Pac-12 to launch national network

[tlongII]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6809599/pac-12-launch-national-regional-networks


NEW YORK -- The Pac-12 will launch national and regional conference television networks next year.

Commissioner Larry Scott announced Wednesday at an East Coast football media day in Manhattan that the Pac-12 had partnered with cable companies Comcast, Cox, Time Warner and Bright House. There will be a national network along with six regional channels: Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Southern California, Arizona and Mountain.

Once the networks launch in August 2012, they will broadcast about 850 sporting events a year -- 350 nationally and 500 regionally. Subscribers will also be able to watch games on mobile devices.

Every football and men's basketball game will be televised nationally. The conference already had a 12-year television contract worth about $3 billion with Fox and ESPN, which will air many of the most high-profile games.



More $'s baby!

[DesignatedT]

They're doing it right. Props to Larry Scott tbh. Better than dipshit dumbfuck Dan Beebe.

[tlongII]

http://www.oregonlive.com/pac-12/index.ssf/2011/07/pac-12_network_watch_larry_scott_reveal_details_at_2_p m_video.html

A release from the Pac-12:

NEW YORK --In an innovative arrangement providing unprecedented exposure for its athletic and academic programs, the Pac-12 Conference announced today the creation of Pac-12 Networks, which will include a national network and six regional networks, in conjunction with four of the nation's largest cable operators: Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Bright House Networks.

In addition to broadly distributing the Pac-12 Networks, the four cable operators are utilizing iN DEMAND to provide certain production and operations services to the Pac-12 Networks, which will continue to be wholly owned by the Pac-12 Conference.

This transformative arrangement, set to begin in August 2012, marks the first time a U.S. collegiate conference or any other programmer has launched a collection of networks across a variety of platforms rather than a sole network. And it includes “TV everywhere” rights, permitting the networks to be viewed outside customers’ homes on any digital device, such as smartphones and tablet computers, creating a virtual “Pac-12 Everywhere.”

Expressing his excitement with the new agreement, Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said, “As we explored the potential for a Pac-12 network, it became clear that we could customize programming towards local interests and provide our students, alumni, and many fans the widest possible range of events with the best opportunity to see the schools they care about most.”

Scott praised Melinda Witmer as Chairman of iN DEMAND for bringing iN DEMAND and its potential to the discussions. “This is an example of how innovative organizations can collaborate to create something that is entirely original and that will serve the college sports fan better than anything that has existed before,” he said. “We look forward to taking advantage of our cable partners’ vast production, marketing and advertising resources to serve our fans both through the regional networks and the national network.”

Ms. Witmer, who is also Executive Vice President and Chief Video and Content Officer for Time Warner Cable, said: “iN DEMAND is proud to be part of this groundbreaking plan to bring millions of Pac-12 fans a unique blend of national and regional programming. This innovative deal demonstrates the strengths of the cable platform, and the unique ability we have to provide deep local, regional and national programming on multiple platforms and multiple devices – giving our customers the ability to watch their favorite teams anywhere. We are pleased to be associated with these leading universities, and look forward to working with them and the Conference to make this innovative arrangement a success.”

The six regional networks will be established in Northern California, Southern California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Mountain regions.

The deal complements a major national broadcast and cable agreement announced in May. At that time, the Conference announced the creation of Pac-12 Media Enterprises, the first step in creating the TV networks that are being announced today. Pac-12 Media Enterprises is also expected to eventually announce distribution arrangements covering satellite and telco transmission.

Regional and National Network Programming

Under the agreement announced today, Pac-12 Networks eventually will telecast a total of 850 live events annually – 350 on the national feed and 500 on the regional feeds -- including every football game and every men’s basketball game that isn’t carried by national telecast partners. Additional events will include spring football, and every sport played by Pac-12 programs including all conference championships. Pac-12 also will be working to launch additional content on broadband.

The agreement will provide unprecedented exposure for women’s sports, as well as exposure for both men’s and women’s programs that have been traditionally underserved on television. This includes extensive coverage of Pac 12 athletes in Olympic sports, where the Pac-12 has had more success than any other U.S. conference. Over 200 Pac-12 athletes competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and if the Pac-12 were its own country it would have finished sixth in the total medal count.

Pac 12 Networks will feature extensive educational, academic and lifestyle programming from the Pac-12 Institutions, some of the most renowned and recognizable higher education institutions in the world. Programming will extend beyond athletics to other subjects of interest to students, faculty, alumni and fans of the Pac-12 universities.

Through this agreement Pac-12 Networks will be available nationwide to almost 40 million cable customers. Within the Pac-12 Conference’s six-state footprint, Pac-12 Networks will be broadly distributed and available to Pac-12’s far-flung alumni and fans across the country.

Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

[tlongII]

If Texas had joined the conference I wonder if we would have been able to do this?

[DesignatedT]

This is what you get when a conference works TOGETHER.

[symple19]

Looks like a good deal.

[Blake]

God, the Pac12 commish kicks ass.

I hope when A&M and OU go to the SEC and UT goes independent that the invite is still on the table for Tech.

[JMarkJohns]

Larry Scott for President.

[tlongII]

I think Larry Scott's background with professional sports makes a huge difference in how the conference is run. He focuses on how to make the league grow. And how to make it grow as a group.

[tlongII]

God, the Pac12 commish kicks ass.

I hope when A&M and OU go to the SEC and UT goes independent that the invite is still on the table for Tech.

I think the Pac-12 will definitely invite a team from Texas again. And it won't be UT or A&M.

[DesignatedT]

I think the Pac-12 will definitely invite a team from Texas again. And it won't be UT or A&M.

Texas clearly eliminated themselves from any PAC 12 future with the LHN and they knew exactly that when they started it. A&M never did or will want in the PAC12.

Tech would seem like the perfect candidate for them if/when this conference shuffling begins again (along with Ok State if they are available). The teams that are going to be screwed are the Baylors, Kansas' and Iowa States.

[Blake]

I think the Pac-12 will definitely invite a team from Texas again. And it won't be UT or A&M.

Wont be Baylor or TCU either

[NFO]

God, the Pac12 commish kicks ass.

I hope when A&M and OU go to the SEC and UT goes independent that the invite is still on the table for Tech.

Larry Scott says to keep checking the mail and to let him know when you get the invitation.

[Blake]

Larry Scott says to keep checking the mail and to let him know when you get the invitation.

not sure what that means

[Sisk]

Good move by a well put together conference.

[tlongII]

eAXGoO9u9S4

[tlongII]

I am getting JACKED UP!

[tsb2000]

I cannot wait for football season! GO UTES!

[Thompson]

Tech might rile Texas with their latest statement saying it won't be a problem for the Big 12 schools if A&M leaves, especially if that's their position at the hearing on Tuesday. They won't be towing the company (Baylor and Texas) line, and that's after refusing to submit to the LHN blackmail.

I thought that Texas, Tech, OU, and OSU might end up heading off to join the Pac-12; hopefully Texas doesn't try to screw Tech over for this (though I don't know who they'd replace them with). If they do try it, maybe in exchange for Tech's helpful testimony, A&M can get Perry to recall the legislature to block Texas from leaving you. After all of Texas' machinations to prevent us from leaving, that would be hilarious.

[Blake]

Tech might rile Texas with their latest statement saying it won't be a problem for the Big 12 schools if A&M leaves, especially if that's their position at the hearing on Tuesday. They won't be towing the company (Baylor and Texas) line, and that's after refusing to submit to the LHN blackmail.

I thought that Texas, Tech, OU, and OSU might end up heading off to join the Pac-12; hopefully Texas doesn't try to screw Tech over for this (though I don't know who they'd replace them with). If they do try it, maybe in exchange for Tech's helpful testimony, A&M can get Perry to recall the legislature to block Texas from leaving you. After all of Texas' machinations to prevent us from leaving, that would be hilarious.

little in this post makes any kind of sense

[Thompson]

little in this post makes any kind of sense

Texas and Baylor are trying to get the budget committee to make threats to cut A&M's funding; they're going to say that A&M leaving will destroy the Big 12. Tech's president recently put out a statement that contradicts this argument and will help us at the hearing.

"If A&M departs for the Southeastern Conference, however, the Big 12 will immediately seek one or more replacements and remain just as strong,” Tech President Guy Bailey said.

http://m.lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2011-08-13/big-12-board-directors-urge-am-stay-reaffirm-commitment-league

[DMX7]

little in this post makes any kind of sense

Yeah, that one kind of flew over my head too.

[Blake]

Texas and Baylor are trying to get the budget committee to make threats to cut A&M's funding; they're going to say that A&M leaving will destroy the Big 12. Tech's president recently put out a statement that contradicts this argument and will help us at the hearing.

"If A&M departs for the Southeastern Conference, however, the Big 12 will immediately seek one or more replacements and remain just as strong,” Tech President Guy Bailey said.

http://m.lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2011-08-13/big-12-board-directors-urge-am-stay-reaffirm-commitment-league

Nehh......still doesn't make much sense.

No idea what you are saying about riling ut up and tech possibly getting screwed over.

[Blake]

Texas and Baylor are trying to get the budget committee to make threats to cut A&M's funding; they're going to say that A&M leaving will destroy the Big 12. Tech's president recently put out a statement that contradicts this argument and will help us at the hearing.

"If A&M departs for the Southeastern Conference, however, the Big 12 will immediately seek one or more replacements and remain just as strong,” Tech President Guy Bailey said.

http://m.lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2011-08-13/big-12-board-directors-urge-am-stay-reaffirm-commitment-league


....“They’ve got to do what’s best for them,” [DeLoss] Dodds said of the Aggies. “We’re going to look at every option we’ve got, and we’re going to end up in a good place. That’s what we do. We’re good at that.”

Dodds told me that he and his staff have been in contact with the other eight Big 12 schools, and the remaining nine teams are already exploring possible replacements for A&M.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/bohls/entries/2011/08/12/dodds_expects_b.html

[Thompson]

You think the Big 12 will last for any length of time?

It might last a year or so, but the fact that they don't want to go to 12 to avoid a conference championship game means they'll have a target on their backs for any other conferences looking to expand.

As for Texas getting angry with Tech, maybe not; they just seemed to be working against the will of Texas in two separate instances (refusing the LHN game and sabotaging the argument Baylor and Texas were going to present at the hearing).

I was just impressed that Tech was standing up to Texas, and appeared to be helping us out with the hearing. I was grateful. Apologies. :rolleyes

[Blake]

You think the Big 12 will last for any length of time?

Hard to say any more.

If A&M leaves, I think the fate of the Big 12 will lie with OU.


It might last a year or so, but the fact that they don't want to go to 12 to avoid a conference championship game means they'll have a target on their backs for any other conferences looking to expand.

The Pac 10 never had a target on it's back because of it's lack of a conference game.


As for Texas getting angry with Tech, maybe not; they just seemed to be working against the will of Texas in two separate instances (refusing the LHN game and sabotaging the argument Baylor and Texas were going to present at the hearing).

why should anyone care if UT "gets angry" with Tech?

What would UT do to Tech? Run up the score during a blowout?


I was just impressed that Tech was standing up to Texas, and appeared to be helping us out with the hearing. I was grateful. Apologies. :rolleyes

Tech stood up to UT and ESPN because it was a bad business deal for Tech in the long term. Tech is in it for Tech.

[Blake]

Texas and Baylor are trying to get the budget committee to make threats to cut A&M's funding; they're going to say that A&M leaving will destroy the Big 12.

also not sure where you are getting this from and why A&M's funding might have the right to be cut just because they move to a different conference.

[Thompson]

The PAC is now at 12; it didn't have a problem before because we have only now entered the early conference realignment stages that will lead to superconferences. I think if the Big 12 isn't trying to become one of the 16-team conferences, it's going to be cannibalized by the others.


also not sure where you are getting this from and why A&M's funding might have the right to be cut just because they move to a different conference.

That was the whole reason they were trying to get them to call the hearing. The legislature was not in session; the only way the Budget Committee could have pressured A&M would be threats to their funding. It was certainly not the correct thing for them to do, but that wouldn't necessarily stop them.

[Blake]

The PAC is now at 12; it didn't have a problem before because we have only now entered the early conference realignment stages that will lead to superconferences. I think if the Big 12 isn't trying to become one of the 16-team conferences, it's going to be cannibalized by the others.

Depends again on OU, imo.

I think the Big XII can get back to 12 again rather easily if they want to. BYU, Air Force, Houston seem to be viable additions, imo.

Also seems to me there is no advantage to going back to 12.


That was the whole reason they were trying to get them to call the hearing. The legislature was not in session; the only way the Budget Committee could have pressured A&M would be threats to their funding. It was certainly not the correct thing for them to do, but that wouldn't necessarily stop them.

It's not a budget committee, it's the Texas Higher Education Committee.

You don't have your facts straight, tbh.

[Thompson]

The Texas Higher Education Committee controls funding.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/08/12/texas-am-sec/index.html

I didn't bother to look up the title of the committee, because it didn't really matter; they still control funding. If you want to be anal about such things, fine. You used the bold words incorrectly. Your sentence says 'The Pac 10 never had a target on it is back because of it is lack of a conference game.'


The Pac 10 never had a target on it's back because of it's lack of a conference game.


I'm guessing you went to a Tier 3 university.

[pkbpkb81]

http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post?id=31797

good for you ksu

[leemajors]

http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post?id=31797

good for you ksu

that seems like a pretty good idea.

[Blake]

The Texas Higher Education Committee controls funding.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/08/12/texas-am-sec/index.html

I didn't bother to look up the title of the committee, because it didn't really matter; they still control funding. If you want to be anal about such things, fine. You used the bold words incorrectly. Your sentence says 'The Pac 10 never had a target on it is back because of it is lack of a conference game.'

I don't see where the THEC directly controls funding.

I also don't see where Texas and Baylor are trying to get the budget committee to make threats to cut A&M's funding.

I think it's pure speculation on your part.




I'm guessing you went to a Tier 3 university.

lol showing off 8th grade grammar skills.

it doesn't appear that going to a Tier 1 university helped you develop much in the way of solid research and deduction skills.

[ChumpDumper]

http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post?id=31797

good for you ksuDon't most schools have something like this already?

[pkbpkb81]

Don't most schools have something like this already?

Something close but they don't show football games on them, the schools in the b12 just got the right to their 3rd tier games last summer so I’m sure we'll see more of it soon


The whole 3rd tier thing is why ut is trying to show football games on the lhn

[Thompson]

I don't see where the THEC directly controls funding.


Try reading the 'Story Highlights' at the top of the page.

"Body can't officially do anything, but controls funding and can apply pressure"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/08/12/texas-am-sec/index.html

"The committee shall have nine
members, with jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to:
(1) education beyond high school;
(2) the colleges and universities of the State of Texas; and..." (emphasis added)

http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/committee/?committee=290&session=82


I also don't see where Texas and Baylor are trying to get the budget committee to make threats to cut A&M's funding.

http://www.baylor.edu/baylorproud/emails/baylorproud_2011_08_12.html

"The University of Texas recently hired a public relations firm, HillCo Partners, in what many believe is an attempt to boost its image at the expense of the Aggies. While that may sound like conspiracy theory mania, but there is a link. According to our source in Texas, HillCo PAC (the political action committee of the PR firm) is a large contributor to Rep. Dan Branch."

http://bloghawgs.com/2011/08/12/

http://www.landthieves.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12470&start=0

HillCo has donated $4000 to Dan Branch.

http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2010/01/austin-lobbying-powerhouse-hillco-partners-quietly-gives/1264449720.story

http://www.killerfrogs.com/msgboard/index.php?showtopic=139804


I think it's pure speculation on your part.

There are several source indicating that's what's happening. The ones above are only a few of them.


lol showing off 8th grade grammar skills.

Okay, apparently Tech doesn't even provide you with 8th grade grammar skills. You said it first. :rollin


it doesn't appear that going to a Tier 1 university helped you develop much in the way of solid research and deduction skills.

Says the guy who apparently thinks the committee demanded the hearing for no reason, not compelled by anyone, and without plans to pressure A&M in any way.

[Blake]

Try reading the 'Story Highlights' at the top of the page.

"Body can't officially do anything, but controls funding and can apply pressure"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/08/12/texas-am-sec/index.html

did.

Tell me exactly where "Body" = the "THEC".


"The committee shall have nine
members, with jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to:
(1) education beyond high school;
(2) the colleges and universities of the State of Texas; and..." (emphasis added)

http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/committee/?committee=290&session=82

lol you don't know how house committees work


http://www.baylor.edu/baylorproud/emails/baylorproud_2011_08_12.html

"The University of Texas recently hired a public relations firm, HillCo Partners, in what many believe is an attempt to boost its image at the expense of the Aggies. While that may sound like conspiracy theory mania, but there is a link. According to our source in Texas, HillCo PAC (the political action committee of the PR firm) is a large contributor to Rep. Dan Branch."

http://bloghawgs.com/2011/08/12/

http://www.landthieves.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12470&start=0

HillCo has donated $4000 to Dan Branch.

http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2010/01/austin-lobbying-powerhouse-hillco-partners-quietly-gives/1264449720.story

http://www.killerfrogs.com/msgboard/index.php?showtopic=139804



There are several source indicating that's what's happening. The ones above are only a few of them.

lmao boosting their image at the exense of the Aggies

what price has A&M paid for this boost in UT's image?


Okay, apparently Tech doesn't even provide you with 8th grade grammar skills. You said it first. :rollin

Right. Tech doesn't provide any classes on 8th grammar.

lol grammar police


Says the guy who apparently thinks the committee demanded the hearing for no reason, not compelled by anyone, and without plans to pressure A&M in any way.

The committee asked for a similar hearing last year when it looked like UT, A&M and Tech might go to the Pac 10.

It says so right there in the link you provided.

lol you wasted money at a tier 1 university

[Thompson]

Why do you think the committee did so last year? Because Baylor asked them to look into it.

The committee could not reduce funding on their own, but they can threaten to do so in the future. That's the 'pressure' the article is referring to.

As far as grammar is concerned, I didn't mention it and wouldn't have, but for your being anal about the 'proper title' of the house committee, which was irrelevant to the point I was making.

[Blake]

Why do you think the committee did so last year? Because Baylor asked them to look into it.

did Baylor try to get the commitee to cut funding to UT, Tech and A&M last year?


The committee could not reduce funding on their own, but they can threaten to do so in the future. That's the 'pressure' the article is referring to.

The committee cannot reduce funding on their own then or now.

article reading comprehension failure.

intro to government failure.


As far as grammar is concerned, I didn't mention it and wouldn't have, but for your being anal about the 'proper title' of the house committee, which was irrelevant to the point I was making.

the difference between a budget commitee and this commitee is somewhat relevant to your lousy point.

huge lol at you being worried about possessive pronouns while miserably failing at reading comprehension and intro to government.

[pkbpkb81]

Wow Blake owns Aggies on 2 different threads. Well done sir well done






:owned

[Bill_Brasky]

Blake, with the crossover stepback 3 at the buzzer!

[Thompson]

Of course they can't cut funding by themselves. That's why I said threaten to cut funding. They're not in session, and they'd still have to get the Senate and the Governor to sign off on the plan. By the time they're in session again in 2013, we might have another Governor. It would very likely be an empty threat on their part, but they would still attempt to apply pressure that way.

What else did you expect them to do? That is how they would pressure the school.

[symple19]

Love how people believe their opinions about wrestling are fact....

"No one above 10 should watch wrestling"
"Wrestling sucks ass."

It's all opinion. Although in the Mens 21-39 bracket, Monday Night Raw is the most popular television show on a weekly basis...but yeah..it's all for kids.

[Blake]

It would very likely be an empty threat on their part, but they would still attempt to apply pressure that way.


lol empty threat

you don't know what you are talking about, tbh

[Thompson]

lol empty threat

you don't know what you are talking about, tbh

Lol likes to ask questions but won't ever answer any. Why don't you enlighten me?

[Blake]

Lol likes to ask questions but won't ever answer any. Why don't you enlighten me?

no problem.

This committee won't be making threats to cut A&M's funding.

Any more questions?

[Thompson]

no problem.

This committee won't be making threats to cut A&M's funding.

Any more questions?

Not since the hearing was cancelled they won't. What do you think the purpose of the hearing was, and do you think they only wanted to talk without trying to apply pressure?

[pkbpkb81]

Love how people believe their opinions about wrestling are fact....

"No one above 10 should watch wrestling"
"Wrestling sucks ass."

It's all opinion. Although in the Mens 21-39 bracket, Monday Night Raw is the most popular television show on a weekly basis...but yeah..it's all for kids.

?????????????????????????????????????

[symple19]

?????????????????????????????????????

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h290/midgetonadonkey/cruise.jpg

[Blake]

Not since the hearing was cancelled they won't. What do you think the purpose of the hearing was, and do you think they only wanted to talk without trying to apply pressure?


"What we want to do is ask questions to make sure any possibility of a conference move is in the best interests of the state of Texas and our higher education systems," Branch said. "It may be a good thing for A&M to go to the SEC or a bad thing. I'm not pre-judging that. ... If the Big 12 can stay strong and the SEC has a [television] footprint in Texas, that may be a good thing for our economy."



Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/08/12/3287863/texas-legislature-wants-to-meet.html#ixzz1VIQIjfKm

[pkbpkb81]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h290/midgetonadonkey/cruise.jpg

why did you bring up wrestling? just wondering it seems so damn random

[Thompson]

"What we want to do is ask questions to make sure any possibility of a conference move is in the best interests of the state of Texas and our higher education systems," Branch said. "It may be a good thing for A&M to go to the SEC or a bad thing. I'm not pre-judging that. ... If the Big 12 can stay strong and the SEC has a [television] footprint in Texas, that may be a good thing for our economy."



Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/08/12/3287863/texas-legislature-wants-to-meet.html#ixzz1VIQIjfKm

And Branch insisted that no move to the SEC be made before the hearing; one of the links above was an email from Baylor asking alumni/students to email their reps, essentially trying to pressure A&M to stay. As the SI article stated, they can't act now, but they could threaten funding in the future (and yes, of course other steps would have to be taken before the threat was carried out).

If you think they just planned to ask questions, what do you think they'd do if they 'didn't like the answers'? A Baylor alum and economist had already pulled an report out that claimed A&M relocating would cost the state 3,000 jobs and $217 million in output every year.

http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/AM_Defection_Would_Cost_Texas_Millions_Of_Dollars_ Thousands_Of_Jobs__127881353.html

They would try to pressure A&M not to move, and one of the few things they could do would be to threaten penalties such as funding cuts (again, obviously not immediately).

What other action do you think they would have taken? Hold the hearing, decide A&M shouldn't go, and then do nothing? Okay...

[Blake]

you're assuming way too much

[Thompson]

What would the committee do to pressure A&M if they didn't want them to go?

You're either naive or you're just being a contrarian. Whatever.

[Kermit]

you're assuming way too much

But Billy Liucci said.....

[Blake]

What would the committee do to pressure A&M if they didn't want them to go?

You're either naive or you're just being a contrarian. Whatever.

you're assuming the committee is already out to stop A&M from leaving and has some leverage to do so.

you're being a conspiracy hack.

[Venti Quattro]

Pac 12 = stacked

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

STAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKED


in other news...

:lol Arizona football
:lol Mike Stoops' last season
:lol gonna start the season 1-5
:lol gonna finish 5-7
:lol wasting your best QB and receiver of all time's senior year
:lol Stoops still having his job after last season's abortion
:lol playing Oklahoma State week 2 after last year's Alamo Bowl

[Blake]

"The University of Texas recently hired a public relations firm, HillCo Partners, in what many believe is an attempt to boost its image at the expense of the Aggies. While that may sound like conspiracy theory mania, but there is a link. According to our source in Texas, HillCo PAC (the political action committee of the PR firm) is a large contributor to Rep. Dan Branch."

http://bloghawgs.com/2011/08/12/

http://www.landthieves.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12470&start=0

HillCo has donated $4000 to Dan Branch.

http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2010/01/austin-lobbying-powerhouse-hillco-partners-quietly-gives/1264449720.story

http://www.killerfrogs.com/msgboard/index.php?showtopic=139804

There are several source indicating that's what's happening. The ones above are only a few of them.

Says the guy who apparently thinks the committee demanded the hearing for no reason, not compelled by anyone, and without plans to pressure A&M in any way.





Today, Texas A&M University officially made the much anticipated signal of its intention to leave the Big 12. But no legislative hearings preceded it, and none are planned. During a higher education hearing on separate matters this morning, Branch said he hoped the relevant questions about possible conference changes could be asked and answered in the public arena over time "and there won't be a need for any hearings."

http://www.texastribune.org/texas-education/higher-education/branch-no-hearings-planned-m-conference-switch/

nice chat, tbh