Here's the problem. The "SEC Network" used to be a syndicated channel many of us received over the air. In some markets it was on the primary channel, others had it on a subchannel. At least 50%, Maybe approaching 70% of the nation had OTA access to the SEC Network. Now, the syndication will be gone at it will be a pay channel only. If DirecTV doesn't resolve this, we will miss the Saturday 12:30 ET football games that we used to see. Then there are numerous basketball games that will also be unavailable.
Just put it on a sports tier if you can't put it on the basic package. Simple as that. We just want ACCESS to it! To me, a SEC fan living in BigTen (where people can't count to 12) country this is a much better channel than BigTen and Big Ten is already on the system. This should be a no brainer.
That channel was never available where I live in the NC Piedmont. In fact, before this was even an issue, I'd never heard of the SEC channel.
Which Saturday 12:30 game are you talking about?
Here's the thing with these niche channels. The producers of the channel are not going to allow it to be put in a higher tier, nor will they permit it to be a pay channel. The reason is simple, not enough buys. The channel would require placement in a tier where many subscribers already are buying that level. This spreads out the cost of the channel. Often to unsuspecting consumers who will never watch the channel but get stuck paying extra for it.
I think we will see providers balking at paying for these specialty sports channels more often because the producers are unrealistic as to the value of the service. Looks like DTV is putting it's foot down on this one.
I would not sweat it. Not much is going to be shown on this channel that is not already available on other channels. Such as football and hoops. It's not the end of the world.