Competitive bidding changes BCS broadcasting venue

The Bowl Championship Series will stay around until at least 2014. That is the term ESPN has proposed to show the games by outbidding News Corp’s Fox channel. Entering into this new cable television contract will deter any hopes of change when it comes to post season college football action.

Fox had reportedly paid $320 million in a deal that allowed them to broadcast the BCS games from 2007 – 2010, according to yahoo finance. Although no numbers have been released, ESPN must have outbid Fox for the rights to show the games after 2010.

ESPN has made it clear by acquiring the rights to show the BCS games they are looking forward to an increase in households to receive their channel. Fox wished to be able to show the programs for free to America, however could not counter ESPN’s top bid. According to a statement from Fox, University presidents and BCS commissioners had unsatisfied feelings of the event’s broadcasting, fueling the change of venues, according Reports indicate the BCS officials have been unsatisfied with the marketing ability of Fox prior to the event. ESPN has weekly college games and more opportunity to enhance the marketing and hype to college sporting spectators.

ESPN refutes any tainted remarks on the deal by stating they offer the best entertainment value in America. Furthermore, they are happy to add these events to their already existing championship-caliber line up of sporting events, as told by spokesman Mike Solty’s to yahoo.com.

Although much criticism is received for the BCS games, people will still devote time to see the outcomes of this years match ups. BCS programming attracts many viewers and advertisers alike. Any fan wishing for a post season playoff will have to wait until after 2014 when ESPN’s proposed agreement will expire.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081117/s_tv.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/11/13/bcs.contract/1.html

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2009 01 11

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