Congress pushing to resolve programming dilemma

Scott Greczkowski

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Network battle — Congress pushing to resolve programming dilemma

Bluefield Daily Telegraph
http://www.bdtonline.com:80/editorials/local_story_331172339.html?keyword=secondarystory

On Friday, thousands of satellite television customers will lose some network viewing due to a blackout of services stemming from a federal lawsuit against programming provider EchoStar.

Through no fault of their own, 34,000 Dish network viewers in West Virginia, along with thousands of customers in other states, will lose their existing ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox signals.

Although a bill to remedy the situation has been introduced by Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert Byrd, both D-W.Va., the House of Representatives will not return to session until Dec. 5.

So the question looming now appears to be not if customers will lose network stations, but for how long.

“Congress has a responsibility to these consumers,” Rockefeller said. “Through no fault of their own, these satellite users are being punished. They live in rural areas, and they absolutely depend on their satellite service not only for news and entertainment, but also for emergencies. These technical and legal disputes are unraveling the service our consumers have paid for and are expecting to get. What we have is a mess not of our citizens making, yet they are bearing the brunt of the penalty.”

The disruption in service is due to a federal court ruling against EchoStar for violating copyright law by offering programming to customers who can get network feeds with an antenna.

Although Rockefeller has said he will push for speedy action on the legislation, no one is sure how quickly Congress will address the issue once it reconvenes.

“Senator Rockefeller will work hard to pass this legislation and will pursue every possible step to protect consumers from suffering a disruption in their service,” Rockefeller spokesman Stuart Chapman told the Daily Telegraph last week. “But it’s unclear whether the Republicans, who are in control of Congress through the end of 2006, will make the passage of this important bill a top priority.”

We commend West Virginia’s senators for sponsoring this legislation, and urge them to continue their crusade for the people of their state and others who are affected by the dish blackout.

We also encourage all members of Congress to put partisan politics on the backburner and work expeditiously to remedy this significant problem affecting thousands of Americans.

This issue is not about politics, it’s about people. Congress should act quickly to do the right thing.
 
There really beserk here in West Virginia and I am sure DirecTV are having a field day at Dishes expense. Fortuantly I had a secondaryt account with DirecTV I wont be as impacted as some people but its still pretty annyoig

My youngest son will be able to watch FOX in his room but not on the Family Room TV.

Pretty sad. Perhaps theres a change the cut off date will be delayed but I doubt it.

Bob
 
Yeah Direct is just jealous is all that Dish is a better provider and could surpass them on customer base soon.
 
I thought I was grandfathered in for DNS but it looks like Charlie threw that away. Like beating a dead horse, DNS like I had it, will never be. I had DNS, in one form or another, since 7/1985. I can only get TWO networks OTA and none from LIL.
 
Well with many things where you live does play a factor in these things. The best thing would be the those states that have DNS users have those stations get more involved to get help to those users. They should make it to where folks should not half to have DNS that they could get all of their locals from their local state stations no matter where you live in that state. This should have never been a issue maybe FCC needs to get more involved in those states that have these issues.
 

Merrill's Cohen sees media consolidation

Need ideas

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