This is the response I received from DirectTV regarding carrying the local channels, WBOC & WMDT.
"Response (Alfredo P. - 100177886) - 12/05/2008 05:45 PM
Dear Mr. Gilbert,
Thanks for writing.
As you know, we don’t offer local channels in the Salisbury MD area right now, but we’re very glad you took the time to write in and let us know your feelings about getting local channels via satellite. I’ve also forwarded your request to DIRECTV management, so be assured that your voice is being heard.
We would love to provide local channels to you and other customers in the Salisbury MD, too, but our satellite capacity doesn’t allow it today. We’re continuing to expand our capacity, so stick with us. Stay tuned to local news and directv.com/local for more information as it becomes available.
Meanwhile, you may be able to get your local channels for free by installing an off-air antenna. An electronics store can recommend an antenna for you.
Sincerely,
Freddie P.
Employee ID 100177886
DIRECTV Customer Service"
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Well, that explains it!???!!!?!?!?
ReplyDeleteStill, no one has answered as to what the costs are for them carrying these local stations.
ReplyDeleteCosts such as who pays for the uplink equipment, are there any monthly fees, or royalties paid, etc?
What is the industry norm for such deals? Who pays who and how much, etc?
Can someone who knows such things enlighten us, please?
they can't offer them without wboc and wmdt signing a waiver to allow it. Wmdt signed..wboc refuses..
ReplyDeleteI'd go for DirecTV if only they would carry the local channels. I hate Comcast.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you want to ruin a good satellite.
ReplyDeleteBuy an antenna, I dont want my direct tv rates to go up for the local trash its like reading the daily sometimes. Usless
Directv said 5 years ago they were "working" on getting locals here and you see where we are. I think its as much Directv's fault as WBOC because everytime Directv launches a new satellite they fill it up with HD channels and the HD Channels for larger markets that already have their locals in standard definition.
ReplyDeleteThey're launching a new satellite next year that supposedly will allow for more HD locals and HD networks but I doubt Salisbury will get high priority over larger markets.
I can get WBOC and WMDT perfectly fine myself as well as FOX 21 in Standard Def just fine over the air with an antenna hooked right into my HD receiver. I pay a couple bucks a month to get WNBC4 and FOX5 out of NY in HD since there are no OTA feeds of those in this market.
By "local" I assume everyone means Salisbuy, correct?
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, we called Directv & told them we were cancelling their service for a competitor unless they allowed us CBS/ABC feeds. Magically, we were able to then watch those stations through Directv, but they were out of either Balt or NY (don't remember which now).
We then moved 2 miles down the road, and were suddenly unable to get those channels again. Now that we're back in the same house we had CBS/ABC in some 6 years ago, we are still unable to get them through Directv now, despite the fact that we had them previously.
Can you let us know what email address you sent this to? I'd like to email them as well. If they hear from more people from our area, I think they'd be more likely to make it a priority.
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance.
Perhaps Direct T.V need to grab a pillow and turn the t.v up reeeealy loud.....
ReplyDeleteThe representative from DirecTV neglected to advise there is already a firm agreement with local cable companies to forbid any of the satellite carriers, DirecTV and Dish from carrying local channels in this area.
ReplyDeleteI was AMAZED when the WBOC manager broadcast about it, know there is a lot of $$ changing hands to keep local channels on cable exclusively. It's pretty much common knowledge within the industry but they'll all swear up and down it isn't so. It is.
Tidewaterbound must wrap his head in tin foil so that the vast conspiratorial aliens who actually run tv and cable companies can't beam their stuff into his brain.
ReplyDeleteI just went on the Directtv website & clicked on 'contact'. The email address from their response is directvcustomercare@directtv.com. While I appreciate so many people being interested in this topic, all of the anonymous comments/remarks/theories/etc really do little to help get to a solution. If you are not confident enough in what you have to say to put your name on it, most people have very little confidence in the veracity of and personal agenda of the posters.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor has Direct TV just as I do. We both live in Pocomoke City, MD. He lied to them and gave them a Virginia 'BILLING' address, and because of this he has ALL of the networks.
ReplyDeleteHe does not pay more for this, he lied and therefore he gets them.
So the BS story that there is no room for the Salisbury market is just that; BS. It is Maryland politics!
If you have satellite, you can get local channels with an antenna and a dig. converter after feb 19th.
ReplyDeleteBut why would anyone want one? It's not like there's much of our local news. For 2 weeks, the same broadcasts...about Dover, mostly.
Comcast out bids other companies to carry the "locals".
Move to Ocean Pines and try living with Mediacom! Talk about sucky! We don't even get Hi-Def FOX or NBC feeds, and from the looks of it Mediacom may be about to drop our NBC affiliate from their lineup period. CRIMINAL!
ReplyDelete