DirecTV and new channels

[ibezdechi]

I have never quite understood how DirecTV launches new channels. Do the program providers pay them a fee for DirecTV to carry them? Specifically, Dish Network carries "The Documentary Channel" which features independently made documentary films, but apparently the channel is struggling with DirecTV to carry them.

Does anyone know?

 

[rkr0923]

easy ,DirecTV doesn't launch new channels

 

[jdspencer]

Dish paid enough and DirecTV either didn't or doesn't want to provide that channel.

 

[Ronnie-]

easy ,DirecTV doesn't launch new channels

Nope, never have either

To the OP. Channels are different. Most of the time D* or E* pays the channel or their owners for the rights to put them on.

Some others actually pay the sat companies for the right to be on (although there are only a few of these)

In the case of the channel you mentioned, perhaps D* just decided that it wouldnt be worth the extra cost to put it on. Not sure

 

[jcrandall]

Typically the ones that pay to be on are shopping stations.

I would venture that Direct didn't feel the price the doc. channel wanted was fair or a value for thier customer base. Could change, they are always negotating with channels.

SD channels in particular are highly selective on Directv's end because they have limited bandwith remaining.

 

[Paul Wozniak]

easy ,DirecTV doesn't launch new channels

Not entirely true. Isn't the "101" D*'s private channel?

 

[Smthkd]

Directv spends toooooooo much money on sports like "NFL Sunday Ticket" exclusivity. (hope I spelled that right!)

 

[bobvick]

Directv spends toooooooo much money on sports like "NFL Sunday Ticket" exclusivity. (hope I spelled that right!)

I agree with you there, after 18 months with DirecTV I had had enough so I switched back to Dish. If it is not sports, DirecTV does not give a sh*t about carrying it. DirecTV has went WAAAY down hill since Rupert Murdoch sold the company to Liberty Media and John Malone. Malone makes Charlie look like a boy scout.

 

[Ramy]

Directv spends toooooooo much money on sports like "NFL Sunday Ticket" exclusivity. (hope I spelled that right!)

True.

 

[dcowboy7]

1st qtr 2009:

directv added 460,000 subs.
dish lost 94,000 subs.

Yea the spending on sports is really hurting.

 

[Rey]

easy ,DirecTV doesn't launch new channels

 

[sudnshok]

1st qtr 2009:

directv added 460,000 subs.
dish lost 94,000 subs.

Yea the spending on sports is really hurting.

I'd be curious to see a comparison in new sub numbers between DTV and FiOS in the areas that FiOS serves. I've seen lots of people switch lately from both cable and satellite to FiOS. I know I'll be switching in 4 months (after my contract is up) if DTV doesn't start adding more national and premium HD programming.

 

[Jimbo]

I'd be curious to see a comparison in new sub numbers between DTV and FiOS in the areas that FiOS serves. I've seen lots of people switch lately from both cable and satellite to FiOS. I know I'll be switching in 4 months (after my contract is up) if DTV doesn't start adding more national and premium HD programming.

Fios in a new area will of course have a heavy influx of people switching to them, thats the nature of the business.... Look a year or two down the road and see where the Fios and D* numbers are over the same time span.