Do you have DISH Network? Do you watch KATU?
Oh my. Well we do. And, living at the coast, most people here do. Well today I sat down to watch The View, which I’d DVRed and instead saw a message directing me here.
Basically our local ABC station, KATU, and DISH have been unable to come to terms and renew their contract. So, for the moment, NO ABC! How crazy is that? No View (a biggie for me), no Grey’s Anatomy. We don’t watch much else on the station and I’m glad it’s rerun season. Especially with our stormy weather though I have been skipping around the local news stations. Anyway, how very lame.
I called the General manager of KATU, John Tamerlano, like DISH encourages. Of course his mailbox was full, but eventually someone picked up. I’m not taking sides in this issue so I just said I wanted to support the cause (i.e. reaching an agreement) and re-iterate that I missed my programming and that I hope they can reach a compromise soon. I’m kind of sorry for the poor people being bombarded with calls. Same goes with the sponsors.
For KATU’s side click here. Notice they don’t mention the amount of their license fee. Makes it seems they may have something to hide. Hmmm.
After doing a bit more investigation this whole things seems to have gotten ugly pretty fast. Both sides are encouraging viewers to head for the competitiors (KOIN and KGW, cable and DIRECTV). As I remarked to Tony a few minutes ago, this whole issue seems to be a microcasm of what could be around the corner on a much larger level. It’s somewhat exhilerating. But still annoying.
I hope this is settled soon.
Billie responds:
Posted: December 18th, 2008 at 6:35 pm →
Oh yea, talk about freaking out! I heard this on T.V. last night and my blood ran cold. No Grey’s Anatomy? Say it ain’t so!! I spent the next two commercials checking it out and finally realizing that I am safe with my old school cable. Let’s hope they get it straightened out soon!!
Kristin responds:
Posted: December 18th, 2008 at 11:18 pm →
You can go to ABC.com and watch your favorite shows online! Or, I found out there is a way to DVR while using an old school antennae. So, as long as we can see our shows, who cares about KATU?!?! KGW and Koin have better local news anyway!!
Natalie responds:
Posted: December 19th, 2008 at 10:19 pm →
I’m beside myself with this whole situation. Honestly I’m not in fear of not being able to watch my shows only because like Kristin stated, I can always go online to watch whatever shows I happen to miss. I do find this whole ordeal very pathetic on both parts because who’s actually losing out? We are. It’s frustrating, however I’m not going to direct tv nor “cable”. KATU and the Dish are going to hash it out..good luck to them, it only re-enforces what I’ve always known..ABC kinda sucks at this moment, however I am a fan of Lost and Ugly Betty but thank god for the internet. Thanks for posting your blog!
Richard responds:
Posted: April 7th, 2009 at 5:21 pm →
I just stumbled upon this, a little late, but you can get ABC via distant networks from http://www.mydistantnetworks.com or see Dish channel 240.