|
Brigham Young University and the University of Utah have retained an attorney to explore all options in improving the distribution of their sports broadcasts. The Mountain West Conference, of which the schools are a part, signed a seven-year, $82 million deal with CSTV in 2003.
But as of June, there is a limited availability of the Mtn., the channel that broadcasts MWC events. It is only available on Comcast and some smaller outlets; the big two of satellite broadcasting -- DirectTV and Dish -- do not offer the Mtn. (and in some cases CSTV) in their regular packages. CSTV is a partner with Comcast. University officials, fans and supporters are frustrated that the games are not more widely available. Despite repeated assurances over the past year that this distribution problem would be solved shortly, the football season is three months away and adequate distribution is still uncertain. "We have been patient with efforts to improve distribution for almost a year," said University of Utah President Michael K. Young in a press release. "We are now exploring all possible options available so that all our fans have access to the games on television. Utah and BYU are united in our commitment to solving this distribution problem and bringing University of Utah and BYU sports to our fans." To explore possible alternatives, the universities have hired Kelly Crabb, a partner in the Los Angeles office of the international law firm Morrison & Foerster. Crabb has represented the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee in connection with the negotiation of 20 Olympic broadcasting agreements worldwide, as well as other Olympic and major sports leagues and personalities. "We've asked Kelly to investigate our situation with the conference's television contract and recommend a new course of action," said BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson in the statement. "We are looking forward to weighing Kelly's recommendations and determining the best course of action available to us." This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1. |
