Was special Charlie Chat on?

[Darkman]

for "ABC problem" local markets...

What was said, etc?

[jericho]

charlie chat was on. He laid it out that Allbrittion was responsible and exactly why. They want Dish to do things that they are not legally able to do such as block out programming on a cable network that would also be on the ABC Allbrittion channel. (i.e. if Opra Winfrey is on Allbrittion channel and its on WGN, then Dish would have to block it on WGN). He also showed graphics of statement that Allbrittion made about Dish network that were false. Several calls and emails were taken and some good points were brought up. One guy mentioned going to the advertisers, another asked if a restraining order to get the channels on the air until its resolved was possible. Allbrittion respresentatives were asked to come on the show but they didn't respond.

[catnap1972]

Originally posted by jericho
charlie chat was on. He laid it out that Allbrittion was responsible and exactly why. They want Dish to do things that they are not legally able to do such as block out programming on a cable network that would also be on the ABC Allbrittion channel. (i.e. if Opra Winfrey is on Allbrittion channel and its on WGN, then Dish would have to block it on WGN).

 

The other choice Dish would have would be to shut off Superstations altogether for anyone in a market where a station has issues with Syndex (which is what Allbritton is complaining about).  Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

[Cyclone]

I think that Charlie is handling this very well. To me he has clearly shown why Dish is allowed to broadcast distant networks in grade b areas. I think he is "going to the matresses" on this one, because he knows that other "allbrittons" are out there and would try the same stunt if they could.

Still, I see this not being settled anytime soon. Hopefully the FCC will step in and do the right thing.

[ehostler]

As I never really watched ABC, I haven't lost anything. I'm actually coming out $6 ahead, until this gets resolved...

I honestly feel that Allbritton needs to be taught a lesson for what they tried to get away with. Make an example of them, so no other broadcasters try the same stunt.

[catnap1972]

Originally posted by ehostler
As I never really watched ABC, I haven't lost anything. I'm actually coming out $6 ahead, until this gets resolved...

I honestly feel that Allbritton needs to be taught a lesson for what they tried to get away with. Make an example of them, so no other broadcasters try the same stunt.

Better yet, if they inevitably lose, make THEM reimburse Echostar for the $5.99/month per subscriber they lost as a fine! :D :lol:

Touching on the summary posted above, third party mediation was also discussed but apparently Allbritton rebuffed that as well.  Seems that the only option to solve this is their way or no way.

[jhall]

two things not mentioned that I think should be mentioned.
Rough estimates indicate tens of thousands of people in each market are effected. Given this, I'd say LOTS of people in DC are effected.
2: Somebody should track down Beth and try and help her get a test performed. Beth is really on the line, she's got a situation where WETA and WJLA do not think she qualifies for distant locals, while the others do. Send Charlie a message and tell him you want to help Beth apply for a distant local. Do a preliminary test to make sure she is going to be outside grade b then make WJLA pay for an official test. Only thing is it may take a while to happen.
oh and 3: the possability exists that Baltimore will be expedited, it is not clear just how remote that possability is.
and the rest of us, let's all apply for wavors for WABC and KABC. At least SOMEBODY will have to deal with it in some way, and if it's automated, maybe we can at least have the satisfaction of doing our parts.

[Mike D-CO5]

If the FCC does get involved , won't there be some kind of fine imposed on the guilty part involved? If Dish sells a distant local channel illegaly doesn't he get a fine of so much per day? I would hope that the FCC would fine this Albritton station the same way for each day for each market and pay Dish compensation also for the amount they are loosing for each day. After all they are trying to circumvent the congress and it's laws dealing with the legal transmissin of distant signals.

[TNGTony]

The FCC has nothing to do with this so they will not get involved. This is a business dispute between two companies. Since Allbritton chose to be compensated and have conditions in order for Dish to carry the signal, Dish does not have to carry the channels. The must carry rules are pretty clear about this.

See ya
Tony

[Mike D-CO5]

Lets hope that Dish can offer a distant local ABC to round out the locals pack in each market and they can still get compensated for the locals . Dish ought to do this in every market when they have a retransmission dispute . That way they could have some leverage over these stations throwing up road blocks and the consumer could still get their locals .

[Geronimo]

The FCC has been asked to determine if Allbritton negotiated in good faith. That is part of their role.

[ehostler]

Originally posted by TNGTony
The FCC has nothing to do with this so they will not get involved. This is a business dispute between two companies. Since Allbritton chose to be compensated and have conditions in order for Dish to carry the signal, Dish does not have to carry the channels. The must carry rules are pretty clear about this.

See ya
Tony

The FCC has everything to do with this as Allbritton is demanding that Echostar violate multiple parts of the SHVIA or they will not get a retransmission agreement. The SHVIA is FCC mandated and there fore they would be the ones to determine if Allbritton is trying to coherce Echostar into violating the SHVIA.

[Richard King]

The interesting thing about this is that if Dish went along with Allbritton and blocked all viewers in their DMA's from receiving distant locals they could open themselves up to being sued by those viewers who do have a right to those signals.

[Greg Bimson]

The interesting thing about this is that if Dish went along with Allbritton and blocked all viewers in their DMA's from receiving distant locals they could open themselves up to being sued by those viewers who do have a right to those signals.No.

Dish Network (or DirecTV for that matter) do not have to offer a single out of market network to anyone.The FCC has everything to do with this as Allbritton is demanding that Echostar violate multiple parts of the SHVIA or they will not get a retransmission agreement. The SHVIA is FCC mandated and there fore they would be the ones to determine if Allbritton is trying to coherce Echostar into violating the SHVIA.The SHVIA is not FCC mandated, it is a law, passed by Congress. The FCC adminsters any conflicts between parties.

From the SHVIA fact sheet (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/shva/shviafac.html):15. Is the satellite company required to provide distant signals?

A: No. As with local signals, the satellite company determines whether to provide distant signals to eligible subscribers and which distant signals will be offered. Satellite companies also may charge an additional fee for these distant signals.