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After a long wait, the signatures are on the dotted line for satellite distribution of The Mtn. television network.
DirecTV announced on Friday it will carry The Mtn. on a nationwide basis in 2008, no later than Sept. 1 -- just in time for football season. Channel position and programming package details will be available as they are finalized and the launch date nears, according to the news release distributed by DirecTV and The Mtn.
"We are excited that an agreement has been reached with DirecTV that will allow our fans to watch BYU sports nationwide," said BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe. "This satellite deal is an important first step toward fulfilling what BYU was originally promised in the conference television arrangement.
"We now look forward to working closely with our television partners to ensure that BYU fans have the opportunity to watch our athletic teams compete. We also anticipate increased collaboration between the conference's television partners and BYU Broadcasting."
The carriage deal comes nearly two years late for many MWC fans who have been unable to watch their favorite teams on television. When The Mtn. went on the air in the fall of 2006, MWC officials seemed certain a satellite deal was forthcoming. But cable carriers were added slowly. This season, around 1.3 million homes had access to The Mtn. DirecTV has 16.8 million subscribers around the country. The other major satellite provider, Dish Network, has 16 million subscribers and could not be far behind in adding The Mtn. to its programming.
So what does the new deal mean?
For MWC fans outside the league's footprint, they now have access to The Mtn. programming -- provided they want to switch cable providers. A handful of MWC games have appeared on CSTV (40 million homes available) and Versus Network (70 million homes available) the past two seasons. The new deal simply means greater choice for MWC fans.
For the MWC, the carriage agreement will lead to more exposure for a league searching for respect. Much of that exposure was lost when the MWC decided to break from ESPN's choke hold, which required the league to play at times and dates that were less than optimal. The new agreement also may relieve some of the pressure the league felt from fans to produce a better television deal.
For BYU fans across the country -- many of whom have said previously they would pay any price to have the game available -- it's a opportunity to see the Cougars more frequently.
"It's a great first step," said BYU Athletic Director for Communications Duff Tittle.
The news release read: "We are excited to share the passions, rivalries and pioneering spirit of Mountain West athletics with DirecTV customers and college sports fans across the country," said Kim Carver, vice president and general manager of The Mtn. "The Mtn. continues to grow because of the energy and dedication of Mountain West fans and their desire for in-depth, comprehensive college sports coverage."
• Daily Herald Sports Editor Darnell Dickson can be reached at 344-2555 or by e-mail at
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What You've Missed
Those unlucky BYU fans who didn't have access to The Mtn. missed a lot of BYU football and men's basketball games over the past two years. Here's a look at BYU's televised games, 2006-2008.
Football
The Mtn. 13
Versus 5
CSTV 4
ESPN 2
ESPN2 1
TBS 1
Men's Basketball
The Mtn. 31
CSTV 6
BYU-TV 5
Versus 3
ESPN2 2
KJZZ 2
CBS 1
FSN 1
*Source: byucougars.com |
