, again your opinion). I see you didn't really get my point. My point was if I am going to pay for crap television, at least I would like to get a channel that I would like. Considering the NFL Network is a similar program with similar problems.

I don't care what you idiots think is better to watch, my point was why am I obligated now to pay for something I DON'T WANT TO WATCH? Easy to say, turn the channel, my cable bill is higher now. I think they should make these games pay-per-view. That way you get what you pay for. The thing is, I just wanted my channel since my cable bill will go up again, like they do every 6 months. My suggestion to you guys is to just be quiet, You got your crummy channel and theres nothing I can do about it. I will deal with it.

But thats not enough for you all. The thng is, there is no winner here, there are no whose right and wrong according to opinions.

I could go on how much I care about those 100 different schools and those 100 bowls that occur (NOT!). But I don't want to. Its not worth the fight why I think the NFL is BETTER than college. Because its obvious I am an NFL fan, and well, you all care about the Badgers and collegiate sports in general or whatever.

So no matter what you people say, I will not be interested or be whipped into check by you great sports geniuses(yea right) and your rude insults and ideas, and that I am a fool for not loving the Badgers or the BTN.

Oh yea, you keep hoping for those badgers to get where you want them to go. Its never gonna happen, not now, and not in anyone's lifetime. Not as long as Ohio State, USC, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, etc., etc., etc. play Div. I sports. They are all waaaaaaaaay better than the badgers, and you all know it. No comparison. And thats why college sports sux. I take that back, I do enjoy college basketball. Just love the playoff systems I guess. Something that should be added to College Football, get rid of these stupid corporate bowl games. Pointless, tradition/computer rankings? stupid. just plain stupid.

Have fun watching your channel, and thanks for making everyones bills higher.

Go Zips!

badgerbacker
Aug 28, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
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BTW: I don't watch Badger Football but I am pasted to the TV every Sunday for the NFL. I'm still excited to be able to get the BTN.

badgerbacker
Aug 28, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.
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* are more sports
NOT is more sports. My bad.

badgerbacker
Aug 28, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.
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My point was that some people like other sports than just football and like to watch the Badgers play more than just football. For example BASKETBALL or HOCKEY. Oh my snazzy there is more sports in the world than football. I think BTN has more to offer because you can watch different sports. I didn't say it was better or worse than the NFL network, I would just personally rather be able to watch more than just NFL.

jvldss
Aug 28, 2008 at 1 p.m.
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Snazzy - you are an idiot. The Packers are already part of your basic cable package which carries the network stations that televise the games... except for maybe one game a year. Very few Badger games are now televised on network television. Only offering BTN makes complete business sense. Great move Charter. If you really need to see the Dolphins play the 49ers in the inept bowl or watch in-depth specials about Pac Man making it rain or Vick killing dogs, get a dish.

Comparing winning a NCAA National Title to winning a NFL Superbowl is really ignorant. About 30 teams compete for an NFL title while hundreds of teams compete for the collegiate national championship every year.

snazzyj1977
Aug 28, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
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i could fathom that, and the Badgers have done what? How many National Championships??? By the way (jvldss) Green Bay is called titletown Mr. Intelligent. Theres a reason for it. I am only upset that NFL Network hasn't been provided with the Big Ten Network as well. Plain and simple. Just as you all will enjoy the Big Ten Network, some of us other fans would like the PRO level of football as well through NFL Network. I love the NFL Network, and I have never been dissapointed with the channel. It offers me more than enough. And you feel there is more to offer on BTN than the NFL Network Badgerbacker? Maybe for you...but what could they really offer more? a day in the life of Barry Alvarez? Who wants to watch that? Oh I'm sorry, you all do. I bash the badgers because they are like the Brewers. They can't get to or win the big one! Remember, this is MY OPINION, not fact. I do know the difference and I would hope you all do to. But seriously? your all hypocrits. I think its you folks that needs the help! See some professional help, oh wait, collegiate play your hearts out help...lol.

Seriously I want you all to think of me when the Badgers blow it this year (like they always do), please I want you to picture me laughing and loving the fact that you all are paying for BTN and complained to get the channel to watch them lose.

Good luck Badger Backers, its gonna be a long, long season. at least you can cry in the comforts of your own homes now, and not in public. Which is good, because i don't want to see them anyways.

onelife2live
Aug 28, 2008 at 3:55 a.m.
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I no longer have any charter services. Never again. Dish network is awesome...for a cheaper price...

badgerbacker
Aug 27, 2008 at 10:53 p.m.
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You know the Big Ten Network is going to carry more than just football so to some people it's more valuable than the NFL network.

tnimmo89
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:34 p.m.
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Charter sucks. All around. Fail. End of story.

whybesad
Aug 27, 2008 at 6:28 p.m.
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I see this blog went right down the toilet. If your a buckeye fan guess what the big ten network will have them on too!!!

jvldss
Aug 27, 2008 at 4:18 p.m.
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Wake up snazzy! The pack has ONE superbowl championship in 40 years - that sure is a successful powerhouse in which your world revolves around. Scary.

scoobydoo
Aug 27, 2008 at 4:15 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
meinelkm20
Aug 27, 2008 at 4:09 p.m.
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Snazzy, I'm so over your slamming on the Badgers. We know you don't want the Big Ten Network. Simple solution, don't watch it. Me, I choose to watch my team play, just as you will choose to watch your team in the NFL play. Done and done.

snazzyj1977
Aug 27, 2008 at 3:31 p.m.
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all of which are your opinions as well as mine, i am probably one of the hugest sports fans ever, unfortunately I am not a FIB, born and raised in this hell called Janesville. Hence, I like the Packers? Get a reality check yourelves Badger fans. You will plunder, as always, you will fall to the mighty Buckeyes as they get yet another Big Ten Title. They will win a National Championship this year, hands down. My prediction?

Ohio State vs. Georgia

Oh and as for this pesky BTN thing, its ridiculous. I am proud of being a Packer fan, but I hate Wisconsin fans, they are rude and very self absorbed. I bet you all a million bucks all these haters are "all of a sudden" Brewer fans as well. Brewers will C H O K E like always, just like the mets at the end of last year.

Now bring on the hate comments.

belisamasana
Aug 27, 2008 at 2:59 p.m.
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LOL @ Drakkenrahl! I'm with ya buddy ;)

janesvillereader
Aug 27, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.
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Well I sure hope they improve there service. im tired of losing my phone and cable all the time. Ill be glad when AT&T is in our area,,,,,

whybesad
Aug 27, 2008 at 2:37 p.m.
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The big ten network isn't just football either it will carry all the big ten sports. The NFL network is just that the NFL. The big ten network is for a SPORTS fan not just a FOOTBALL fan.

Rocky
Aug 27, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
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I'm pretty happy about getting the Big 10 Network - although my wife may not be as pleased. Up until now when a game was on the network I would just listen on the radio and do some outside work. Now I can flop in front of the tube.

This network was far more important to me than the NFL network. Big10 carries lots of live events - not just recaps, reruns and talking heads. NFL has, what, 6 games per year???

My location has obstructions to the south, so satellite is not an option. This is great news for me.

SarahB
Aug 27, 2008 at 1:26 p.m.
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Spanky: Thanks for the great news regarding the Jets games being on WISC-TV. I got so excited when I read your posting that I leaped out of my chair and did a little dance. YESSS!!!!! (And, yes, I am still a Packer fan.)

wahoo_35
Aug 27, 2008 at 12:51 p.m.
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And we need this why??

justsome1here
Aug 27, 2008 at 12:42 p.m.
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Big Ten Network - Big deal (Yuck!)

Drakkenrahl
Aug 27, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.
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NFL Network next please.
Thank you for the Big 10 network..GO BLUE!!!!!!*ducks*

jvlreader
Aug 27, 2008 at 11:55 a.m.
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SNAZZY: You need help! Call someone soon!

Bellagio_Bound
Aug 27, 2008 at 11:52 a.m.
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snazzy, besides being an idiot about college sports, it sounds like you are probably a FIB anyway. So, go stick to watching your little tennis matches and leave the badger cheering for the real sport fans.

snazzyj1977
Aug 27, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.
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reasons why no dish

1. Heavy or Bad Weather, NO TV.
2. Doesn't carry Rockford channels
3. Internet sux (hate DSL)

snazzyj1977
Aug 27, 2008 at 11:19 a.m.
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2 words, National Championship. No Way, No How, No Badgers. So why bother, I understand you are all fans, and at some level I respect that. But I would pay $10 extra a month for NFL Network. And I will complain about the pricing for BTN. I don't care if BTN cost 2 cents extra, I don't want it. And especially considering that I feel robbed for the last couple of Packer games (Vikings 06/Cowboys 07) over the past years where I had to go out of my way to watch on the NFL Network by going to bars or friends houses.
I could care less about the Badgers. Just as if some could care less about the Packers. Its just unfair. Hmm, NFC Championship or a smackdown by Tennessee? And it wasn't even the National Championship game. Frankly I don't care about anything but getting the NFL Network, get enough people you say? Didn't happen, and it sucks, its rotten and I hate Charter even more, it makes me hate the Badgers even more.

P.S. My "the badgers stink" comes from my own personal opinion. They will lose the opener against Akron just to prove my point that every year they never have just enough to get to the "big one".

Northman
Aug 27, 2008 at 11:14 a.m.
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I can’t see getting too spun up about not having the NFL Network. How many times every year do they carry your favourite team? When they do, there’s an easy solution. Head to your neighbourhood bar (or travel a little further if they don’t have a wide-screen set) and enjoy the game with a bunch of other Charter customers. NFLN has the Bears once this year, but no worries, look for me at Hooters that Thursday night. Hot wings and football, yummy!

belisamasana
Aug 27, 2008 at 10:45 a.m.
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I'd much rather watch college ball, where they play with their heart and soul, than pro, who plays for a paycheck.

shagcarpet
Aug 27, 2008 at 10:09 a.m.
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I have a dish and it also goes out everytime it rains hard. I prefer cable, but the horrible customer services is keeping me from coming back.

Scientific
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
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Gee. are you reading into the article, I don't see anywhere that is says that the cable rates are going to go up just because there are going to offer the BTN??

spikesmom
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:34 a.m.
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When did it rain 9 times this month? I have a dish and it only goes out in a really heavy rain.

whybesad
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.
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I have satellite and I hate it. I got it last year when charter was refusing to get the BTN and the NFL network. Every time it rains I loose channels. Only when it rains not if it snows out. I had it go out 9 times this month already. Even a sprinkle and it's done. For being cheaper it's really not. And try talking to someone when you have a problem. They are hard to understand with heavy accents that's when you actually get a person that is. Once my contract is up I'm going back to cable.

RMaN4
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:26 a.m.
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Maybe they will include the NFL network.

prinny68
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
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Holy crap chem_6... talk about some animosity towards the pack! GEEZ But you're right, Charter sucks half of the danged time, I vote for satellite... now if only I could get my landlord to spring for allowing me to have one!

Trek
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:19 a.m.
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Want to know whats on tv go to: http://www.tvguide.com/

meinelkm20
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:08 a.m.
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Wow, snazzy, I'm almost a little offended. Maybe you're forgetting that the University of Wisconsin is some of our Alma Mater's, and we have a lot of pride in our teams. And lucky to get a bowl game? There are a lot of great players returning this year. Wisconsin is pre-season ranked #13 in the Nation, according to Sports Illustrated. So where are you getting your information?
.
And as far as paying for it? Read this article: http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/.... It says that the Big Ten Network is only requesting $1.10 per subscriber. I highly doubt the price increase will be more than a couple dollars.
.
Oh, and keep complaining to Charter to get the NFL network, even though the Packers don't have a game on it this season. Get enough people to complain like they did for the BTN and maybe you'll be successful as well.

chemical_6
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:07 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
gallon76
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:05 a.m.
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Do like I did, got rid of cable and went to a dish. I don't have any problems watching what I want and for a lot less money.

StaceyU2
Aug 27, 2008 at 8:56 a.m.
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Snazzy_ What rock have you been under, "The Badgers stink"???..ok you must not have been in the real world for a while....as for the BTN and NFL Network.. satallite is the answer,, I can watch all the football I want (from NFL to d-3 football) now stop your whining.. it seems to me that more "Badger fans" spoke louder than some pathetic Pro football fans... if that is the case,,, Let US WHINE

Spanky
Aug 27, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.
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Looks like WISC in Madison is going to carry all the Jets games!!! Which will be nice thank goodness for picture in picture.

user987
Aug 27, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
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FYI: The TV Guide Channel decided to drop having a program grid on the bottome 1/3 of the page, so no one is missing out on anything. Now it is entirely infomercials, entertainment programs and re-runs.

snazzyj1977
Aug 27, 2008 at 8:40 a.m.
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what about NFL Network???? this is crap. I could care less about the Badgers and now I have to pay extra for it? I totally disagree with this decision. I understand if people don't want NFL Network that they don't have to pay extra for it, but all of a sudden, a bunch of whiney Badger fans and they get a deal done? I am really upset over this, I have been trying and calling and writing to Charter about NFL Network. This is an outrage. The badgers aren't any good, lucky to get to a bowl game I say. So now I have to pay to see them stink. I swear if the Pack gets a game on the NFL Network next year, and if we don't get that channel by then? I will even more outraged. I had to go to a bar or friends house with sattelite to watch those 2 Packer games in previous years. And I think Badger fans can do the same, If I am paying for the Big Ten Network, They can pay for NFL Network.

meinelkm20
Aug 27, 2008 at 8:24 a.m.
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If you have digital cable, which you're going to need by February anyway, you have the guide on the receiver, which is a lot more convenient. So unless you really really like the programming on the TV guide channel, it shouldn't be too big of an issue.

mp7227
Aug 27, 2008 at 8:21 a.m.
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BUT YET THEY TAKE OUR TV GUIDE CHANNEL AWAY THAT DOES NOT EVEN MAKE SENSE. YOU HAVE TO GO TO NEXT TIER NOW TO SEE WHAT IS ON TV

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