CBS HD Feed waiver problem

[ThierryFL]

I leave near Tampa which is an CBS affiliate (WSTP) area.
Two days ago (playing dumb), I called Dish Network and asked to get CBS HD feed (WCBSDT-9483), the rep explained that I needed to call WSTP to get a waiver. Now this morning, WSTP is telling me that they do not issue waivers and I should refer to my satellite carrier to get the feed, maybe they meant they do not care, I don't know. What is the best way to get this problem resolved?
The programming section of Dish Network website says that they will seek waiver for individual customer upon request, if I call Dish again , I am sure they are going to say: ask a waiver... I guess you all know the turnaround technique.
Thank you.

 

[BFG]

Tampa is not a CBS O&O market so you can't get the CBS HD feed from dish, sorry

 

[dispatcher_21]

You can if you submit a waiver and the local says ok. I live in Walla Walla, WA and my CBS station gave me a waiver even though I also get my locals over Dish. I just went into my account at dishnetwork.com and there you can submit a waiver request to all channels online. Its pretty simple and very fast in letting you know if they grant it or not. Now I just need some extra money for another dish and a DP21 switch. Football in HD on yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ThierryFL]

I am just writing what Dish told me. WSTP was not surprised by my request. I don't know what to think.

 

[ThierryFL]

Thank you Dispatcher_21, I just requested the waiver online. I hope it'll work and if I am lucky, I will be able to watch the PGA Championship on HD.

 

[dispatcher_21]

The cool thing is, per the SHIVA they have 30 days to deny or grant the waiver. After the 30 days, it is automatically granted. Thats what happened to me, everyone denied me but the CBS took to long so I got it.

 

[ThierryFL]

Thank you again Dispatcher.

 

[Oldster]

Where did you find this request on line?

 

[ThierryFL]

Goto Disnetwork.com, Log onto your account, hit Add Programming and then Local channels.
A page will display your address.
Under the header Distant Networks you'll find a link to request the waiver.

 

[Oldster]

Hmmm........this can't be good, I don't have that link.

 

[ThierryFL]

It must be the address that trigs it.

 

[TheForce]

The waiver process is spelled out in the FCC regulations-
step one is to request the CBS HD channel as you did with Dish. Call them again and this time request to speak with the Locals waiver person. Dish used to have one individual who processed the waiver. You must speak to that person to start the process rolling.

Dish will submit the request on your behalf to the station. If you call the station try to get the FAX number of the station Engineer as that is the person or his assistant who will handle the request. The station has 30 days to respond to the request.

Within 30 days, if the station denies your request you may challenge the denial. This will require you to locate an independent certified test company in your area to conduct signal strength tests to determine your CBS channel reception status. If you cannot get the signal then the independent company, you hire will submit the report to Dish and the waiver is approved within another 30 days. During that next 30 days the station may also challenge the independent test with tests they conduct on their own.

If you know you can get the waiver because you do not have reception then your chances are excellent. If you can see the channel then you might as well forget the process.


I got a waiver here right within 4 miles of the transmitter. I managed to get it by applying during a period of time when the affiliation was changing hands and timed the application just right so when one station was leaving they received the application and approved it. 2 weeks later the new affiliate picked up the CBS and the deal is, once you have the waiver, it is too costly for the station to challenge it for removal. You basically have it as long as you want it.

I think most people give up on the process but also many people really do not qualify.

I know the local company who is authorized to conduct certified tests for waivers and they told me that all challenges they validated poor signals were verified and overturned, waivers were granted. They also told me they got denials overturned based on multipath not just strength.
I don't know what a consulting company may charge to conduct the test and submit a challenge to the denial report but if you are serious I think you should find out in your area. Meanwhile contact Dish again and ask for the specialist who handles the waivers. They will also provide you with additional information about the steps in the process.

 

[ThierryFL]

Thank you Don for this detailed procedure.
I am going to wait now that I have initiated the process through the web request.