History
BTN was first unveiled on June 21, 2006, as a 20-year joint project of the Big Ten Conference, and Fox Entertainment Group. 51% of the network is owned by the conference itself, while Fox owns a minority interest in the network, and also handles the operations for the network. The network was positioned to be the first ever cable channel dedicated to a single collegiate conference. The network also has a commitment to "event equality", stating that it would produce and distribute an equal number of men's and women's events across all platforms, within three years of being on the air. The deal was meant to replace the Big Ten's television contract with ESPN's ESPN Plus regional television package. ESPN Plus games were typically only seen on one over the air station in one team's local market, such as the Illinois Fighting Illini on Champaign station WCIA.
BTN officially launched as the Big Ten Network on August 30, 2007. On September 1, 2007, the network aired its first live telecasts, which included an Appalachian State vs. Michigan football game which gained national attention for its upset victory, the first win between an unranked Division I FCS team and a Division I FBS team since the splitting of Division I into two divisions by the NCAA in 1978. However, the network suffered from limited carriage on its launch, only being carried by two major television providers. The network's staff however, aimed for, and was able to attain carriage on "extended basic" cable in Big Ten markets by 2008.
While no specifics were revealed, Fox acquired majority control of Big Ten Network in June 2010 using a provision in its contract with the conference, now holding a 51% stake. The change is not expected to alter the channel's operations
In time for the 2011 college football season, the network unveiled a new look (including a new logo and updated on-air appearance), and also introduced a new online service known as "BTN2Go", which offers live streaming of BTN telecasts and other programming through a web browser or app. The service was initially available to subscribers of Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, DirecTV, and Dish Network.
BTN and Dish Network were involved in a dispute leading up to the expiration of their contract a day before the 2012 college football season began. A temporary blackout from September 14-22 gave way to a new agreement, restoring BTN to DISH.
Read more about this topic: Big Ten Network
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