DirecTV's new deal to carry ESPN's SEC Network "isn't sitting well" with Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott, as the Pac-12 Networks are "still not carried by the satellite broadcaster," according to Joe Flint of the L.A. TIMES. Scott said, "It appears this is an example of DirecTV being willing only to deal with big conglomerates who have muscle and leverage beyond the interest of consumers." He is hopeful that if AT&T "closes on its deal to acquire DirecTV, it will ultimately be good for the Pac-12 Networks." Flint noted the net is currently carried by Time Warner Cable, Dish Network and AT&T U-Verse, making it "available in over 60 million homes." AT&T also is a conference sponsor. DirecTV "is the big holdout, and that is unlikely to change this season." Charter Communications also "does not carry Pac-12" (LATIMES.com, 8/7). In L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes what makes the SEC Net "easier to agree upon is a business model that charges different fees for those inside the region of the 14 schools and less for those outside it." The conference-owned Pac-12 Net, which has "one national channel and seven regionals, doesn’t do it that way, and it hasn’t penetrated DirecTV territory since giving preferential treatment to the rival Dish Network just before its launch" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/8).
