Big Ten Net Adds Shows to Playbook

Best Buy, Chase sponsor original programming

By Jon Lafayette -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/1/2012 9:50:26 AM

While Big Ten football may be underwhelming so for this season, Big Ten Network is adding original programming to its fall lineup aimed at cashing in on fans' loyalty to their schools and proud histories.

BTN has also managed to secure presenting sponsors for its new shows in Best Buy and Chase's Freedom credit card.  Those sponsors join a lineup of national advertisers backing the networks, including State Farm, Buffalo Wild Wings, Nissan, the U.S. Marines and Verizon.

 The Journey: Big Ten Football 2012 has its debut Wednesday. Presented by Best Buy, the series will take a close-up look at this season, with behind-the-scenes access and feature stories about players and coaches. The first episode focuses on Denard Robinson of Michigan, John Simon of Ohio State and Michael Mauti of Penn State. Big Ten Network's basketball version of The Journey was nominated for an Emmy.

Big Ten Elite will tell viewers the story of some of the conference's best team of all time. Presented by Chase Freedom, the first episode, airing Tuesday, looks at the 1997 Michigan football team. Among the other squads featured are the 1994 Nebraska football team and the 1980-81 Indiana basketball team.

 "These two shows really capture what fans love about their teams and schools," said BTN president Mark Silverman. "They join a robust schedule of original and studio programs that complement our live events. We expect ratings and ad sales will continue to grow."

BTN airs more than 40 games during the season, with extensive pregame, halftime and postgame coverage on Saturdays along with Game Breaks between action.

In addition to live games, original BTN programs returning from last year include BTN Football & Beyond, The Next Level, BTN Football Report and the Women's Sports Report, and Tailgate 48, Big Ten Pulse and Step Into my Office.

This fall, the network also has #BTNLive, a nightly radio show available via Fox Sports Radio in select markets and simulcast on BTN on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hosts Dave Revsine, Mike Hall and Rick Pizzo rotate throughout the week.

Big Ten Network is a joint venture of the Big Ten Conference and Fox.