“It’s a fresh perspective and a fresh voice in those discussions.”

Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News had an interview Monday night  with Pac 12 commissioner Larry Scott regarding Gary Stevenson's resignation as president of Pac 12 Enterprises:

*** Scott said he was “not completely surprised” by the departure of Pac-12 Enterprises president Gary Stevenson, who did a masterful job getting the Pac12Nets launched 51 weeks after he was hired.

 *** Lydia Murphy-Stephans, who was hired by Stevenson last fall as GM of the Pac12Nets, has been elevated to president.
She’ll oversee the Networks, Pac-12 Digital, sales and distribution, and she’ll report directly to Scott.
Yes, that means Murphy-Stephans takes over negotiations with DirecTV.
“Lydia will be the leaders of the Networks, and she’ll lead the conversations,” said Scott, who added that he will closely monitor the situation.

"It’s a fresh perspective and a fresh voice in those discussions.”
Will that move things along? There’s a chance, I suppose. But far, far, FAR more important is the price point.
If the Pac-12 continues to offer DTV essentially the same deal it has with DISH, Comcast, TWC, etc. — and there are very good reasons for the league to stand its ground — then I’m not sure it matters who’s leading the discussions on the Pac-12 side.

"Our commitment to doing a deal with DirecTV is as strong as ever,” Scott added. “I hope it leads to an agreement before football season.”
*** My hunch regarding distribution:
Don’t be surprised if the conference strikes a deal with AT&T U-verse in the next few months.
Be very surprised if the conference strikes a deal with DirectTV before late August (if then).

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2013/04/24/pac-12-networks-stevenson-departs-murphy-stephans-ascends-and-the-challenge-ahead/

No Spring Games on Charter

Unless Oregon or Oregon State fans in Southern Oregon want to drive to Eugene or Corvallis this weekend they will not see their teams Spring  Football Games because of Charter Communications. For me I am moving to Dish TV!  I have been a Charter customer since the came to the Rogue Valley and took over the previous cable company, but it's time to move on.

April 26Oregon State: 7 p.m., Pac-12 Networks
April 27
Oregon: 11 a.m., Pac-12 Networks
UCLA: 5 p.m., Pac-12 Networks

Turmoil at Pac 12 Networks?

Is there turmoil at the Pac 12 office?  Gary Sevenson who as President of Pac 12 Enterprises is leaving the networks after less than two years on the job with only the explanation that he is on to "my next adventure."

 While Sevens has held his position he was in charge of establishing and gaining distribution of the Pac 12 Networks.  However, the Pac 12 Networks have been unable to work out a carriage deal with Charter Communications or Direct TV.  

Could these two facts be related?  Inquiring minds want to know!

The San Francisco Business Journal tried to contact Sevens for  more information but "Stevenson did not respond to a request for further comment."

Regardless of the reason he is leaving he  is leaving with the job half done.

Charter Customers Don't Get Your Hopes up But:

There are some negotiations going on with a new carrier and the Pac 12 Networks; but, not named and probably not Direct or Charter

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2013/04/04/pac-12-networks-distribution-deal-coming-soon-but-not-necessarily-with-you-know-who/