[opendtv] Re: Echostar make or break
- From: Barry Brown <barrysb@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 23:00:40 -0400
On Sep 5, 2006, at 8:38 PM, Albert Manfredi wrote:
Barry, I have essentially advocated exactly what you describe
already, not just for umbillical services, but also optionally for
OTA networks. In OTA lingo, that would mean to eliminate the cap on
OTA stations a given network can own nationwide (currently 39
percent). Eliminate that national cap, and the network can decide
how much local programming to use in any given market, and how much
of the OTA network to run on remote control, as it were. (Note that
this does not reduce competition in each market, or points of view
aired.) Seems to me that the vast majority of viewers woiuld find
this very acceptable -- more similar to the European OTA model.
I thjink the way the broadcasters intend for this to work is either
(a) that DISH would offer network coverage *only* as a LIL service,
and at no extra charge, or (b) DISH would make sure you can receive
the local OTA stations, and integrate them seamlessly via the STB
they provide. I notice this DBS + OTA a lot where we live. My bet
is that either of those options would be fine by you, yes?
Instead, DISH uses LIL service as an excuse to charge higher fees.
And, of course, most people want network content, but not to pay
extra for it. It shouldn't have to become a permium service.
Bert
I would be a happy camper if:
1. OTA would have decent local programming covering events, issues,
concerns of my and surrounding communities,
2. I could receive a good signal, if not available by antenna (my
situation), then satellite, cable, or in the future, fiber as part of
the normal monthly line charge for the service.
Essentially, it is what you describe, but now the question is how is
this brought about? I think the biggest problem, is the large number
of stations that have to be used to deliver network or syndicated
programming. Technically, this is no longer a requirement. Cable and
satellite headends can take national feeds and feed them to 85% of
viewer's homes without using local stations. Also IMHO, local
programming is normally an afterthought, or what is required to meet
FCC regulations, except when there is some sort of emergency. Two or
three super stations per market would be all that is required to do a
good job of delivering local programming 24/7. This would also free
up a lot of wasted spectrum space, not only OTA, but satellite and,
to a lesser degree, cable channels as well.
Barry
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