more locals in philly package

[Brett]

Now, with DirecTV's agreement to carry Telefutura's in additional markets (even where mustcarry doesnt apply), I was wondering about Philly.

I contacted 2 stations WUVP 65 (which is already carried, but it operates the low power WFPA station) and WBPH 60, which increased its power awhile back. DirecTV has agreed to carry WFPA-CA 28 Telefutura and this channel will be available on DirecTV according to WUVP. They know Comcast will not be carrying it anytime soon on the other hand. WBPH 60 is working aggressively, and it should be a matter of time before it gets added to DirecTV. DirecTV has committed to carry it. I dont have DirecTV at the moment, however, so I wont know when the 2 channels get launched.

Telefutura should help solidify the Philly locals package which will help DirecTV gain marketshare in Philly and WBPH carries programming from FamilyNet mostly but its not owned by FamilyNet, so a national channel will not blanket cover them. But they have some classic shows, Independent News, Lafayette games, something of some interest and its mustcarry so DirecTV has to carry it. Even WTVE 51 is reporting now they have intent on DirecTV, but they are saying DirecTV is requiring a TV1 line. The only station missing would be WMGM that does not want carriage beyond their 3 county region.

But take this as a rumor, as anything goes.

[Greg Bimson]

I was wondering about this.

I know there are quite a few Univision and Telefutura stations that are broadcast using low-power affiliates, including the DC Univision affiliate.

I did a quick check Saturday on the 119 satellites. Using the timers trick, I see a channel identifier on 920. It is LV27, which maps to Las Vegas 27. 100000watts.com says that is a low power Telefutura station. It looks like DirecTV will be adding the low-power Telefutura station to Las Vegas locals.

I wonder if DirecTV is gearing to pick up more hispanic/latino stations soon?

[Brett]

I guess so, to help promote ParaTodos.

Its difficult to get a clear Ch.28 in Philly, since Ch.29 WTXF FOX overpowers it and WBRE 28/Scranton does the same to Northern viewers and during summer nights. So many Spanish people may want a clean source for Telefutura.

Any chance DirecTV will add newschannels?

The big one I'm thinking of is Tribune CLTV in Chicago. Since Tribune isnt a cable company, I'd think their intent is they want DirecTV to carry it. I think Hearst would also want NECN carried, but Hearst already has WCVB and WMUR carried. Hearst is part owner of NECN. I dont know if these channels are cable only or cable exclusive though by contract.

[Russ]

I would love to see a Telefutura channel added to the Philly locals and I dont even speak much spanish. They seem to have some good sports programming (soccer and boxing). Since there is no national Telefutura channel available this local may help D* a little bit.
Brett---thanks for all the info you provide on the Philly area. Its very helpful.