CBS (Dodd): OSU's Gundy Speaks out on LHN and Big12 expansion

[WVBlue]

....as Dennis Dodd continues to highlight any and every trial and tribulation within the Big12.......Gundy gets the forum (and Bowlsby offers 'no comment')



Go to CBS Sports College Football (Dodd)
if link is not working


STILLWATER, Okla. -- Texas needs to eliminate the Longhorn Network in order for the Big 12 to avoid facing increased instability, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy told CBS Sports on Monday.

Gundy's comment was made as he said the league overall needs to market itself better. The conference, he said, is at a disadvantage because of the widespread distribution and success of the SEC Network and Big Ten Network.

Eliminating LHN, which he called a “failure,” and creating a conference-wide Big 12 Network would give the league more national exposure, Gundy added.

“If we don't eliminate the Longhorn Network and create our own network, they're going to continue to have issues with this league,” Gundy said as the Cowboys returned from spring break to continue spring practice.

He continued: “You don't have a Big 12 Network; you have a network within the league that people consider a failure.”

LHN's struggles are well-documented. The school-centric network reportedly has lost $48 million since its launch in 2011. Its annual losses are now in the single-digit millions, according to a source. Both ESPN and Texas seem committed to the 20-year, $295 million agreement that would pay the school an average of $15 million per year.

“Everything is based on marketing,” Gundy said. “Right now the Big 12 is not getting the marketing we need because of the Longhorn Network. Now, nobody wants to hear that but …”

Gundy is also worried about other issues, such as recruiting. It's no secret the Big 12 slipped in recruiting this year, particularly in Texas.

continues at site

 

[Duanep5ku]

Texas is stubborn and dumb. Too risk an entire conference for a failed network that no one watches.
The money would increase for the league teams, if they merge the network into the Big 12.

 

[LSUTigersRoar]

The only problem with Big 12 network will it work with just teams? Look at Sec, Big and Pac 12 they have more teams to offer a network, if texas does away with this LongHorn network than the Big 12 must add teams, i would think for any Big 12 network to work. Guys the Big 12 in football and Basketball has very high rating for TV, that said not sure if that would hold for a Big 12 network with only ten teams, I would think the network would like to have more teams to offer. Does ratings differ in National to a conference network, I would think that would be case. Does anyone know for sure? Just asking because on the sufferance it sounds good, although when all is down on paper may be not be worth it. I mean The Big 12 is not The BIg or SEC that can draw a network like that. I agree with The Big 12 needs better marketing just not sure if a network will help the image problems that are happening. Your thoughts?

 

[Buckaineer]

The BIG 12 has the same ability to draw interest in a network as the BIg Ten or SEC, it just hasn't tried to do it.
By adding the right schools they will be able to greatly increase revenues. Texas can be kept whole, but with a network more people actually want and that brings them much greater exposure-and a network with more longevity.

 

[coalcountry52]

Put your chips in digital media and ala carte programming, because that is where this is headed.

 

[3xWVUenginEER]

Put your chips in digital media and ala carte programming, because that is where this is headed.

Yep.

The losers with the networks will be espn and fox. The schools and conferences are making good $$$$. Texas has no complaints with their network. Texas has lost $0.01 with the LHN. Espn on the other hand, yeah they've lost a lot.

I think the bubble will burst in the future.