UL exploring options for regional TV deal

[CrazyCajun]

Because obviously klaf type stations aren't considered 3rd tier rights... Broadcasting out of the footprint is. He can broadcast from his grandmothers basement all he wants. If we can have the RCN and control our own broadcasts, it's an even bigger mistake not doing that.

[Bigbuf]

The final paragraphs tell the story and I have a few questions.

How can Farmer currently be in negotiations with CST (COX) for something he does not have?

How can someone reading the article not understand that the SBC/ESPN contract is what killed the RCN.

If Farmer didn't have any input or even a chance to "veto' the ESPN deal how can he be held responsible for not getting a regional deal done when a contract that he had no input on is blocking the deal because of the parent networks footprint?

"Meanwhile, even while exploring creation of a radio-like network Farmer holds onto hope that UL and CST, which has wide regional reach, can somehow overcome the existing SBC/ESPN roadblock.

“It’s not off the table,” Farmer said, “because they (CST officials) want to do it too. CST is dying to do it; UL is dying to do it. We just can’t get it to where it can coexist with the existing ESPN contract.”"

[CajunEXPRESS]

Exactly! Why and how can he negotiate something he signed away?

He can't negotiate anything conflicting with ESPN. The SBC/ESPN contract allows schools to negotiate in the footprint of the conference and adjoining states. Before he had full latitude to be in any market period for our home games.

The only question is how did the SBC override his old free market options? Since we had the rights, how were they appropriated? At some level we had to agree. He's in charge. He gets credit and blame.

[Bigbuf]

He is the issue!! Its a CST issue therefore a COX issue!!

"According to Farmer, however, CST has reach into a small number of outlying areas that would be in conflict with the ESPN contract — for instance, some homes in the San Diego area of California."

[Bigbuf]

He can't negotiate anything conflicting with ESPN.

The only question is how did the SBC override his old free market options?

you answered your own question.

[CajunEXPRESS]

Geez CST wouldn't have an issue if he STILL held his options.
It's not a CST issue. We are like a minor trying to get a loan. We can't that's not the banks issue. We were free now we're not

It's an appropriate question as to the FormerAD's role. It's an important issue the reporter could have broached. Conveniently did not

[CajunT]

T, I know you are in the know around this joint and that is why i ask how do you know the above quote? Since he signed the rights over how can he be looking to develop another network?

I made several post, did you read both? First, do you think only one person in this town has sources inside the athletic department or university? Secondly, it's possible that ESPN is willing to sell some of the third tier rights back to a provider in certain areas. In fact, they have done so with the MAC in the past and other conference and programs.

[Bigbuf]

Geez CST wouldn't have an issue if he STILL held his options.
It's not a CST issue. We are like a minor trying to get a loan. We can't that's not the banks issue. We were free now we're not

The how can he be in negotiations with CST to allow them to broadcast UL if he doesn't have the rights!!

Lets look at it another way. If SBC did not sign an expanded contract with ESPN would we still have a RCN?

I believe the answer to that is yes.

"Instead, according to Farmer, the two sides remain unable to overcome a hurdle presented by the Sun Belt Conference’s primary television-rights contract with the ESPN family of networks.

UL previously had its own Ragin’ Cajun TV broadcasts, but it was disbanded following the Sun Belt’s signing of its expanded contract with ESPN."

[ManAboutTown]

The how can he be in negotiations with CST to allow them to broadcast UL if he doesn't have the rights!!

Lets look at it another way. If SBC did not sign an expanded contract with ESPN would we still have a RCN?

I believe the answer to that is yes.

"Instead, according to Farmer, the two sides remain unable to overcome a hurdle presented by the Sun Belt Conference’s primary television-rights contract with the ESPN family of networks.

UL previously had its own Ragin’ Cajun TV broadcasts, but it was disbanded following the Sun Belt’s signing of its expanded contract with ESPN."

I'm not understanding what you don't understand. I'm trying to keep an open mind (even though I know and understand whats going on here) as to why you're confused, but its pretty cut and dry.. Read T's last post

[CajunDreDog]

CST is owned by Cox. its more than related COX IS CST!

Not quite. CST is a channel that Cox launched. It is not carried in every Cox area.