The Univ. of Missouri is "moving ahead with plans to launch its Internet-platform Mizzou Digital Network,” according to Mike DeArmond of the K.C. STAR. MU AD Mike Alden said that the “next big step is a meeting on Friday.” Alden added that school officials for the past 14 months have been “concentrating on the Internet format with the intention of using the University of Missouri Journalism School, University-owned KOMU-TV and live event and archival sport content." The network will offer content of “Olympic sports -- wrestling, swimming, soccer, gymnastics -- as well as baseball and softball and basketball” games that do not conflict with Big 12 Conference TV rights. Alden, who has denied MU is looking to move to the SEC, said the net will be able to get "one football game per year." He added it would not be a “continuous loop of 24-7 news programming,” like a traditional TV network. DeArmond noted it could, and probably "would, involve some on-demand content so viewers could tailor their viewing to their own schedules.” Content will be available on “iPads, cell phones and computers for a fee which Alden didn't want to specify but which he said could be based on the Rivals.com model” (KCSTAR.com, 8/14). Meanwhile, Kansas State Univ. today announced that on Aug. 30 it will launch K-StateHD.TV, a digital network that will air live athletic events (KSU). In K.C., Kellis Robinett noted the site will provide a home for KSU's "third-tier broadcast rights." KSU AD John Currie "has listed broadcasting every sporting event on campus, in some form, as a long-term goal" (KCSTAR.com, 8/14).
ANY TAKERS? In Dallas, Barry Horn reported although the Univ. of Texas’ Longhorn Network is set to launch in just under two weeks, “not a single cable, satellite or telecom carrier in the state has signed on.” Although most carriage deals are often “struck just before midnight,” some carrier “somewhere in the great state of Texas should have signed up by now” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/13).
