WDTN-TV, owner pressing Time Warner Cable for deal
> Do you think Channel 2 and Time Warner will reach a deal?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
DAYTON — WDTN-TV, Channel 2, is urging its viewers to call Time Warner Cable and press the company to reach a deal to keep WDTN's signal on the Time Warner network after Oct. 2, when the current agreement expires.
LIN TV Corp., owner of WDTN and 14 other TV stations in 11 markets from Buffalo, N.Y., to Austin, Texas, is trying to negotiate a new agreement to cover those stations, but Time Warner isn't responding, Lisa Barhorst, vice president and general manager of WDTN, said Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Time Warner Cable is negotiating in good faith with LIN TV and wants to reach an agreement by Oct. 2, said Robyn Watson, Time Warner's corporate director of public relations. The company has reached agreements with other broadcasters and local cable companies, Watson said.
"We are trying to manage costs for our customers, and LIN TV is trying to make some money," Watson said. "We can't allow our customers to bear the costs of the broadcasters' business models."
In an open letter posted on its Web site, WDTN urges its viewers to call Time Warner in the station's behalf.
"Time Warner charges you a fee to provide WDTN-TV 2," Barhorst wrote in the posted letter to viewers. "Time Warner shares that fee with the cable networks; however, it does not share that fee with us. In essence, it takes our signal for free and resells it for a profit.
"The fair compensation we are asking for as part of our contract negotiations with Time Warner amounts to less than a penny a day per subscriber," Barhorst wrote. "It is unreasonable for Time Warner to think that it can carry our signal without paying fair-market value, less than a penny a day per subscriber, and still charge you for it."
The payment LIN TV is requesting is similar to terms of agreements it already has with other major cable providers including AT&T, DISH Network, DirecTV, Comcast and Charter Communications, Barhorst said. WDTN is Dayton's NBC network affiliate.
The DISH Network ran a full-page advertisement Wednesday in the Dayton Daily News urging the public to consider switching to the DISH network to retain the local TV signals.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Jeff
October 13, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
WDTN wants us to call TW? How ‘bout the other way around!!
By Lela
October 6, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
If LIN TV does not reach an agreement and is not signing back on with TWC, let me know because I would pay 1 penny a day to take their place and start a new Broadcasting network on TWC… When is it going to be final, how long must TWC wait to find another network? Call me TWC lets make a DEAL!
By Lela Marcus
October 6, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
If TWC gives in to LIN TV wow, just think all the other stations like them could ask for the same amount of money lol like fox and PBS and 22 and many more, then TWC would have to charge us $$$ to make up for it all. I liked WDTN and I am enjoying LIN TV replacement for now of HBO Family. I think LIN TV makes plenty of money from commercials & promotions & advertising etc.. LIN TV is being greedy. LIN TV is not bigger than TWC Time Warner Cable, Stand Your Ground!
By Listen Up
October 5, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
What part of corporate greed don’t you understand? WDTN gets paid by local advertisers to run their commercials during regular programming. Now WDTN wants TW to pay them to allow the re-transmission of those same commercials to TW customers.. Give me a break! WDTN is free TV, as defined in their FCC over the air broadcast license. They can’t charge for the signal under their license. They, WDTN, should actually pay TW for the priviledge of allowing them to re-transmit their signal! Get it?
By Patricia
October 4, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I just don’t understand why two companys can’t come together. We have to pay for what is going on with WDTN and TW. I’m upset with this matter, because I love sports and I can’t watch the college games and pro football that will be on that channel. I won’t switch to dish but I just don’t understand this matter.
By Dex
October 4, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
This is too bad… guess I’ll need to get my NBC Programming from hulu.com from now on, but I would much rather watch Heroes on my t.v. and NOT my computer. (I have a surround sound T.V.) I hope they fix this, HBO Family really sucks too.
By Shelley
October 3, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I am very upset about the WDTN & TW problem. I have had dish and everytime it stormed it would go out, so we went back to TW. I have a few shows I really like on Channel 2. We pay for the service, we should get the channels. Who says another station they put in it’s place won’t charge them a fee. They need to think about the valued customers instead of themselves. And I am talking about both of them. It’s really stupid to fight about. Life is too short, let us be happy with out channel 2
By Sandy & Mike
October 3, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
We’re very upset that we can’t watch WDTN- Channel 2. It carries Jeopary and that is one of our favorite show. We just live with walking distance to the station and we hope that something will be worked real soon. It has been around way to long for us not to be able to watch it anymore so please Time Warner work out a deal with the real soon. Thanks
By LinTV
October 3, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
WDTN gets their money from advertisers. Why would they want to double dip and force the costs up for the viewers. The economy has turned most peoples budget upside down already. There isn’t enough money to live on as it is now. Why has free TV now gone to Pay per View? Will we get it without the advertising,? I don’t know of any programs on WDTN that aren’t available on Channel 5 in Cincinnati, and elsewhere, and I watch TV7 for the most part when it comes to news, and Margaret Brosco is better
By Bob
October 3, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it amusing that we all started watching TV with rabbit ears years ago and then progressed to bigger antennas and then finally to cable or satellite. Now with over the air HD broadcast we can all revert back to the old antenna and actually get a better picture that any of these other services provide.
By Ruth
October 3, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
I really don’t care if I have WDTN or not, what I want is NBC—I don’t care from where. Time Warner dropped the ball with this in not having another NBC station ready to go, instead they yank our ONLY NBC station and replace it with HBOFamily—is that really cost effective? But then, this is from the people who ‘up-graded’ their cable and made it slower and MUCH less user-friendly. I will probably be going with DISH TV next week if we don’t have NBC.
By Lisa
October 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Lin TV, which is for sale and no one will buy,is negotiating with Time Warner because they’re losing a ton of money. All stations work deals with TW, pay or advertising share. Lin does not have to pay, but they will lose mucha money in advertising and they have to be on TW. The world is indifferent. LIN/TW does not care about the consumer. This is about maximizing profit. If you owned a company you would do whatever it takes to make a profit, right? It is how much that matters.
By Pat
October 3, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this
TW in Clark County carries the Columbus NBC station, so we will still get the national programs. But we will be watching local news on WDTN on rabbit ears til an agreement is reached. BTW, TW put HBO Family on at midnight.
By Todd
October 2, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
So the customer gets to carry the cost? It would not be unreasonable for TWC to pass along the programming costs like it does for every other channel (and the cost of programming is what has pushed up our cable bills!). 30 cents a month, or 3.65 a year. And once we set this precedent, why not pay WHIO, WKEF, and WRGT? and let’s toss some money to PBS too (WPTD). That adds 18.25 to my annual cable bill … or over 5.4 million dollars removed from Dayton area wallets. TWC — hang in there!
By Robert Lawrence
October 2, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
If you don’t supply WDTN now we’ll go someplace that will provide us with NBC and WDTN.
By eab
October 2, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
What people should to and call time warner and tell them NOT to reach a deal with WDTN. Wdtn discriminates against those who practice non-christian religions. People should be boycut WDTN for their unfair hiring and firing practices.
Already did!!!
By LL
October 2, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Please - either Call or send an e-mail to WDTN, and tell Them that you want to still be able to watch their Channel ! I have lived in this area for at least 50 years, and I happen to like WDTN, and NBC - and I will not switch - I pay for this Cable and I want my Stations that I pay for - even if it just Basic - I am entitled to this, and not some dumb substitute !!
Personally, I am hoping that this Will be worked out for our best, by the end of the day on the 2nd of October. Thank You .
By LL
October 1, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Anyone in the Dayton OH area remember Continental ? They were a Great Cable Co. - but they are gone !
Now, I live in an appartment - No Dish allowed. Same for many in the area because of Dish interferring with Power Lines. If any of you Really knew AT&T for this type of thing, you wouldn’t be so quick to holler for people to move to them !
TW has great service in my area, but I want to have my Local Station And NBC through = TW !! I Pay for This, and I feel that PUCO should be involve
By RB
October 1, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Some of you are talking like the only thing we are going to lose is the Channel 2 news. Take a look on nbc.com and see what you will really lose.I do like the Channel 2 News team much better than the rest.The others have sets that look cheap and news crews that don’t seem as polished.If it was only losing the news though I could stand that, but I don’t want to miss the other shows I’ve been waiting for.
By Cheryl Johnson
October 1, 2008 5:08 AM | Link to this
By Cheryl,
WDTN ismy early morning wake up call. Anytime I watch, I enjoy the professional personalities and up to date, honest information they deliver. I seriously hope the parties can come to a fair agreed upon contract and put this issue behind us. I can’t stand thinking about turning to 2 News and there is none.
Thank you for the opportunity to post my opinion.
By youallarehopeless
October 1, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this
OK LETS GET THINGS RIGHT WDTN IS ASKING FOR A PENNY A DAY. SAY TIMEWARNER HAS 300 THOUSAND CUSTOMERS THATS 3000 THOUSAND DOLLARS A DAY 90 THOUSAND A MONTH AND OVER A MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR FOR SOMETHING THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FREE. IS TIMEWARNER SUPPOSE TO EAT THE BILL.WHAT TIMEWARNER IS TRYING TO DO IS KEEP THE COST FROM EFFECTING US THE CUSTOMER. IT IS JUST LIKE THE BIG TEN TIMEWARNER WANTED IT IN A SPORTS PASCKAGE. THOSE THAT WANTED IT PAID FOR BUT NO BIG TEN HAD TO HAVE IT IN THE BASIC PACK.
By a former 2 viewer
September 30, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Where will I watch my soaps? Where will I watch my football? Well talk to WDTN about that. They say they send out thier signal for free yet they want money from Time Warner. If WDTN gets money from Time Warner are they going to pay thier viewers for fighting thier battles? Hell no. if WDTN is off Time Warner I am sure they will replace it with a better NBC affiliate. WDTN is the one that sucks!!!!!!!
By Marc
September 29, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
“TiVo or DVR is the only way to watch ‘free’ t.v.”
Free streaming video from nbc.com
or better, torrentbox.com and a PS3
I don’t really care what they do.
By ryan
September 29, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
understand that if TW drops WDTN, the statioin just doesn’t disappear. it will still exist. and it will most assuredly prevent another affiliate to enter their marketplace without a fierce fight. TW subscribers would simply be out of a channel, one that is wanting the same deal every other NBC affiliate has been able to secure.
TiVo or DVR is the only way to watch ‘free’ t.v. ~ with it you skip the commercials. this technology, created by the cable companies i’m guessing…
By Janie
September 29, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
I too am angry that WDTN is asking it’s viewers to help them fight this battle. I do not ask my clients to do that. While they do have an obligation to inform us…it should stop there. I hope Channel 2 advertisers will demand lower advertising rates since they will no longer be reaching the number of viewers or the demographics they were promised!!!!!!!! The advertisers are the revenue producers for channel 2….not it’s sometimes fuzzy, low definition signal coming through Time Warner.
By Janie
September 29, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
I too am angry that WDTN is asking it’s viewers to help them fight this battle. I do not ask my clients to do that. While they do have an obligation to inform us…it should stop there. I hope Channel 2 advertisers will demand lower advertising rates since they will no longer be reaching the number of viewers or the demographics they were promised!!!!!!!! The advertisers are the revenue producers for channel 2….not it’s sometimes fuzzy, low definition signal coming through Time Warner.
By Janie
September 29, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I too am angry that WDTN is asking it’s viewers to help them fight this battle. I do not ask my clients to do that. While they do have an obligation to inform us…it should stop there. I hope Channel 2 advertisers will demand lower advertising rates since they will no longer be reaching the number of viewers or the demographics they were promised!!!!!!!! The advertisers are the revenue producers for channel 2….not it’s sometimes fuzzy, low definition signal coming through Time Warner.
By Quasanton
September 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Ummm, ya…don’t look for TWC to go out and negotiate w/ another NBC affiliate (say the one in Cincinnati) if this falls through. An insider @ TWC says they are working feverishly to get a new deal done w/ WDTN, but don’t go holding your breath.
By cbizzle
September 28, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Who cares if WDTN gets dropped, they are an AFFILIATE of NBC, not NBC. They want to confuse you but the fact is Time Warner can get another NBC AFFILIATE to take a deal so that nobody misses out. It may not be as local but I’m sure WCMH will expand their scope for Dayton news as well.
By Robert Martin
September 27, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
I find WDTN’s reverse logic inane, complaining about Time Warner taking their “signal for free” when it’s free to anyone with antenna reception. Time Warner isn’t selling us WDTN, they are doing us a service. WDTN earns its revenue thru advertisers. ADDITIONALLY, these type of fights where the customer is the ultimate loser (remember when this same problem happened a few years back in NYC) were guarenteed by CONGRESS never to happen when they deregulated cable companies.
By connie
September 26, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
if we can’t get wdtn after oct 2 where will I watch my soaps that is on 2 only? is there another station that has the same ones? I can’t miss them as I have wacthed for years.Please help!
By Drew
September 26, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this
Do you people realize that if TW drops WDTN. Those in the Dayton area that have TW cable will be unable to watch the Super Bowl. This is serious. I pay $85 dollars a month for a basic cable package, I deserve NBC. The idiots at Time Warner can afford to cover the cost of carrying WDTN. If not, they are going to have a heck of a lot of football fans looking for other options.
By kimmy
September 23, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Time Warner Cable sucks, but yet it’s the only cable service I am aloud to have here in this little appartment. It’s not fair at all!! I can’t move just so I can get another service just so I can watch football and my other tv shows. Time Warner needs to quit nickle and diming people. The economy is hurting us all as it is, it’s not fair for them to make our entertainment and means of communication more expensive just renew a contract with a channel that we can get for free with rabbit ears!
By Someone who knows.
September 22, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Well I think it is offensive that WDTN would urge viewers to fight thier battles for them. So they take if off the air, the same programs are on other NBC channels. Well except for the 700 bible thumping club and losing that on the airwaves is no loss at all.
By Ed
September 22, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
I have been a Time Warner subsriber for many years now. The very next day that I cannot get WDTN I will have A Direct TV person at my house. This means I will be watching Sunday night football with a dish on my roof.
By John
September 21, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Go ahead TW, take your non HD Channel 2 away,but be sure to lower my bill when you do. I’ve discovered some amazing “new” technology…. rabbit ears!! The over the air HD is beautiful on my tv.
By Dawn
September 20, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I don;t know if this situation is going to affect me or not but this is suppose to affect my CBS channel 15 from Fort Wayne, IN. I just got cable a few moths ago to deal with th HD stuff and now they want me to change to Verizon or DirectTV. I think this is a load of crap and these companies need to come toan agreement before Oct. 2, 2008. I have a good deal on cable and the internet now and I don’t want to lose this channel due to it’s the only one that I can get my soaps on or most other shows
By Dawn
September 20, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I don;t know if this situation is going to affect me or not but this is suppose to affect my CBS channel 15 from Fort Wayne, IN. I just got cable a few moths ago to deal with th HD stuff and now they want me to change to Verizon or DirectTV. I think this is a load of crap and these companies need to come toan agreement before Oct. 2, 2008. I have a good deal on cable and the internet now and I don’t want to lose this channel due to it’s the only one that I can get my soaps on or most other shows
By Dawn
September 20, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I don;t know if this situation is going to affect me or not but this is suppose to affect my CBS channel 15 from Fort Wayne, IN. I just got cable a few moths ago to deal with th HD stuff and now they want me to change to Verizon or DirectTV. I think this is a load of crap and these companies need to come toan agreement before Oct. 2, 2008. I have a good deal on cable and the internet now and I don’t want to lose this channel due to it’s the only one that I can get my soaps on or most other shows
By Dawn
September 20, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
I don;t know if this situation is going to affect me or not but this is suppose to affect my CBS channel 15 from Fort Wayne, IN. I just got cable a few moths ago to deal with th HD stuff and now they want me to change to Verizon or DirectTV. I think this is a load of crap and these companies need to come toan agreement before Oct. 2, 2008. I have a good deal on cable and the internet now and I don’t want to lose this channel due to it’s the only one that I can get my soaps on or most other shows
By Dawn
September 20, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
I don;t know if this situation is going to affect me or not but this is suppose to affect my CBS channel 15 from Fort Wayne, IN. I just got cable a few moths ago to deal with th HD stuff and now they want me to change to Verizon or DirectTV. I think this is a load of crap and these companies need to come toan agreement before Oct. 2, 2008. I have a good deal on cable and the internet now and I don’t want to lose this channel due to it’s the only one that I can get my soaps on or most other shows
By Dawn
September 20, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
I don;t know if this situation is going to affect me or not but this is suppose to affect my CBS channel 15 from Fort Wayne, IN. I just got cable a few moths ago to deal with th HD stuff and now they want me to change to Verizon or DirectTV. I think this is a load of crap and these companies need to come toan agreement before Oct. 2, 2008. I have a good deal on cable and the internet now and I don’t want to lose this channel due to it’s the only one that I can get my soaps on or most other shows
By young but oldfashioned
September 19, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about everyone else, but situations such as this make me miss the simpler days prior to cable TV. Children were forced to use their imaginations and played outside instead of watching Cartoon Network & Nickelodeon all day. Families passed the time by playing board games instead of watching re-runs of CSI all evening. I’m considering cancelling my TW & spending that $160 a month on something that actually has a positive influence on my family - BOOKS and a college education!
By Robert Ruckman
September 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Although Time Warner wins no prizes (from me) in terms of their service, their policies, or their prices, I will not miss WDTN if it is dropped from their line-up. I find their silly “On Your Side” newscasts to be annoying, self-serving, and even more self-congratulatory than the other local stations.
By Larry M
September 19, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
THE PROBLEM IS TIME WARNER IS CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT CAUSE THERE IS NO OPPOSITION.. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE AT&T AT MY HOUSE 3 YEARS AGO, HASN’T HAPPENED YET AND I DON’T SEE IT HAPPENING ANYTIME IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I WOULD LOVE TO THROW ALL OF TIME WARNER’S STUFF OUT IN MY FRONT YARD!UNLESS YOU CAN GET A PACKAGE DEAL ON EVERYTHING IT COST YOU A ARM AND LEG. I CAN GET AT&T PHONE BUT NO INTERNET OR TV. I CAN ALSO GET DIRECT TV BUT NO INTERNE OR PHONE NOT IN MY AREA YET. BEEN WAITING FOR 4 YEAR
By Robert
September 19, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
I do like channel 2 news much better then channel 7 news. The news anchors and weather people on channel 7 are so annoying watch and listen to.Jamie Simpson loves to hear himself talk.
By Dave
September 19, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Cable companies are just like utility companies. There is only one. But you people have options. Dish Network. My parents have it, and their HD tier is fantastic. I looked at Direct TV, before getting AT&T Uverse. I just didn’t like that with DTV you have to sign a contract, so my other option was AT&T. It is a newer service, but it is great. Lots of HD, internet is good. You have options, just get off you, you know, and look for them.
By Robert
September 19, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Liz,You are right we do need another cable company in Springfield. But the way I understand it is Our city & county leader have to approve another company coming in to Clark County and have always refused to do so. Columbus has 2 cable companys and many are leaving Time Warner for the new & lower cost company.
By Liz
September 19, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
I’m like most of you, I pay almost 150.00 a month for cable & don’t even have any premieum channels. I don’t like paying for channels I don’t watch either,customer service does need alot of help,seems like my bill keeps going up. I really don’t know what the problem is with WDTN and TW, I watch channel 7 news. We do need another cable company here FAST.
By Jason
September 18, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I have been boycotting WDTN for some time now. I hope TW does drop them, they cannot figure out why their newscast ratings aren’t any better. It is sucky reception and their not letting TW carry their HD signal. The only NBC program I even watch is SNL and I can live without that too. TW drop WDTN and teach them a lesson, maybe Channel 2 will start to care.
By Someone who knows.
September 18, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Someone should be calling WDTN and tell them they have a lot of nerve asking us to fight their battles for them. They need to put on thier big boy pants and handle it themselves. for those interested WDTN’s number is 937-293-2101
By uncoolio
September 18, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
its funny that WDTN has NO problem allowing TW to show it channel so long as its a crappy—non hd. What does that say about WDTN-they care not about Dayton viewers. Now they want the good perole of Dayton to rise up and come to theri defense—-you gotta be kidding me. You give me a lousy product for years—a lousy pic for a few pennies—and now you want me to call TW with hopes of bring you back??you gotta be kidding me—TAKE WDTN OFF THE AIR—thank you TW
By Earl
September 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
WDTN is playing the role of shake-down thug here… trying to be an NBC monopoly in the market (they won’t allow Cincinnati’s NBC affiliate to be carried on TWC) and trying to charge for an HD signal that no other local station pays. As for the argument that TWC gets their programming for free, then sells it at a profit, you need to go back to the origins of the cable TV industry, which was simply a method of sharing an antenna system among subscribers to receive better over-the-air programming.
By Someone who knows.
September 18, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Marcia, I knew someone who worked at WDTN and they have been in “close door negoeations” with Time Warner. It is WDTN who will not come to an agreement, not Time Warner. WDTN does not want to give on anythng. I wouldn’t give WDTN the time of time, much lone the time on my TV.
By who cares
September 18, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Who cares About WDTN? They don’t care about thier viewers, they are rude to you when you call in, they give you the run around and now they are crying the blues about an agreement with time warner. Why is it that other net works don’t have a problem? WDTN is like a spoiled child who cant get thier way, they are looking for us to fight their battle for them. I for one think we should applaud TW for not giving in. I agree with wohever said they would pay TW to take WDTN off the air.
By Anti-WDTN
September 18, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
What people should to and call time warner and tell them NOT to reach a deal with WDTN. Wdtn discriminates against those who practice non-christian religions. People should be boycut WDTN for their unfair hiring and firing practices.
By Todd
September 18, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Who cares, Time Warner is the worst deal in Dayton and always has been. Customer service is a concept they have yet to master, to say the least. I switched in 1993 and have never looked back. DirectTV isn’t perfect, but their technology is way ahead and they are trying on the customer service side. Switch to DirectTV, you won’t look back.
By Larry
September 18, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Allison, I agree. My HD Plasma TV is actually far more advanced than the TW equipment.
When I first got the TW Digital cable box, I asked them, “Where are the HDMI connections?”
I got a blank stare as an answer.
Time to switch to satellite or AT&T’s new system.
By B
September 18, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
I plan to switch to another provider if TW doesn’t carry WDTN. WDTN DOES have HD, TW refuses to broadcast it because they would have to pay. Why should TW charge us to be able to view WDTN and not have to pay for it themselves. We are paying them for something they get for FREE.
By uncoolio
September 18, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
BJS Many cable companies throughout the country show multiple national networks WITHOUT any agreement between the parties. IE col/ clev. Who would ever make such an agreement—-?? Why would you allow a cable company to show two NBC’s for example. In fact—-up north—-those TW customers are able to view multiple national networks form different cities.
By wilmsoft
September 18, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Most people do not understand. It is NOT TW to be mad at it’s WDTN. THEY are holding TW’s customers hostage to collect more money even though it’s TW policy to NOT pay more for HD (ie no OTHER channel in Dayton is being paid)… We first complain that it cost to much but, then when TW IS trying to hold the line on cost, they are the bad guyes?
No… it’s WDTN.. I say good bye! Let the market force control this!
By Allison
September 18, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Our TW hi-def cable box can’t even deliver us a picture in 1080i - our tv is more advanced than the equipment delivering the cable service. And until the recent menu-change fiasco (that menu sucks, btw), non-letterbox shows had a very distracting light grey border, not the black border you get everywhere else.
By bjs
September 18, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Actually uncoolio, you are wrong. Local affiliates have exclusivity for their areas. If TWC picked up the NBC station in Cincy, they would have to blackout programming that is duplicated on WDTN (thus all NBC programming). Not to mention for TWC to even have the ability to carry the cincy affiliate WDTN would have to authorize them to do this, obviously this will not happen.
By Jason
September 18, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Time Warner stinks, Dish Rocks! I switched a year ago and have never looked back. If Time Warner actually cared about their consumers they would have made this deal a long time ago. Perhaps if Time Warner didn’t post their name on every stadium in the nation they could afford to provide their customers with the services they are paying for.
By darla
September 18, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
We shut off our cable three years ago to save money. We do more important things now than watching TV all the time. I will not get cable or dish TV again until I can pick and choose exactly what channels I want. No more of this tier service. Half of the channels in the tier I had three years ago, I had no interest in watching. I was basically paying $50 a month for one or two shows every week that I was interested in.
By uncoolio
September 18, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I want the folks to understand something—-IF TW drops WDTN—-they will be replaced with another NBC station—-that station will broadcast all NBC shows—and TW will ba able to show those NBC shows in HD I strongly urge TW to drop WDTN. We’ve missed TWO olympics—many Sporting programs—like this week the Ryder Cup—year after year WDTN has screwed the viewers in Dayton-Good-bye WDTN—I hope forever- Remember—we will still recieve NBC—but this time it will come from a station that cares.
By Tom
September 18, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
TW are idiots. Most people are switching to DirecTV or AT&T new Uverse. Goodbye Time Warner. You finally have more competition than ever and crapped on customers for many years.
Time to pay the price.
By Rich
September 18, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I actually switch my cable over to TV if I want to pick-up a local channel in HD, because the HD broadcast is much, much better than the signal that comes through the TW box…hmmmm. It’s pretty easy for me to switch between the cable and TV…just a matter of pressing a button. AND, I don’t even have an antennae hooked up to my TV. Another commentor made a good point…EVERY station is getting BIG advertising $$, and we get BIG monthly bills…hmmmm.
By uncoolio
September 18, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
For the idiots that keep repeating (get An ANTENNA)We have cable for reasons you idiots—can you get ESPN with a antenna? I pay for TV-so i don’t expect to switch over everytime i want to watch NBC—WDTN doesn’t mind TW showing their station in NON-HD—they don’t mind braodcasting with a crappy pic? I would never buy time on WDTN as a sponsor. They are the only station to do this. They want paid additional fees to allow a cable company to show their commercials that allows them to generate $ ???
By Postal
September 18, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
F Time Warner.
By Marcia
September 18, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
I think TWC is making a serious mistake taking WDTN of the air I called them 3 time and they said we are working with them right now and I think they are lying under their own teeth my fellow Daytonians please lash out you angry feelings to TWC and tell them how you feel about WDTN is Dayton without the we will be a dying city.
By Robert
September 18, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Think about this, The local channels & the Cable channels are charging the advertisers big dollars to air there commercials. Then we the subscribers to Time Warner and the satellite networks to pay them big dollars to watch these commercials. We should not have to pay to watch commercials. As for Time Warner They have be overcharging there customers for years. There is other Cable companys out there that are cheeper and have the same coverage. just look in the columbus area.
By Dave
September 18, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I made the switch to Uverse, and it was probably the best decision I have made. More HD was the point for me. Cable companies are so far behind when it comes to Dish and fiber. They need to start working on their stuff, and become a real competitor.
By amy
September 18, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Ralph, neither DirecTV nor Dish offer Dayton’s local channels in HD (yet) so there’s nothing to compress. People with those two services do have the option to use an OTA antenna and hook it to their satellite receiver and receive the channels just like you’re doing.
By Beck
September 18, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Ok I have been reading these posts and some others.
First off people really need to stop and think of what they are saying before they say it. I too have Time Warner and hate it. But the moron who made the post about the big ten network and peoples rates going up 10 dollars a month is stupid. It probably would have cost you a dollar more. If you want to be ticked about something be ticked about how bad time warners programing is in general.
By bob
September 18, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Just how much money is TV 2 trying to extort from Time Warner. Thew are NBC the leftest, least watched network.
By Twister
September 18, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
I would just like everyone to know, that TW has their guys out working 24/7 to get this cable restored. Also, if there isn’t power, they can’t get the cable back up. They are working hard, going in early, getting off late. They have instituted a third shift to keep the generators running, they have them for some areas. They only have so many. Also, does no one realizes if everyone up and leaves TW that is going to be another massive job loss that this area just can’t afford!
By Ben
September 18, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
I’m switching to Dish as we speak, and was offered the same lower deal if we stayed. My question is, why isn’ that deal the standard price if they can still offer that to me as a customer? TW is overcharging by almost 100%. The point is, that you just can not trust Time Warner. I’m paying more now than the deal they offered, but I think it will be worth a couple extra bucks if Dish treats me better than TW.
By Twister
September 18, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
I would just like everyone to know, that TW has their guys out working 24/7 to get this cable restored. Also, if there isn’t power, they can’t get the cable back up. They are working hard, going in early, getting off late. They have instituted a third shift to keep the generators running, they have them for some areas. They only have so many. Also, does no one realizes if everyone up and leaves TW that is going to be another massive job loss that this area just can’t afford!
By Tried Them All
September 18, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Time Warner has had lousy customer service (though it’s getting better), but the alternatives aren’t really any better. I’ve tried them all (AT&T, Direct-TV, Dish Network), and I came back to TW.
But WDTN is really trying to line their pockets with your money. How come none of the other local stations have this problem? Somebody at Lin Broadcasting has put their ego on line, and is afraid to back down. Come on! Put your viewers ahead of you ego, and settle this.
By John Doe
September 18, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Courtney: DirectV, I receive 5,9,12,14,19,25,48,54,64. John is dumb.Click 1 time to POST. Whose’s dumb???? Same morons on here as all other comment pages. Most of you do not know what you are talking about.
By Tim
September 18, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Time Warner offers the vary basics like WDTN at cost. They don’t profit off of that channel at all. Time Warner refused to give in to the Big Ten network because Big Ten was going to jack the rates for all customer by $10 a month.
By John
September 18, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
Does anyone really think TW could charge as much as they do if they DIDN’T have the local stations on their service? WDTN just wants a piece of that pie in which TW is taking their signal (and the other stations’ for that matter) and turning around and selling them to their subscribers along with the other cable TV networks. Yeah, we get the locals for Free, but for another business to take that and redistribute it and make money off of it without compensation is wrong.
By bill
September 18, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
Time Warner is the most awful company I have ever associated with. On a 1-10 scale, their customer service is a -1. Anyone who wants to watch television should subcribe to a sateliate service.
By Ralph Helm
September 18, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
FYI, using either Dish, DirecTV, TWC, Comcast, etc. will give you HD with the local stations, but it is highly compressed. All of them still lack the infrastructure to give you a full signal at this time, due to the amount of stations they are attempting to offer in HD. There’s only so much bandwidth available. With all local stations (CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS & yes, WDTN NBC in Full HD), you are better off using an HD antenna to receive your signal. No compression, no signal loss, crystal clear.
By uncoolio
September 18, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
WDTN wants to charge for a service they offerfor free. I hope TW drops wdtn and we will get another NBC feed, in HD from another station. WDTN is the only local channel NOT in HD on TW—-PLEASE drop WDTN-so we can see NBS in HD-we can still get local news etc on other stations. WDTN doesn’t mind TW to broadcast a crappy non HD—they only want to charge for HD—they are the only station to try this. WDTN does not care about its customers—no HD for the Olympics-NO hd for the ryder cup-GO TW
By uncoolio
September 18, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
WDTN wants to charge for a service they offerfor free. I hope TW drops wdtn and we will get another NBC feed, in HD from another station. WDTN is the only local channel NOT in HD on TW—-PLEASE drop WDTN-so we can see NBS in HD-we can still get local news etc on other stations. WDTN doesn’t mind TW to broadcast a crappy non HD—they only want to charge for HD—they are the only station to try this. WDTN does not care about its customers—no HD for the Olympics-NO hd for the ryder cup-GO TW
By Jim
September 18, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this
I don’t like TWC either, but the other 3 Dayton TV stations are no doubt just sitting back, waiting to see what happens with WDTN’s negotiations with TWC, and will certainly want something similar. All will increase costs to TWC, which obviously will be passed to the consumer. Maybe it is best for consumers to pickup local stations from an antenna, and in HD. I’ve been doing this, and the HD picture is great; the antenna costs $35-40. The only downside is that you cannot use TiVo.
By RBV
September 18, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this
Where did the concept of public service get lost?
To the media, I say you have your income sources. Your right to be on the air is not God given, it is granted by the public utilities commissions by the State of Ohio and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
I recommend everyone redirect their writings that way before we have a communications breakdown rivaling the housing market.
By John
September 18, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this
First, I was not mistaken about Barhorst. She was the person who did the PSA on WDTN news Tuesday evening. Also, as I said, I’m aware there are satellite providers offering service, but no real competition for land-line cable. Lastly, I know WDTN has HD with rabbit-ear reception, but if I’m paying x-amount for cable why in the world should I have to NOT use it to get their HD braodcast? As I said, the only station having problems…
By Limp73
September 18, 2008 5:47 AM | Link to this
Wish NK Tel up in New Knoxville would expand its cable covreage and give Time Warner a run for its glory. We need some competition to bring cable rates down. Sattellite dish providers claim to have lower prices but only by a few dollars….that’s not saving money.
By toomuchtv
September 18, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
palin is a liar on everything she says. mccain will do and say anything to get in the W.H.. this undereducated woman is suppose to get the white female vote, NOT MINE. wake up america. what’s with all this teen pregnancy, and were encouraged to appauld it, b/c moms running for office. where did he find these fools.
By Don In Ansonia Ohio
September 18, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
($50 x 12 months x 10 years = $6,000) [For some reason this comments section dropped my multiplication symbols in the previous post so I used an “x” here.]
By Don In Ansonia Ohio
September 18, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
I live 35 miles north of DAYTON and get all the DIGITAL channels with a rabbit ear ANTENNA. I have not paid a monthly cable bill in 10 years. I have saved $6,000 ($5012months10years=$6,000) while others have paid their over-priced cable bills. I wonder if the MIAMI VALLEY residents will wise up and get off the cable addiction with FREE broadcast digital TV? Now if I can just eliminate my INTERNET DSL monthly bill.
By John is dumb
September 17, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Wow, he never heard of the new ATT cable, or the existing Dish and Directtv Satellite companies. What an idiot.
And if Time Warner drops WDTN, I’ll take them to the BBB to get out of my contract with them. I won’t pay the early termination, they can KMA.
I wonder if Dish would be willing to foot part of that expense? If so, I’m in.
By John is dumb
September 17, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Wow, he never heard of the new ATT cable, or the existing Dish and Directtv Satellite companies. What an idiot.
And if Time Warner drops WDTN, I’ll take them to the BBB to get out of my contract with them. I won’t pay the early termination, they can KMA.
I wonder if Dish would be willing to foot part of that expense? If so, I’m in.
By John is dumb
September 17, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Wow, he never heard of the new ATT cable, or the existing Dish and Directtv Satellite companies. What an idiot.
And if Time Warner drops WDTN, I’ll take them to the BBB to get out of my contract with them. I won’t pay the early termination, they can KMA.
I wonder if Dish would be willing to foot part of that expense? If so, I’m in.
By Stacy Law
September 17, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
FIRST, WDTN does broadcast in HD. I was watching WDTN in HD (for free) over the air while my neighbors HAD NO CABLE.
SECOND, to people like John who can’t read, it was Robyn Watson with Time Warner who said they negotiated with other local stations and cable companies. WDTN is bucking them, and I’m glad.
THIRD, WDTN’s weather and news is the best, and beats the rigormortis team at channel 7.
By Jim
September 17, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
This is a money grab for WDTN’s parent. It is ridiculous. TWC should obtain a free HD NBC signal from an NBC station in a different city.
By Aaron
September 17, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Brian, just so you know, if you hook up rabbit ears to your tv you can receive NBC in HD. I know it may be a pain just to get one channel but it can be done. They, like all of the other major networks, do broadcast in HD but for some reason you can’t get it with TW. I live in Tipp City and was able to watch the Olympics in beautiful HD with some old rabbit ears I had packed away in the basement.