A few weeks back, CBS announced a 15-year deal with the SEC. The news today is a 15-year deal between the SEC and ESPN. The Worldwide Leader is paying $2.25 billion for all of the television rights that CBS doesn't already have. While this, in all likelihood, kills any hope of an SEC TV network, it also pushes Jefferson Pilot Lincoln Financial Raycom out of the picture. While there is some fear that this might lead to a miniature situation like the Big Ten has experienced, with people who used to get the JP/LF/Raycom games standard now having to pay for them or being unable to get them at all.
You know what? I like the deal.
Let's be honest, here. The games that were covered on what is now Raycom were terrible. The video production looked like something out of th 1980's, the picture was atrocious (god help you if you have a big screen or are accustomed to High-Def), and the announcing was poor at best. The network put out a highly sub-standard product, but they were the only option we had some Saturdays.
Say what you will about ESPN, but they know how to run a sports broadcast.
It looks like this deal is part of a move by ESPN to beef up some of its secondary networks. ESPNU is being pushed into Comcast's regular line-up and it stands to reason that they'd want to get it onto more cable providers' basic list as well. But here's the thing: from where I'm sitting, I'd much rather pay to get a few extra channels than have to watch even one more snap on Raycom.
Especially if that means getting the games in High-Def. Bring on The Ocho!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-26-2008 @ 2:00AM
Bill said...
Gosh,
I guess we all now know, why ESPN has constantly "hyped" up the SEC huh? .. Sure they are a good Conference, but, not all that, in my opinion.
Reply
8-27-2008 @ 7:34PM
sec.au said...
And which conference do you think is better exactly? Look at the statistics, look at the teams, look at players, and look at the fans the sec is the bee's knees my friend!
War Damn Eagle!