Pac-12 Networks vs. DirecTV: Larry Scott calls for fans to change providers

Pac-12 Football Media Day is underway, and commissioner Larry Scott is already firing shots. In his opening remarks Friday, Scott called for fans currently watching television via DirecTV to change providers and pick up the Pac-12 Networks.

Addressing the Pac-12 Networks situation, Scott told the media, “Unfortunately we are still at an impasse with DirecTV... no closer than we were last year. I urge our fans to drop DirecTV and subscribe to [a provider] that has it.” The Pac-12 Networks website has a clear display explaining how to move on from DirecTV.

Those are mighty strong words from a conference commissioner, but it’s not the first time someone associated with the Pac-12 has called out DirecTV. In May, Pac-12 Networks president Lydia Murphy-Stephans said fans are “obligated” to leave the satellite provider in order to watch the conference’s broadcasts, and that they “hang onto DirecTV and put all the onus on the Pac-12.”

“We can offer it and provide DirecTV with a very fair business offer, the same one (other carriers have contracted for), but we can’t force DirecTV to take it. This is where I’m going to ask fans to step up.”

In addition to bashing DirecTV Friday, Scott touted the perks of the Pac-12 Networks. He said the conference will offer “must-see” programming with “unprecedented access,” which is something every fan should want. With the college athletics arms race reaching new heights every day, Scott and his colleagues need the networks to succeed. That’s more evident with every call to arms.

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