Big Ten Network Sets Launch Date

The Big Ten Network said it’ll flip the switch on its regional sports channel Thursday, Aug. 30.

Studio news show Big Ten Tonight will be the first program on the network, premiering at 7 p.m. (CST).

Big Ten Network, which has fought with cable operators for distribution on basic-cable tiers, said it counts distribution agreements that will put it on more than 75 cable systems in eight states where Big Ten schools are located.

The launch of the network comes two days before the kickoff of the 2007 Big 10 college-football season.