I hear everything is up for grabs...which is good. It’s clear the current model is a bust. I like what ESPN did with the ACC network. Most popular stuff on the ACC network and related ESPN TV channels and lots of additional content on ESPN streaming services in 60fps. That way the other sports get visibility too. However, I bet we’d sacrifice even more afternoon football slots in order to secure a better deal. I always thought 7 Pac-12 channels was excessive. I could see 2 channels coupled with a better streaming offering and user accessible on-demand library.
I read about the staff reductions too. Did you hear why Mike Yam departed? It doesn’t sound like it was a furlough or lay-off but rather a permanent departure.
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I saw pretty much everyone departed. He will catch on with someone. I hear that Pac 12 Presidents have engaged a consultant to look at the entire operation - not reporting to Larry Scott. Scott was innovative initially and set up a lot, but then he overstayed his welcome, and now its a disaster. The cost structure of the channel is simply a Larry Scott cash grab. There is no reason any of this needs to be in downtown SF. Los Angeles is where media is on the west coast. Or you could go low cost and build a HQ home in Las Vegas and keep the site for various tournaments as well.
Going to 7 channels initially was a killer. Probably should have been a 4 channel set up - Northwest, California and Desert/Mountain. Could have used the internet streaming for any excess events. Maybe in time, if successful, could have gone 7 channels, but not now. It's overkill.
ACC network is fine, but theory is Pac 12 stands to gain more by owning the content. Do we really want ESPN and Fox to control these channels?
Pac 12 had a deal on the table to go with NBC instead of Fox/ESPN, but FOX and ESPN outbid them by $25B at the end. This was a mistake. Should have forfeited cash for better start times, and games would be on Comcast's sports channel and NBC. Only conflict would have been Notre Dame, But they could have had 2 games on Saturday on NBC, mixed in with Notre Dame, and then a game or 2 on NBC Sports channel. Excess could still be on Pac 12 Network, which would make Pac 12 more attractive. So we know 2 games on NBC would be decent times - some in prime time. Missed opportunities.
We shall see what happens going forward.
They did raise my base by $5 a month recently now paying $64.99 less than half what I was paying for DISH Network service and getting more.
