ESPN & ACC reach new deal

[moonshine]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story ... cc-network

I placed this under "other school's" since it deals with the ACC but wanted to get your ideas on how this could impact the Sun Belt and App, if it all. With the ACC network going live, will they take some of the content from ESPN/ESPN2 which could ultimately open up more spots for the conference? Does this deal essentially kill Raycom? Could the Sun Belt/App swoop in and land a deal with Raycom to broadcast our content?

According to their website, "Raycom Media owns or provides services for stations covering over 14% of U.S. television households..." Even with the current setup (including Idaho and NMSU), Raycom covers the entire footprint. They stretch from NY to FL over to AZ up to ID with major concentration in the southeast, gulf region and Texas.

Coverage map:
http://www.raycommedia.com/locations/

I think it would be a proactive move on Benson and the conference's part, assuming they could find the money, to launch a Sun Belt digital platform unless the conference could land a deal with Raycom who already produces digital content. Maybe strike a deal with Apple or Roku where fans could download the Sun Belt app or have it come standard on new devices or if Netflix/Hulu ever get in the act of broadcasting live sports, striking a deal with them. I definitely don't have a clue about the financials behind such a move. However, Sun Belt programs don't generate much TV money so our programs know how to survive without that money. Since we lack the revenue stream, the next best thing is exposure.

[HeffnerIV]

Doesn't ESPN own Raycom?

[moonshine]

I don't believe so. I pulled this off their website, "Raycom Media, an employee-owned company, is one of the nation's largest privately owned broadcasters and owns and/or provides services for 62 television stations in 42 markets and 20 states."

[scatman77]

Sail with the Pilot at the wheel
On a ship sturdy from its mast to its keel.
He guides through storm and wave,
Insures you while you save.

Sail with the Pilot o'er the seas,
He's got plans for every growing family.
Worries are far behind you
There's really peace of mind, too.

When you sail with the Pilot all the way,
So get on board the Pilot ship today!

[MDaniels84]

Sail with the Pilot at the wheel
On a ship sturdy from its mast to its keel.
He guides through storm and wave,
Insures you while you save.

Sail with the Pilot o'er the seas,
He's got plans for every growing family.
Worries are far behind you
There's really peace of mind, too.

When you sail with the Pilot all the way,
So get on board the Pilot ship today!

Dang Scat, I think that I just saw David Thompson score on Maryland again in the 1973 ACC tournament.

[scatman77]

Sail with the Pilot at the wheel
On a ship sturdy from its mast to its keel.
He guides through storm and wave,
Insures you while you save.

Sail with the Pilot o'er the seas,
He's got plans for every growing family.
Worries are far behind you
There's really peace of mind, too.

When you sail with the Pilot all the way,
So get on board the Pilot ship today!

Dang Scat, I think that I just saw David Thompson score on Maryland again in the 1973 ACC tournament.

David Thompson....DT..........the original Sky Walker. I thought I heard Jim Thacker and Bones McKinney call the game.

[appstate77]

"This has been a C.D. Chesley Production."