Cox Launches BTN In Cleveland

Joins Mediacom In Inking Distribution Pacts Today; Time Warner, Charter Yet To Finalize Deals

By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 8/28/2008 4:08:00 PM

Cox Communications is the latest cable company to reach an agreement to carry the Big Ten Network in advance of the kickoff of the conference’s football season this Saturday.

BTN, which earlier today completed a distribution deal with Mediacom, is now available to Cox's 150,000 subscribers in the western suburbs of Cleveland on channel 62 and in the high-definition format on channel 724. Cox officials the channel position may change later this fall to align the network with other sports services.

Meanwhile, Time Warner Cable and Charter, both of which have announced agreements in principle with BTN, have yet to officially conclude their deals.

BTN is scheduled to broadcast three of Ohio State University games this season, starting with the Aug. 30 opener against Youngstown State University. Contests against Troy on Sept. 20 and Minnesota the following Saturday are also on tap.

“Cox is pleased to be able to offer the Big Ten Network,” said Anne Doris, vice president and general manager of Cox Cleveland, in a statement. “The Buckeye State has many Big Ten fans, and we worked diligently to negotiate the best deal for our customers.”

Added BTN president Mark Silverman: “We're thrilled that Cox in Cleveland is joining the long and growing list of distribution partners offering the Big Ten Network to their customers. When fans tune in, they'll find unparalleled coverage of Big Ten and Buckeye sports – they’ll see more action and more in-depth analysis than ever before.”