Question about the Longhorn Network

AssEndDawg

Freshman
Aug 1, 2007
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From what I am reading they keep talking about broadcasting things "nationwide". Is this Longhorn Network something ESPN plans to have everywhere? Like on DirecTV, DISH and all the cable networks? Cause I have to tell you, I would have a problem with that. I would be willing to call / write a letter to DirecTV if they plan to put on a 24/7 University of Texas recruiting video on every TV set in the Southeast.
 

tcprdr321

Redshirt
Aug 9, 2011
37
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<div>The LHN is supposed to be like an ESPNU -- nationwide coverage except 24/7 Longhorn crap. Being in Texas (and about 45 minutes from the UT campus), I have seen TONS of ads for this silly thing. It is supposed to be distributed as a basic digital cable channel by the cable companies nationwide -- and supposed to make people's cable bill jump as much as 50 cents per month. Ultimatelythe cable companies will decide if they will carry the network or not; therefore you may or may not have the network. Admit it -- you know you want to watch Longhorn underwater-basket-weaving all hours of the day though! :)</div><div>
</div><div>Past article from Houston Chronicle that explains the LHN very well: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/texas/7388045.html</div><div>
</div><div>The funny thing is as of TODAY, the LHN still doesn't even have any digital carriers signed up!!! Strange. http://www.kansascity.com...ies-at-the-longhorn.html</div><div>
</div><div>All I can say is if MY cable provider hikes my bill even five cents and they say it is for the LHN, there will be hell to pay! </div><div>
</div><div>
</div>
 

AssEndDawg

Freshman
Aug 1, 2007
3,183
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what makes them think that people in a city like Memphis (football crazy and a mix of Tennessee, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Miss. State, Bama and all 100 University of Memphis football fans) wouldn't go nuts on Comcast for trying to provide that network here? Especially if they want to raise rates for it. Memphis is SEC recruiting ground and having this network available (as lame as it will be) is just not a good thing.
 

shsdawg

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Mar 30, 2010
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Notre Dame. They don't have that kind of nationwide following, even if they think they do. In fact I would say most outside of Texas dislike them.I would bet themajorityIN Texas actually hate them, even if they do have the biggest follwing of all there.
 

tcprdr321

Redshirt
Aug 9, 2011
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That's exactly what I thought. The only people I know who are for this are UT fans, and they do feel they have a nationwide following. Drives me nuts. They also believe they should be considered an Ivy League school. Figure that one out.

As a military family, we have lived all over the place and been around people from all over the country. Whenever I say we are from Texas, I almost always get told how they hate the Longhorns or get asked if the school really believes they are all that. Being from Texas, it actually surprised me how many didn't know anything about the school or truly didn't care if they did know something about it.

The big joke around here is that UT fans like to use the argument that they are number one in collegiate merchandise sold; therefore they must have the biggest fan base. It is a stupid argument because you can walk into any Walmart or gas station in the state (and I have been all over the state) and find cheap knock-off looking Longhorn crap. You won't see TAMU, TTU, or Baylor there. I saw a tourist buy one just because it had a picture of a longhorn on it -- had no clue it was for a college. I have seen laborers just grab one off the rack without really looking at it because they needed a clean shirt. You get the idea..... Nothing annoys a UT Alum more than calling them a "gas station fan."
 

AssEndDawg

Freshman
Aug 1, 2007
3,183
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48
and let them know how I felt about them possibly carrying the Longhorn Network. I've been with DTV since they started and I usually get pretty good treatment but I was surprised to get an email from their programming department (not your random customer service person). They said that while they wouldn't guarantee anything they had been hearing from a lot of customers with a negative opinion of TLN. They assured me that they were College Football fans and that they understood how TV coverage affects recruiting and how this could appear, especially outside of Texas.

Could be the stock answer they are sending out about these complaints but it seemed very well thought out. I think they are smart enough to avoid the appearance of supporting one team over others. Then again, ESPN has a lot of power so it will be interesting to see.
 

tcprdr321

Redshirt
Aug 9, 2011
37
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I would be very interested to know how that turns out. Please keep us posted. <div>
</div><div>I have seen some reports this evening that the Longhorn Network STILL doesn't have a carrier, but they keep saying how these type of negotiations always come down to the wire. There is some truth to that I guess. My thought is (at least in Texas) that there would be more fans from TAMU, Tech, Rice, TCU, Baylor, Houston, and SMU who do NOT want to see the LHN then the number of Texas fans who do, and that doesn't even include the smaller division schools. From a business standpoint, I really fail to see how this thing is a win for the cable companies. </div><div>
</div><div>Side note -- Mack Brown is apparently becoming increasingly concerned with the whole network in general. Not that I blame him. </div><div>http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/08/12/brown-seems-uneasy-about-longhorn-network-access/</div>
 

tcprdr321

Redshirt
Aug 9, 2011
37
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: small; ">From the Big 12:

"The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors conducted a teleconference meeting today to discuss the future of the Conference given recent developments regarding Texas A&M University. The Board strongly conveyed to Texas A&M its unanimous desire that it remain a Big 12 member, and acknowledged its value to the Conference. The Board noted that Texas A&M expressed concerns about institutional networks and that the athletics directors worked together and took actions, which the Board has approved, to adequately address those concerns. The other nine members reaffirmed their long term, unconditional and unequivocal commitments made to each other and the Conference last summer. Although the Board hopes Texas A&M remains in the Conference, the Board is prepared to aggressively move forward to explore expansion opportunities. In doing so, the Board recognizes the strength of the Big 12 Conference national brand and the opportunity to capitalize on it."</span>
 

tcprdr321

Redshirt
Aug 9, 2011
37
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First I see an for the Longhorn Network on RedRaiderSports.com earlier tonight, and now I just saw one on Six Pack Speak!!!!! What the hell........
 

FlabLoser

Redshirt
Aug 20, 2006
10,709
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tcprdr321 said:
First I see an for the Longhorn Network on RedRaiderSports.com earlier tonight, and now I just saw one on Six Pack Speak!!!!! What the hell........
Well, ad servers do that. <div>
</div><div>bikini</div><div>
</div><div>With a little effort,</div><div>
</div><div>bikini</div><div>
</div><div>..we could steer some other ads our way.</div><div>
</div><div>bikini</div><div>
</div>
 

tcprdr321

Redshirt
Aug 9, 2011
37
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Hahaha.....yeah I know! I actually work in the advertising industry. I was just being goofy, but it really does annoy me to see that crap!
 

AssEndDawg

Freshman
Aug 1, 2007
3,183
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Names changed to protect the innocent (mainly me).

Response Via Email(<DTV Rep>) - 08/13/2011 04:22 PM
Dear Mr. <Me>,

Thanks for writing. I see that you're one of our loyal customers and we appreciate your business with us. I understand that you do not want Longhorn Network to be included in the DIRECTV channel line up. You are important to us and we want to make sure that your concern about Longhorn Network on DIRECTV is addressed as quickly as possible.

Please be advised that we don't carry Longhorn Network right now and we do not currently have plans to add it to our lineup. As fans ourselves we understand the passion and complexity of College Football and we certainly do not want to alienate our customers. This is a heated issue in the state of Texas but we are starting to hear from people outside of that region with similar concerns. As you can imagine programming can be complex but I reiterate that we do not currently have plans to add Longhorn Network to our lineup.

We know you have a choice when it comes to programming providers, and we must work hard to earn your business. We value your opinion about our sports programming service so I have forwarded your comments to DIRECTV management, who review every suggestion, inquiry and complaint for trends from our most important customers to determine what changes should be considered.

On a different note, I see that you may be eligible for a special offer. This offer is available for a limited time and only by calling us at 1-800-531-5000. Please call us at your convenience between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM to see what special offer is best for you.

Thanks again for writing Mr. <Me>. We respect your time and I appreciate that you've given me the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

<DTV Rep>
DIRECTV Programming Division

P.S. Have a question? Anytime, any topic, instant answers - support.directv.com The Answer Center provides you helpful information, 24/7, all at your fingertips.
 

Incognegro

Redshirt
Nov 30, 2008
3,037
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Sent it to my friend right now. Currently waiting on his response which I'm sure will sound more like I'm hating (which I kinda am).