U-Verse Is Not The Only One To Lose Channels

[dwinth]

I was reading the St. Louis Cardinal forum from stltoday.com, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch web  site, and found this entry.

"In case any of you aren't watching the game tonight, FSN has a ticker on the bottom saying as of Oct 1 Dish Network will no longer be carrying FSN stations, FX, and National Geographic. I predict DirecTV installers will be very busy the next few months.

www.getwhatipaidfor.com for more info"

Here is a more specific link that better explains the situation:   

http://getwhatipaidfor.com/home/story/view/287

The bottom line is that it is not just U-Verse who has channels taken away from them by channel owners/ providers who cannot agree on a contract.

[speedbird9]

And just what do all of those channels have in common with direct tv?  

[dhascall ACE - Master]

Think that the post is indicating that folks will be switching from Dish to Direct

[ictech]

Dish is known for contract disputes.  When I was with them it always seemed like the Local channels where always at odds with Dish.

[bonniebelle]

I know that with all the programs I pay for I will cancel dish in a heart beat if they take these channels away.  I will go back to cable or direct tv.  Why is it only dish doing away with these channels?  Why is dish the only one that keeps loosing channels or raising their rates on certain channels.  I know that I talked to direct tv the other day and they offered me a lot better rate for the same price for better selections that dish offers.  I am tired of the satellite co. loosing their channels for one reason or the other, or  keeping the channels but sky rocketing their rates.  I have the NBA package deal, the NFL package deal, and several other selections and I pay dearly for them, but I won't keep paying to keep the already outrageous prices.  These channels they are talking about doing away with are a few of our favorite channels that with all the other numerous channels I pay for but never, never watch but have to pay for them cause they are in the package, that it seems stupid to keep with dish and pay for something I don't watch.  I know for myself it is cheaper and better for me, the consumer, to go to direct than stay with dish and pay outrageous prices for channels that don;'t mean a thing for me or that we don't ever watch.

[dwinth]

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bonniebelle wrote:

I know that with all the programs I pay for I will cancel dish in a heart beat if they take these channels away.  I will go back to cable or direct tv.  Why is it only dish doing away with these channels?  Why is dish the only one that keeps loosing channels or raising their rates on certain channels.  I know that I talked to direct tv the other day and they offered me a lot better rate for the same price for better selections that dish offers.  I am tired of the satellite co. loosing their channels for one reason or the other, or  keeping the channels but sky rocketing their rates.  I have the NBA package deal, the NFL package deal, and several other selections and I pay dearly for them, but I won't keep paying to keep the already outrageous prices.  These channels they are talking about doing away with are a few of our favorite channels that with all the other numerous channels I pay for but never, never watch but have to pay for them cause they are in the package, that it seems stupid to keep with dish and pay for something I don't watch.  I know for myself it is cheaper and better for me, the consumer, to go to direct than stay with dish and pay outrageous prices for channels that don;'t mean a thing for me or that we don't ever watch.

---

Obviously, you like the sports packages that U-Verse does not provide at this time. If you could do without them, you might want to try ATT U-Verse. There is no contract involved, so if you do not like U-Verse, you could switch to Direct at any time.

[CTJon]

I'm sure that different providers have different contracts with suppliers due at different times.  The negotiation process between seems to be getting significantly tougher and getting down to the wire more.  You can switch and the next vendor may have their contract up in 6 months and you'll go through this again. 

It is all about money.  Suppliers want more money for their products and no one wants to pay for it.

They all seem to be settled but one of these days.

[kryptonite]

Here's what i'm wondering:

If they lose FSN, then do they also lose programming like Center Ice and the NBA package?  It doesn't seem to say.

[NIVO]

scare tactic crap everytime there is a contract dispute. Almost(note i say ALMOST) every one of these ends in the 24th hour reaching an agreement in "the nick of time"

[kryptonite]

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kryptonite wrote:

Here's what i'm wondering:

If they lose FSN, then do they also lose programming like Center Ice and the NBA package?  It doesn't seem to say.

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And the answer is no.  If someone has Dish Network, their subscriptions to packages like Center Ice are unaffected.

Also, not every FSN is affected.  If you have Dish Network and the Sports Pack, you'd still get whatever programming could be offered in your area, such as coaches and highlight shows.

[dwinth]

There was a full page ad in today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch concerning Dish losing channels. The ad urged people to sign up for either U-Verse, Charter, or Direct TV.

[schs1977]

I have had Time Warner,Suddenlink and Dish Network and each have in one time or another been in a dispute, but NEVER has it gone on for 30 days without any resolution.

To U-Verse management:  Your negotiators S*CK!!

[texasguy37 ACE - Expert]

Oh, really?

http://utalk.att.com/t5/TV-Programming/Comments-on-the-Hallmark-Channel-post-here/m-p/265532#M58430

Ignoring facts does not make them any less true.

[texasguy37 ACE - Expert]

For those who think U-verse is the only one who has to remove channels from the lineup due to a dispute, see the link below.  Fox has pulled some channels from Dish due to a failure to reach a new carriage agreement.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/457879-Fox_Pulls_Nets_From_Dish.php

[texasguy37 ACE - Expert]

Here is another article from Multichannel News for those who think these situations can only happen with U-verse:

Dish Drops MSG Networks

MSG,MSG Plus Follow Fuse In Leaving Satellite Carrier's Lineup

by Andrea Morabito of B&C -- Multichannel News, 10/1/2010 9:51:53 AM

MSG Media pulled MSG Network and MSG Plus from Dish Network's channel lineup after no carriage agreement was reached by midnight Oct. 1.

MSG and MSG Plus telecast live New York-area NBA and NHL games of the Knicks, Rangers, Devils, Islanders and Sabres.

In June, Dish dropped MSG-owned music channel Fuse and replaced it with MTV Networks outlet Palladia HD.

"We are disappointed with DISH's decision to drop MSG Network and MSG Plus. DISH has rejected numerous fair and reasonable proposals at rates, terms and conditions consistent with our deals with other operators," Dan Ronayne, executive vice president and general manager, MSG Networks, said in a statement. "Instead of negotiating for a new agreement, DISH has decided to deprive their customers of our award-winning networks and their favorite New York teams."

Dish also lost FX, National Geographic Channel and 19 regional sports networks at midnight Oct. 1 when no deal was reached in a carriage dispute with Fox.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/457883-Dish_Drops_MSG_Networks.php

[CTEL08]

i couldnt give a care what channel dish or any other provider has or doesnt have im a uverse subscriber, i dont get the obsession, how does dish's or any other providers offerings directly affect you? we are paying top dollar for our uverse packages, we deserve top dollar programming regardless of who else is doing what.

[texasguy37 ACE - Expert]

In a perfect world! 

What world do you live in?

[CTEL08]

i was hoping to hear from members with a credible opinion not one and done'ers or 4500+ and counting'ers, sorry i should have clairified that.

[texasguy37 ACE - Expert]

Despite what you may have been hoping for, all are free to express an opinion on this forum, including you, as long as it is done within the rules of the forum.  I realize that some members are only interested in seeing opinions that agree with their own and do not want to see any counter opinions.

[dhascall ACE - Master]

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CTEL08 wrote:

i was hoping to hear from members with a credible opinion not one and done'ers or 4500+ and counting'ers, sorry i should have clairified that.

---

I for one do care about what other providers are doing.  

While I don't watch Hallmark, I was more than a little surprised that they were 1) taken off and 2) are still off.  They must be light years apart.

If AT&T pulls HGTV, DIY and channels that my wife watches - we will most likely be forced to go to Comcast.  Simple fact.  My wife puts up with UV DVR issues, horrific music channels and so on but those channels mean alot to her.  

What other providers do is important to me: It validates the fact that U-Verse is not the only one that this happens to and it can happen to any provider and broadcaster at any time.

[docbombay]

Several points:

1) All providers (Uverse, TWC, Dish, etc.) experience changes in channels available--it's been true as long as such systems have existed.  Channels offerings are based largely on potential profit and demand, and these factors are in constant change, not fixed.

2) I'm pleased that AT&T isn't simply caving in and paying a ransom just to get certain channels back on quickly.  Sure, AT&T wants to make more profit--but isn't that why businesses exist?  It also holds subscriber costs down, so I'm willing to wait it out.  If we lose a couple of channels, it won't be a dealbreaker for me--I compare this possiblilty to when a favorite show ends (ER, West Wing, etc)--I don't stop watching the channel entirely just because one thing I like is lost.  Happens all the time.  If we don't lose any channels, its a win-win-win deal.

3) I have to disagree with the earlier comment suggesting that opinions of those with very few or very many posts are somehow less relevant.  Since the comment seemed to be directed at texasguy37, I would have to say that I have found his posts to be extremely relevant, helpful, objective and accurate.  The same is true of most of the "regulars" with high post #s--this usually reflects their experience, knowledge and interest.

OK, I've said my piece and I feel better now!

docbombay

[texasguy37 ACE - Expert]

Interesting article from Multichannel News.  Apparently, these things don't only happen with AT&T:

Fox Goes Dark on Cablevision Systems

Unable To Reach Deal By Deadline

Mike Farrell -- Multichannel News, 10/16/2010 12:22:34 AM

Despite some late inning jockeying by both sides, Fox Networks and Cablevision Systems failed to reach a carriage agreement by the midnight Friday deadline, resulting in three broadcast stations and three cable networks going dark on the MSOs systems in the New York metropolitan area.  

At 12:01 a.m. broadcast stations WNYW channel 5 and WWOR Channel 9 in New York went dark before the starts of episodes of The Simpsons and Tyler Perry's House of Payne. WTXF in Philadelphia also went dark for Cablevison customers as did cable networks Fox Deportes, NatGeo Wild and Fox Business Network. On the New York broadcast stations, Cablevision instead aired a lengthy message beginning : "We regret to inform you that News Corp., in an act of corporate greed, has pulled the plug on Fox 5 and My 9..."

The cable channels aired a terser version: "News Corp. has pulled this channel from your lineup along with Fox 5 and MY 9. We are currently in negotiations with News Corp on a new programming agreement and hope to return this channel to your lineup quickly. For more information please tune to Channel 5 or visit cablevison.com/fox. Thank You."  

Cablevision executive vice president of communications Charles Schueler urged the programmer to return to the negotiating table.

"News Corp.'s decision to remove Fox programming from three million Cablevision households is a black eye for braodcast television in America," Schueler said in the sattement. "News Corp. has refusedto  negotiate in god faith and rejected calls from dozens of political leaders to not pull the plug and and join Cablevision in binding arbitration. we demand that News Corp. put the viewers ahead of its own greed and immediately restore these channels to our customers and agree to binding arbitration to reach a fair agreement. What is News Corp. afraid of?"    

This is the third time a channel has gone dark on Cablevision this year during a carriage dispute. Back in January, Scripps Networks'

Food Network and HGTV were dark for about three weeks before a deal was reached to restore them. In March, ABC broadcast station in New York went dark for several hours before a last minute deal was reached, about 10 minutes into the Academy Awards broadcast. 

Fox has also had its skirmishes with distributors -- it reached a last minute deal with

Time Warner Cable in New York in January after months of contentious negotiations and is currently locked in a battle with satellite giant Dish Network over its cable channels FX, NatGeo and 19 regional sports networks.  

Cablevision has maintained that it has proposed paying Fox an amount that is equal to or above what it pays other broadcast channels. Instead, the MSO has claimed that Fox is demanding more than $150 million for all 12 of the channels Cablevision carries, more than double the $70 million the distributor is currently paying. Fox has countered that it is only asking for reasonable compensation for its content, adding that Cablevison pays $124 million a year for two sister regional sports networks - MSG and MSG Plus -- now owned by a separate company Madison Square Garden.

In a statement Fox Networks said Cablevision broke off talks at 8 p.m., declaring an impasse and refusing to negotiate further.

"After days of posturing and the appearance of negotiating, they formally stopped even the pretense of negotiating at 8pm - declaring an "impasse" - and made no further efforts toward reaching a new agreement before the expiration," Fox Networks president of affiliate sales Michael Hopkins said in a statement. "We remain willing to negotiate and hope that future talks ultimately will be productive, but as of now Cablevision has declined to counter our most recent proposal. Regrettably, their efforts were focused more on calls for government intervention than constructive negotiations."

Cablevision tried to prevent the programmer from pulling the channels Friday, calling for Fox to agree to binding arbitration to settle their dispute while still allowing the MSO to carry the networks. More than

two dozen legislators supported the move and the Federal Communications Commission even offered to help mediate a solution, to no avail. Fox has said that it believes arbitration would only reward Cablevision for failing to negotiate in good faith. The programmer has stressed that only direct business-to-business negotiations can resolve the dispute.

How long the channels will remain dark to Cablevision customers remains to be seen. Fox is believed to have the most leverage in the negotiations, mainly because of a wealth of upcoming sports programing. The broadcast network carries National Football League games - including the hometiowm New York Giants, as well as Major League Baseball's National League Championship Series and ifthe dispute lasts further into the month, the World Series that begins on Oct. 27.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/458499-Fox_Goes_Dark_on_Cablevision_Systems.php

[SomeJoe7777 ACE - Expert]

Yep, national media is all over the Fox-Cablevision dispute because it affects baseball coverage to about 3M New York residents.

MSNBC

CNN

NPR

Fox Business

Funny how as soon as the New York Yankees are involved all of a sudden everyone's paying attention.

Hmmm ... does this make Cablevision no longer a "big boy" because they dropped a channel?

So how many non-big boys do we have now?  Cablevision, Dish Network, U-Verse, DirecTV (dropped Vs. a while back).

Are there any "big boys" left?

[texasguy37 ACE - Expert]

Don't forget Time Warner.  They dropped HDNet last year.  That channel is still not back in the lineup.  They also still do not carry the NFL Network.

[RCSMG ACE - Expert]

Wow, Fox went dark?  I guess Uverse will get in flux of Cablevision subs.

[jhibbs1009]

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SomeJoe7777 wrote:

Yep, national media is all over the Fox-Cablevision dispute because it affects baseball coverage to about 3M New York residents.

MSNBC

CNN

NPR

Fox Business

Funny how as soon as the New York Yankees are involved all of a sudden everyone's paying attention.

Hmmm ... does this make Cablevision no longer a "big boy" because they dropped a channel?

So how many non-big boys do we have now?  Cablevision, Dish Network, U-Verse, DirecTV (dropped Vs. a while back).

Are there any "big boys" left?

---

If the Yankees don't make the World Series, they won't be affected as the ALCS games are on TBS this year.

But I understand your point.  The Yankees are a big draw anywhere in the country (highest selling in baseball merchandise, I think) and losing access to them would be huge to any provider.

[siouxmoux]

In the next couple of years, the fight between Cable TV Conglomerates and TV Providers haggling over the price of Carriage deals for their networks will increase. And the Cable Networks will  then threaten too withholding their networks feed until the TV Providers are willing to pay up, will become the status quo in these Battles

As long as the SF Giants are able to defeat Philadelphia and advance to the world series. I will still watching baseball, if not. There always the PL, FAA Champions League, MILS Playoffs to look forward too.

[oufanindallas]

I know the networks are hoping that the Yankees make it to the World Series, but they should be down 2-0 right now instead of 1-1.  I sure hope my Rangers can pull of the upset and take them down.  Cliff Lee on the mound tonight so real good chance of that happening.

[RCSMG ACE - Expert]

With the way different service providers are dropping different channels, we could be heading to a time when service providers will be chosen by the channels they offer.  Either that or pick a specific provider and then go to the networks website and watch their programs there.  IMO

[oufanindallas]

Leave it to the  politicians:

Fox/Cablevision Fight Becomes Partisan Political Mess
As Verizon gets blocked from covering Long Island debates by Cablevision
06:24PM Tuesday Oct 19 2010 by Karl Bode

As the retransmission fee dispute between Cablevision and New Corporation roars on, Cablevision has been lobbying lawmakers to engage in binding arbitration. Democrat John Kerry has introduced a bill that would force companies to keep TV channels live during negotiations, while News Corporation is busily lobbying GOP members to fight against government involvement in these kinds of feuds. Meanwhile Verizon, who has been making hay from the dispute by urging impacted customers to switch to FiOSTV, is now complaining about being blocked from covering Long Island political debates by Cablevision.