I like the Big Ten Network, and I respect how it has set the model for conference-branded networks. It has a tremendous amount of positive influence on the Big Ten and its members, and its fans. There is much to like about the network and the way it covers its brand, but on National Signing Day it feels a bit empty.
Here is an excerpt of what I wrote this morning on The Student Section about the Big Ten Network’s signing day coverage;
While the SEC Network and ESPNU focused on delivering live updates and announcements, the Big Ten Network once again settled for a more packaged approach with recorded interviews from coaches and school-by-school analysis throughout a two-hour signing day special of BTN Football & Beyond. The show focused much more on breaking down the recruiting classes after the fact, rather than expand beyond the norm for the BTN. This has been how Big Ten Network has covered signing day since it launched on the air, and change does not appear to be in the cards.
The Big Ten Network would be wise to follow in the lead of the SEC Network. While the SEC Network was giving its target audience live signing day coverage, the Big Ten Network was re-airing a women’s college basketball game. Ordinarily, replaying conference competition is fine during the day, especially in the morning hours, but signing day has become an event that BTN has struggled to embrace. For a network that has been on the air since 2006, some fans have become a bit irritated by the lack of coverage.
Yes, in terms of signing day coverage, the veteran Big Ten Network on air for its ninth signing day, had its butt kicked by the loudmouth rookie SEC Network. Maybe now things will change.
It is beyond time for the Big Ten Network to start making a bigger deal out of events like signing day. Having live updates from programs like Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State as ESPNU did is a no-brainer, but providing live coverage from other programs such as Iowa, Northwestern, Purdue, Minnesota and so on is what will attract fans throughout your expanded footprint. Wasn’t the point of expanding to Maryland and Rutgers to take advantage of new media markets? What’s the point of having them if there is no plan to use them?
This is what markets your conference. This is why your network exists. Maybe next year things will change.
You are paying a decent amount of money to get the Big Ten Network, whether you like it or not. You deserve to get the most for your money, and the Big Ten Network can go much further with its signing day coverage.
You can read the full story and review of National Signing Day coverage on The Student Section and see how Big Ten Network compared to other outlets. The Big Ten Network is far from the only network lagging well behind the offering from ESPN. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below too.
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