Vs.
Many college football fans are anxiously watching the negotiations between Time Warner and Walt Disney (owner of ABC and ESPN). The current contract is due to expire on September 2 in the morning, just in time for the start of the college football season. The networks are not dumb and they realize that the cable providers are willing to negotiate in early fall, in anticipation of the start of the new TV season, College Football, and the NFL. As we have seen in past negotiations, both sides have paid for negative ads; Time Warner saying that they are looking out for our best interest and wallet ("Roll Over or Get Tough"), and Disney saying that Time Warner will no longer carry the programs ("I Have Choices"). Also, some providers with current contracts, like DirecTV, advertise that you won't lose the stations if you cut the cable and install a dish. Typically the sides give in and a deal is struck right before the deadline, although the Big Ten Network negotiations did not go well as Time Warner and other providers refused to carry it for an entire year.
It was announced today that both sides are near a deal on the major issues and that the final language is being drafted. It does not appear the blackout will occur. Both sides have agreed to stop the negative ads. It is not clear whether Time Warner will carry the website service ESPN3.com, which was previously called ESPN360. This service provides broadcasts not available on television, and they are slated to cover at least two OSU basketball games in the upcoming season.
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