I propose that if its on the Local Cable, then Dish can carry it, even if its outside the DMA. All they need is a retrans agreement and if they cant agree then the FCC should step in and make them allow it using the average retrans price for the nearest DMA.
An other Example, North Platte Nebraska (one of the smallest DMAs).
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The only station in the DMA is NBC, but cable pulls from the near by DMA through the use of over the air translator stations. Cable has ALL locals.
All Dish would need to do is uplink one channel to have the exact same carrage as cable. If the local NBC would not agree to a retrans then Dish and Direct could force the issue by using the average price for retrans rates from the near by DMA.
The other channels are already carried by dish in the near by DMA so dish would have it easy.
The North Platte DMA would not need the National Locals under this plan as they would have the same locals as cable.
I propose the Retrans agreement would be automatic if Dish or Direct TV carrys the near by Station, and if not, and they cant agree on price, then you go with the nearest DMA rate price for retrans.
Im sure there are other DMA examples where this could work, if you follow a cable must carry type of guideline.
With this plan of Average Rates and near by DMA, we would have 100% of the USA covered with all 4 networks. The new CW and MyTV would also be covered under the Super Station package that is allowed already.
Im working with my congressman now on some more ideas along this line. He is listening, even called me. In th emiddle of Nebraska it is hard to get good TV unless you have Direct or Dish.