Sun Nov 10 00:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Penn State’s White Out Faces New Challenges in Era of College Football TV Deals

**State College, PA** – The iconic Penn State White Out, a spectacle known for its sea of white and electrifying atmosphere, faces a new reality in the evolving landscape of college football television contracts. This year’s 16th full-stadium White Out, against Washington, will take place at 8 p.m. on Peacock, a move that has sparked debate among fans and raised questions about the future of this treasured tradition.

The decision to place the game on Peacock stems from a complex negotiation process involving the Big Ten Conference and its three media partners: Fox, CBS, and NBC. The conference’s seven-year media rights agreement, which began in July 2023, has significantly altered the way games are selected and broadcasted, with the White Out being a prime example.

Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft had advocated for a prime-time White Out game, but the network partners, especially NBC, have their own priorities. NBC, with its long-standing relationship with Notre Dame, has secured exclusive rights to two prime-time games per year, including the Florida State-Notre Dame matchup, which was already scheduled for this weekend.

As a result, Penn State’s White Out, despite being ranked No. 6, was slotted into a window that met the night game request but landed it on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform. While the move ensures the game is held at night, it limits access for viewers who do not subscribe to the service.

The situation has left some fans feeling as if the White Out has been relegated, especially after last week’s highly-anticipated showdown with Ohio State, which drew a massive 9.94 million viewers on Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff.”

However, the Big Ten Conference is committed to ensuring the White Out’s survival, acknowledging its cultural significance and its impact on the university and the community. They are exploring ways to continue showcasing the White Out, even amidst the evolving television landscape.

This year’s White Out will also have an unexpected twist – it will be presented live in select IMAX theaters, a first for college football. This new avenue for viewing, along with the continued fan support and the athletic department’s commitment to the tradition, may help keep the White Out alive and thriving in the future.

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