WISCREPORT.COM (9/24/07) – Wisconsin State Senator Jim Sullivan (D) 5th Senate District, and State Representative Josh Zepnick (D) 9th Assembly District, have called upon Wisconsin’s two largest cable providers, Time Warner and Charter Communications, to put The Big Ten Network on expanded basic cable in their coverage areas throughout the state.

As UW-Madison alumni themselves, Sullivan and Zepnick indicated The Big Ten Network will provide viewers with up to 600 hours of programming focusing on Big Ten universities throughout the year and continue highlighting exciting men’s and women’s sports live from Madison.

“We all know UW-Madison games are among the best and The Big Ten Network goes beyond that, offering specific features on the university’s highly regarded research, top-notch education programs, students and more,” said Rep. Zepnick.

“This network offers an opportunity to see all the good things happening at one of Wisconsin’s many fine universities and we need to make sure as many people see that as possible. That’s why we are urging that The Big Ten Network be put onto expanded basic cable, so everyone can see the great things happening here in Wisconsin”, Zepnick points out.

Both legislators offered their support in a letter addressed to the heads of Time Warner and Charter Communications in Wisconsin. The letter states that The Big Ten Network is not a niche channel like dozens of others currently available on basic cable, but rather, appeals to a broad base of Big Ten fans and is drawing a significant amount of viewers around the country.

“The UW-Madison really is an exceptional institution and as a state, we should support efforts that promote and embrace
that. Our hope is that the largest cable companies in Wisconsin will join with the smaller ones and satellite companies, who are already airing The Big Ten Network,” said Sen. Jim Sullivan.

This network features popular men’s sports like football and basketball and there is also a commitment to televise an increasing number of women’s sports including volleyball. Other Big Ten sports to be televised will be golf, track and field, soccer and more.

Those wanting to voice their own support for putting The Big Ten Network on basic cable are encouraged to call 1-866-WANT-B10 to talk to their cable provider in person. More information can also be found at www.BigTenNetwork.com.