| Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., May 4, 2007 ?C- Officials from the Big Ten Network visited Penn State today and discussed plans and expectations for the conference's cable and satellite television channel.
Mark Silverman, network president, and Elizabeth Conlisk, network vice president of communications, met with reporters about the network, which will launch in August. Silverman, Conlisk and other members of the Big Ten Network staff held a series of meetings with Penn State staff throughout the day.
"This will be a network dedicated to Big Ten fans, representing the finest in college athletics and all that the 11 Big Ten universities represent," Silverman said. "Our goal is to ensure that we deliver a product that is representative of the quality of the Big Ten."
Silverman explained that the network has already reached and agreement with DirecTV and AT&T to offer the Big Ten Network nationwide as part of their basic television service. The network is in talks with numerous other carriers throughout the nation and Silverman said he is confident the network will become available to much of the eight-state footprint of the Big Ten and throughout the nation.
When launched, the Big Ten Network will offer a programming line-up of not only football and basketball, but also a wide array of Olympic and women's sports. The network plans to broadcast at least 35 football games, 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games and a full slate across all sports, up to 400 live events on an annual basis.
The network will also feature classic conference football and basketball games dating back to the 1960s, with in-depth analysis. A nightly studio show will bring comprehensive coverage from throughout the Big Ten. Additionally, the Big Ten Network will feature hundreds of hours of non-sports programming from universities, showcasing their strengths and communicating with a broad audience.
Many events and programs will be produced in High-Definition television (HDTV). In addition to distribution through cable and satellite, plans are under way to deliver Big Ten Network content through alternative media such as the Internet, cell phones and other emerging technologies.
"We have a lot to live up to," Silverman said. "The Big Ten means something and connotes a level of passion and excellence that is special. We need to launch at a higher level. I think this will be a great testament to the 11 universities. It is a bold mover for the conference to make, and to me it represents a great belief in the quality of the conference."
The Network encourages fans who want to ensure access to contact their cable and/or satellite providers to find out when the Big Ten Network will be available in their community. Additionally, fans can register as a Big Ten Insider at http://www.BigTenNetwork.com to receive the latest information about what's happening with the network.
The sports programming on the Big Ten Network and alternative platforms will include, but is not limited to:
- More than 35 football games each season
- More than 105 regular season men??s basketball games, with four to six weeknight games and four to seven weekend games per week
- A nightly studio show including segments from each campus
- Women??s sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer and softball
- More than 170 Olympic sporting events including baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, swimming, diving and more
- Classic games and historical footage from ESPN and ABC libraries
- Original, non-sports programming produced by Big Ten member universities showcasing their academic excellence, talented students and award-winning programs
- Weekly coaches shows
Penn State Public Information contributed to this story.