The mtn.'s talent, content debut well

So, what about this first year of programming on The mtn., a network wannabe exclusively dedicated to covering sports in the Mountain West Conference?

Here's my take on what I've seen since forfeiture of my satellite dish for digital cable and The mtn.

I apologize to those frustrated MWC fans who still cannot get The mtn. Agreed, this is dangling candy. Guilty as charged. But "getting the show" is an issue for another day, a topic in the media business we call "hamburger" because of its volatility and bloodletting every time you toss it about.

No, this is about content and presentation. For a network right out of the chute, I believe The mtn. has done a remarkable job filling a void with entertaining, informative shows and interviews you'd never see anywhere else.

Tonight, you can tune into the BYU-Utah baseball game, part of a series that will conclude the regular season. Next week, you'll see the league's baseball tournament live.

Earlier this month, I threw out a grade for programming at The mtn., posted a B+. That brought some expected, constructive disagreement from some who were horrified at some of the game coverage, particularly some production issues with fuzzy pictures, use of cameras, replays and on-air reporting.

The production flaws are correctable and CSTV and Comcast officials I have spoken with say they are eager and capable of fixing those problems.

This network scrambled to get production people in place. Many of these folks behind the scenes had been unceremoniously burned financially by previous contract work with a regional network that had brought Utah and BYU fans TV games.

Because my job conflicts most Saturdays with watching games live on TV, I find football and basketball replays a gold nugget of The mtn. Same with official coaches shows from the league coaches.

Anchors Courtney George and former KTVX-TV (Salt Lake City) sportscaster Marius Payton are professional, knowledgeable, experienced and throw out an attractive presentation. But most of all, they're passionate, and it shows.

Anne Marie Anderson knows her stuff on the sidelines. I've seen her doing background work, and she's as good as anyone on any other network.