Dish is nuts
I contacted Dish to find out why they do not carry the local ABC affiliate (KTVO, 70 mi away), this was their reply ( I do not understand a word of it):
"Thank you for your e-mail. We do not purchase the locals from the affiliate but we purchase them as a package from a programming vendor in one package not individually. So it would actually be a matter if they offered them to our program vendor which is usually the broadcasters.
It may be possible that if the Affilate you spoke to would electronically submit a permission to add that programming to our Waiver department we could possibly add that on.
As a current customer, you may also use our website to view your current or previous billing statements, add services, or make payments to your account. Please use the following link (
https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customercare/UserManagement/login.jsp ) to visit our Online Customer Support Center.
Your business is greatly appreciated and we thank you for allowing us to be of assistance to you. If you have any further questions or concerns, please refer to
www.dishnetwork.com or reply to this e-mail.
Sincerely, etc"
Can someone please translate?
FYI, Here was my original email:
""Question: I am unable to get the local ABC channel from Dish Network
because it is not offered in the Locals package. I have applied for a
waiver thru Dish because the ABC station (KTVO) is 70 miles away and
unavailable by OTA antenna. However, the ABC affiliate has repeatedly
denied the waiver. I have inquired from them as to why, and they gave me
the following reply:
"As I have stated the issue is not with KTVO. our signal is available to
the satellite companies just like all the signals you receive. Unlike
several networks we do not charge the satellite companies a dime for the
use of it, but you have to pay to receive it. The issue you have is with
your satellite provider, not KTVO. Urge your provider to put this signal
on their system and you will receive it, after all your paying the bill. -
John Wise, Chief Engineer, KTVO"
From their reply, they state that it is DISH who refuses to carry their
ABC signal as part of the locals package, even though they are offering it
for free. Please tell me why is this the case? It is my understanding
that Direct TV subscribers in the area have access to local ABC or they
get waivers without the problems we are having as Dish subscribers.
Please assist me in getting ABC.""