TV Blackout Issues

[MM4MSU]

Being exiled up here in Saginaw, Michigan (job transfer) for past two years I've observed some interesting things regarding games available in area, including on my provider, Dish. I subscribe to their expanded sports package, which gives me access to FSN South, Sports South, and many other regional networks, including if course all the ESPN channels. Last football season on several occasions I noticed that there were sometimes 1-4 various Dish channels indicating various SEC games, but then about Thursday of game week (using Dish Game Finder site) some or all these games would be listed as "blacked out" for this area. If I tuned in "Not Authorized" would appear on screen. Last week was especially frustrating because I was under impression the MSU-OK St game was nationwide, and available on either the local ABC affiliate and/or ESPN2, depending on the area. As it turned out Penn State (Big 10) was playing at same time, so I understood why that one would be shown on ABC in this area; however, ESPN2 listed the game, but showed it blacked out in this area. I called ESPN corporate office twice Saturday morning and was assured our game was not blacked out; however upon calling Dish I was told it WAS on their blackout list for here and that list comes from networks, in this case ESPN. Called ESPN back and after several minutes was told I would be able to access on one of ESPN's "alternate" networks, Dish 146. That turned out to be true, but reception was not very good. When I tuned in to ESPN2 to see what they had on I got the big blue "Not Authorized" sign on screen. Just on a hunch I put in zip codes on Dish game finder site for major cities in every state that has teams in Big Ten and our game was shown as blacked out on all of them. Interestingly a friend who lives in Richland, Washington called and said she was able to get our game on both the local ABC and ESPN2, so it really made me wonder if the Big 10 has some deal to try to keep as many SEC games out of their market as possible. Univ of Michigan was playing at same time, but that one was on Fox Detroit. I know we have had one or two TV gurus here, so wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this.

Michael M
(MSU '73)

 

[The Peeper]

My thoughts are holy carp that post made my head swim. But, I feel your pain, I too was out of MS for several years and that was 87-96, before streaming radio, the internet ESPN games and multiple SEC games. I might would get 1 Raycom game a year back then. PS, I walked to school in the snow, uphill too!

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

We are scheduled for ESPN3

But you may not know until game time,


http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index#type/upcoming/channel/espn3/startDate/20130907/

Your internet provider has say there.

 

[MM4MSU]

LOL...made my head swim too when I looked back and read it, but hard to reduce it and still say what I wanted. I have now learned I can get it PPV in this area or go to Buffalo Wild Wings, so latter is what will happen. ESPN3 is not an option as I have Verizon Wireless as ISP.

Michael M
(MSU '73)

 

[Shmuley]

I for one am thankful that the good people of the State of Michigan were not forced to endure that crxxmtastic performance. Blessing in disguise.

 

[yjnkdawg]

If you have the Sports Package on Directv, the guide shows that Channel 696 will broadcast the ASU/MSU game in HD. This is a a regional Comcast California Sports Channel. I wouldn't think any blackout would occur, but you never know. Hope this info may benefit someone.

 

[DAWG61]

My ESPN3 for the MSU game was blacked out also and I'm in Tennessee. It didn't make any sense because EVERY other SEC team wasn't blacked out. I had to watch the replay on ESPNU.

 

[TBone.sixpack]

I am outside of Nashville and it is on Comcast Sports. No HD. Happens a lot here. They have an HD channel but only turn at POS on for **** like Women's softball.

 

[WrapItDog]

Blacking out the Alcorn State game is racist, totally inappropriate. It's lewd, vesivius, salacious, outrageous!