U-M Comments Regarding Big Ten Media Agreements
6/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday (June 21) two milestone media agreements that will provide the organization with its greatest media exposure ever and ensure long-term vitality for its member institutions' broad-based athletic programs. The conference has signed a new 10-year national rights contract with ABC/ESPN and has reached a landmark deal with Fox Cable Networks to create the Big Ten Channel, a national network devoted to Big Ten athletic and academic programs. The ABC/ESPN contract takes effect, and the Big Ten Channel is expected to launch, in August 2007. [ Big Ten Release ]
Following are comments from University of Michigan administrators and coaches regarding the agreements:
Director of Athletics Bill Martin
Comments to come.
President Mary Sue Coleman
"These TV agreements will enhance the exposure and reputation of our universities across the country. I'm especially pleased that the Big Ten Channel will give more prominence to women's athletics and Olympic sports. We also have a great opportunity to develop University-produced programming for the new channel."
Football Coach Lloyd Carr
"The Big Ten Channel is going to give our fans at Michigan an opportunity to get more coverage of Wolverine sports than ever before. It's 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our fans will have an opportunity to follow the 25 sports that we have at Michigan, men's and women's."
Men's Basketball Coach Tommy Amaker
"If you're a Big Ten fan, whether you're local or national, you have an opportunity to tune in to your favorite school and your favorite sport. This will be the destination for all Big Ten fans."
Women's Basketball Coach Cheryl Burnett
"This is an incredible way for the Big Ten to get national exposure for women's basketball, and especially in our regional area where University of Michigan fans can really appreciate the Big Ten Channel."
Media Contact: Bruce Madej, David Ablauf (734) 763-4423
