[RAD]

From http://investor.directv.com/releaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=714881

DIRECTV (NASDAQTV) will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its 2012 third quarter financial results, outlook and other forward looking information on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET.

This one might be interesting. Will we see another net subscriber loss, especially since the Viacom dispute happened during this time or will the NFL Sunday Ticket promotion save the day?

 

[dpeters11]

I also wonder if they'll mention anything about D10.

 

[hdtvfan0001]

From http://investor.directv.com/releaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=714881

This one might be interesting. Will we see another net subscriber loss, especially since the Viacom dispute happened during this time or will the NFL Sunday Ticket promotion save the day?

I also wonder if they'll mention anything about D10.

I have a feeling a number of questions of this nature could be answered Tuesday.

 

[Bambler]

I'm curious what their numbers will be as well.

It wasn't that long ago that I was under the impression that DirecTV maintained a net positive customer growth for a long, long time. I can't imagine these people simply jumped out of the woodwork, with most of these additions probably coming from their competition, part of which was due in part to them making good programming choices (with little fanfare I might add) and having good customer service.

I think their culture and long-term goals have changed and they are now intently focused on keeping programming costs down (I didn't mention subscription costs on purpose and for obvious reasons).

But one has to ask: at what cost? And will this new focus do more harm than good five years from now if subscription numbers continue to deteriorate?

 

[n3ntj]

Does D* ever talk about HD channels on these calls? Such as new HD channels that may or will be coming to D*?

 

[macfan601]

I'm curious what their numbers will be as well.

It wasn't that long ago that I was under the impression that DirecTV maintained a net positive customer growth for a long, long time. I can't imagine these people simply jumped out of the woodwork, with most of these additions probably coming from their competition, part of which was due in part to them making good programming choices (with little fanfare I might add) and having good customer service.

I think their culture and long-term goals have changed and they are now intently focused on keeping programming costs down (I didn't mention subscription costs on purpose and for obvious reasons).

But one has to ask: at what cost? And will this new focus do more harm than good five years from now if subscription numbers continue to deteriorate?

I think Directv has made it pretty plain they no longer care about retaining their old customers and that everything is now about attracting the new customer. And yes I think this will come back to bite them as churn is expensive. Also, I believe they have lowered their sites to the Ma and Pa Kettle customer where as before I believe they were aiming at the into technology customer.

 

[RAD]

Does D* ever talk about HD channels on these calls? Such as new HD channels that may or will be coming to D*?

Usually not, they mainly stick to financial information, when they talk channels it's about how much they're wanting to raise the rates. Every now and they them mention somethink like the expect such and such feature to be available in some timeframe but no real technical information like how it works, etc.

 

[Justin23]

I think Directv has made it pretty plain they no longer care about retaining their old customers and that everything is now about attracting the new customer. And yes I think this will come back to bite them as churn is expensive. Also, I believe they have lowered their sites to the Ma and Pa Kettle customer where as before I believe they were aiming at the into technology customer.

Not true at all. D* has stated they are moving to more of a retention-focused strategy, which is one reason there was a net sub loss in Q2.

 

[macfan601]

Not true at all. D* has stated they are moving to more of a retention-focused strategy, which is one reason there was a net sub loss in Q2.

Source please to back that up because Mike White is quoted as saying differently in the last two quarterly reports.

 

[Laxguy]

Source please to back that up because Mike White is quoted as saying differently in the last two quarterly reports.

You're the one making claims: Up to you to show sources. I.e, a link or two.

 

[Justin23]

Source please to back that up because Mike White is quoted as saying differently in the last two quarterly reports.

"DirecTV has mentioned that it is focusing on retaining high quality subscribers to compensate for reduced gross additions by reducing subscriber disconnects. As a result, the retention costs increased this quarter"

http://www.trefis.com/stock/dtv/art...iber-retention-as-u-s-growth-slows/2012-05-10

 

[Justin23]

Source please to back that up because Mike White is quoted as saying differently in the last two quarterly reports.

"Chief Executive Officer Mike White said earlier this year that DirecTV was refocusing its strategy on customer retention, rather than acquiring new subscribers."

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-...-estimates-after-first-u-s-customer-loss.html

 

[sigma1914]

Not true at all. D* has stated they are moving to more of a retention-focused strategy, which is one reason there was a net sub loss in Q2.

Source please to back that up because Mike White is quoted as saying differently in the last two quarterly reports.

"DirecTV has mentioned that it is focusing on retaining high quality subscribers to compensate for reduced gross additions by reducing subscriber disconnects. As a result, the retention costs increased this quarter"

http://www.trefis.com/stock/dtv/art...iber-retention-as-u-s-growth-slows/2012-05-10

"Chief Executive Officer Mike White said earlier this year that DirecTV was refocusing its strategy on customer retention, rather than acquiring new subscribers."

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-...-estimates-after-first-u-s-customer-loss.html

Game. Set. Match. Justin.

 

[Justin23]

Game. Set. Match. Justin.

Boom, roasted.

 

[Satelliteracer]

I think Directv has made it pretty plain they no longer care about retaining their old customers and that everything is now about attracting the new customer. And yes I think this will come back to bite them as churn is expensive. Also, I believe they have lowered their sites to the Ma and Pa Kettle customer where as before I believe they were aiming at the into technology customer.

D* made this clear? When? If anything, D* said the exact opposite and is acting exactly how they said they would. It isn't about growing growing growing for the sake of growing, but rather putting more resources into retaining the right kind of customers.

I'm curious where you read "made it pretty plain they no longer care about retaining their old customers and that everything is now about attracting the new customer".

Please share. Thanks.

 

[Justin23]

D* made this clear? When? If anything, D* said the exact opposite and is acting exactly how they said they would. It isn't about growing growing growing for the sake of growing, but rather putting more resources into retaining the right kind of customers.

I'm curious where you read "made it pretty plain they no longer care about retaining their old customers and that everything is now about attracting the new customer".

Please share. Thanks.

This person is probably a current sub that tried to get something that's being offered to new customers only (NFLST, Receiver upgrade, etc) and was denied...

 

[macfan601]

This person is probably a current sub that tried to get something that's being offered to new customers only (NFLST, Receiver upgrade, etc) and was denied...

You can quit speculating who I am. I am a 12 year subscriber with a HR34, HR24, and H24. I have all the goodies. Whole House, Cinema Connection, along with the Premier Programing package. I am not into sports so I don't have nor want those programing packages. Good movies are my thing so I like the premium channels in my Premier package. I didn't ask for anything nor do I want anything. I have no interest in a C31. I know what I read about Directv's current outlook on things but I am not going to get into a pissing contest with you over it. The difference between you and me is that I think Directv is the best current TV provider out there but I think there is always room for improvement. I never have been very good at spouting the company line.

 

[tonyd79]

You can quit speculating who I am. I am a 12 year subscriber with a HR34, HR24, and H24. I have all the goodies. Whole House, Cinema Connection, along with the Premier Programing package. I am not into sports so I don't have nor want those programing packages. Good movies are my thing so I like the premium channels in my Premier package. I didn't ask for anything nor do I want anything. I have no interest in a C31. I know what I read about Directv's current outlook on things but I am not going to get into a pissing contest with you over it. The difference between you and me is that I think Directv is the best current TV provider out there but I think there is always room for improvement. I never have been very good at spouting the company line.

Nor, it seems, even knowing what it is.

 

[macfan601]

Nor, it seems, even knowing what it is.

I confess, I am confused. I only have 3 earned college degrees but am not smart enough to have any idea what that is supposed to mean. OK, you guys win. You guys can nod, wink and congratulate yourselves on how smart and clever you are. I will no longer post and just lurk. I don't have all the answers but am at least smart enough that in the 31 years I was employed before I retired to not blanket accept what my employer told me. I think you guys will someday get there too with age and experience.

 

[Justin23]

I confess, I am confused. I only have 3 earned college degrees but am not smart enough to have any idea what that is supposed to mean. OK, you guys win. You guys can nod, wink and congratulate yourselves on how smart and clever you are. I will no longer post and just lurk. I don't have all the answers but am at least smart enough that in the 31 years I was employed before I retired to not blanket accept what my employer told me. I think you guys will someday get there too with age and experience.

Still waiting for any link/quote from that shows D* is concentrating solely on new subscribers...