Will DirecTV carry a new local channel?

[SuperJack]

I live in Columbia, SC, and we are getting a new local channel (a full-time UPN affiliate) in January. I am wondering if D* will add this to our local channels package. This will be a full power station, NOT cable only. Our market is on the 101 satellite. Anyone had any experience with a situation like this, or does anyone know D* procedures about adding a new channel to locals?

[Adam Richey]

I believe this occurred in the Tyler, TX DMA with KYTX (CBS). Chances are that it WILL be carried, but it may be a week to 3 weeks AFTER it launches OTA. WZRB will surely be on both providers soon after it launches unless they are just the WORSE negotiators in the world.

[gor88]

FWIW, WUFX debuted on 9-28-2003 in Vicksburg, MS (Jackson market). It is our new FOX affiliate, after not having one for two years.

In the case of DirecTV, they added it in the early morning hours of 9-30-2003 (less than 48 hours later). Dish Network took almost a full month before adding it.

BTW, we are looking forward to Roberts Broadcasting giving our market a full power UPN in September 2005, which has call letters WRBJ and will be on channel 34. They are the same broadcasters that own your new, soon to be on the air UPN station. Y'all got focused on first because WBHQ 63 dropped secondary UPN affiliation in September leaving the market with no OTA UPN station. We have a low power affiliate now, so they will start on our tower once the Columbia station is on the air. :)

Hope the new UPN is up and running just as quickly.

[SuperJack]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the comments.

[shy007]

Hey SuperJack.... I live in Columbia and do you like the local channels on directv.... I think the quality is pretty good right now but I hate the low sound on the Wach 57.... Do you notice the low sound on 57?

Also, I will be glad to get the UPN channel.... I hated when 63 went all WB...