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I found another letter from Tom Holmoe about the MWC CSTV dealmess. He is right that this weeks game is on ESPN2. The problem is when we get past this weeks game and there is still no deal. I’m talking to my friend in Utah who is going to try and stream me the game. Desperate times require desperate measures.

Dear BYU Fans,

As you can probably imagine, I have received a large number of emails concerning last weekend’s game vs. Tulsa, and the lack of broadcast coverage outside the Wasatch Front. It is not feasible for me to respond individually to each email, but I know many of our fans are frustrated that a satellite distribution deal has not been finalized and I wanted you to have the most up-to-date information available.

Although I understand it is frustrating to miss a football game on television, our objective is to finalize a long-term deal that will give BYU and the MWC increased national exposure, and allow our fans across the country to enjoy live BYU events.

This weekend we travel to Boston College for a game that will be televised regionally on ESPN2. The following week we return home for a mtn. broadcast vs. Utah State. I understand the sense of urgency to finalize satellite and additional cable distribution for the mtn.

Negotiations with Dish and DirecTV continue around the clock. We also have daily communication with the MWC and CSTV. With each day that passes the stakes get higher, and I understand it becomes more frustrating for our fans.

I fully expected the negotiations for cable and satellite distribution would be finalized before our season opener, but that did not happen. Cable distribution — especially across the west — is growing everyday.

Am I frustrated that a satellite deal has not been finalized? Absolutely. Have the negotiations gone as quickly as I had hoped? No. Am I pushing for a deal to be completed in the near future? No question.

Five years ago BYU-TV launched with very little distribution. Now it is in more than 40 million homes and growing every month. It did not happen overnight. The same can be said for CSTV and even ESPN.

I understand it is imperative that we establish coverage on satellite. We also look forward to utilizing other mediums — such as video on demand, Internet broadcasts, and other pay-per-view options.

We are doing everything in our power to finalize a distribution deal on satellite television. My hope is that you — as a fan of the program — can understand the long-term importance of these negotiations and be patient as we work towards a resolution that is beneficial for everyone.

Thanks,

Tom Holmoe

BYU Director of Athletics