Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 26, 1993 TAG: 9309240112
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
We are going to lose our two network television channels out of Roanoke. WDBJ wants either a flat charge per subscriber or for the cable system to reduce our bill by a similar charge. Simmons Cable TV says they have never charged for CBS, NBC or ABC and should not have to pay for what has been free for years.
I say to WDBJ that I don't care if my neighbor with a $200 antenna can receive your channel for free. I am paying Simmons for the luxury of not buying an antenna. Simmons says that I have never paid for those channels and the bill goes mostly toward cost of operating. Bull!
In my 40-channel format, they pay no more than $5 per subscriber, but charge over $20. That's more markup than you find almost anywhere in retail.
How would Simmons like it if all their subscribers took a month off? How would WDBJ and WSLS like it if we quit buying products advertised on their stations for a month?
WDBJ and WSLS can barely get their signal here, but they have to play the tough guy. I have had it. You three can take your numbers, egos and games and . . .
As soon as competition comes, i.e., AT&T, I'll be gone, and I bet so will many more angry subscribers. Come on folks, open your phone books and give all three an earful.\ Bill Noel\ Christiansburg\ \ Note: WSLS-TV (Channel 10) reached agreement with two cable companies serving the New River Valley this past week but is still negotiating with Simmons Cable TV. WDBJ-TV (Channel 7) is still negotiating.
by CNB