10-16-2006, 07:28 PM
ESPN APOLOGIZES FOR ON-LINE BROADCAST TROUBLES
Ohio defeated Illinois on ESPN360
ATHENS, Ohio - ESPN has issued an apology to Ohio University and Bobcat
fans following the network's struggles to distribute an on-line broadcast
of Ohio's football game at Illinois Oct. 14. ESPN360, a broadband service,
is available through limited internet service providers. However, Ohio
Athletics had arranged for ESPN360 to be available through the university's
high-speed Ethernet system so students who live on campus could watch the
game on their computers.
"ESPN has apologized for the mistake and the resulting inconvenience to our
fans," said Derek Scott, Ohio Associate Athletics Director for
Communications. "It was a technical issue on their end that led to the
mistake and despite great efforts from the staff at Information Technology
here on campus, there was nothing that could be done to salvage the
situation Saturday night."
Currently, efforts are underway to create an opportunity for fans to watch
the game via one of ESPN's various broadcast entities. Once arrangements
can be finalized, those plans will be announced.
As well, fans who paid a one-day subscription fee to watch the game online
via the ESPN GamePlan pay-per-view service and were also unable to view the
contest may be eligible for a refund. Those affected are encouraged to
call Ohio Athletics at (740) 593-1190 for more information.
Ohio defeated Illinois 20-17 for its first win over a Big Ten member since
2000. It marked the Bobcats' third straight season with a victory over a
school from a BCS conference, following last season's win at home over Pitt
and a 2004 upset of Kentucky.
Ohio defeated Illinois on ESPN360
ATHENS, Ohio - ESPN has issued an apology to Ohio University and Bobcat
fans following the network's struggles to distribute an on-line broadcast
of Ohio's football game at Illinois Oct. 14. ESPN360, a broadband service,
is available through limited internet service providers. However, Ohio
Athletics had arranged for ESPN360 to be available through the university's
high-speed Ethernet system so students who live on campus could watch the
game on their computers.
"ESPN has apologized for the mistake and the resulting inconvenience to our
fans," said Derek Scott, Ohio Associate Athletics Director for
Communications. "It was a technical issue on their end that led to the
mistake and despite great efforts from the staff at Information Technology
here on campus, there was nothing that could be done to salvage the
situation Saturday night."
Currently, efforts are underway to create an opportunity for fans to watch
the game via one of ESPN's various broadcast entities. Once arrangements
can be finalized, those plans will be announced.
As well, fans who paid a one-day subscription fee to watch the game online
via the ESPN GamePlan pay-per-view service and were also unable to view the
contest may be eligible for a refund. Those affected are encouraged to
call Ohio Athletics at (740) 593-1190 for more information.
Ohio defeated Illinois 20-17 for its first win over a Big Ten member since
2000. It marked the Bobcats' third straight season with a victory over a
school from a BCS conference, following last season's win at home over Pitt
and a 2004 upset of Kentucky.
