In a surprise move, Brian Lilly, WICU General Manager and oldest son of the president of SJL, called me Tuesday. The discussion was cordial, but brief. In the conversation, he did recommit to digital and high definition for WSEE although no specific date was promised other than a brief mention of the analog shut-down date of February 17, 2009. However, he did say that they would again file with the FCC for an extension of their current construction permit for DT 16.
He also agreed that current analog picture quality on channel 35 and CBS was less than stellar and he blamed it on the old transmitter. (Personally, I think it is the transmitting method from 13th and Peach to 35th and State.) This should give new purpose to SJL of PA to advance their digital timetable. It also makes very good marketing sense. As I have said before, the first commercial station to go high definition will have a marketing advantage not seen since the advent of color TV.
Am I encouraged by his call? To some degree I am encouraged, but action speaks louder than words. We have learned that FCC filings can be a useful stalling tactic. If Brian is serious about what he said, he would first order that all requests for HD waivers for CBS HD from a distance station (WCBS) be approved for DIRECT TV and DISH NETWORK. The only stipulation would be that once WSEE can deliver a high definition signal to the coverage area, that the local station would take president and the approved waiver would be rescinded.
There are other things that SJL can do to enhance its marketing impact and really take the lead in Erie TV, but I will leave that for a future discussion with Mr. Lilly. In the meantime, I offer the space on this blog for Brian Lilly to write about the issues and what decisions SJL will or will not make for both stations. For my part, I will not post any of my own comments on his post for a minimum of 48 hours. I have always welcomed an open dialogue and I will keep that offer on the table at anytime for any media. (I hope he takes me up on the offer.) What would you like to hear from Brian Lilly about either WICU or WSEE?
A vibrant, vital and expanding marketplace displaying the latest technology is essential if the region is to be born again, but digital and high definition are the newest game and must be adopted sooner rather than later. It is time that SJL of PA do more than talk. The time is for action.
"Congress passed a law on February 1, 2006, setting a final deadline for the DTV transition of February 17, 2009. Most television stations will continue broadcasting both analog and digital programming until February 17, 2009, when all analog broadcasting will stop.” FCC www.dtv.gov
Just 16 Days To Go Before WSEE DT Channel 16 Construction Permit Expires.
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4 comments:
If memory serves me correctly the WSEE transmitter broadcasted a fine analog signal until Lilly took over. WSEE has had many owners over the years and they all found a way to make the NTSC picture of a true broadcast quality caliber.
You may be right, I think the reason the signal is crap is because of the bouncing of the signal from WSEE to WICU to the WSEE transmitter. Way too many links in the chain. Something is bound to get screwed up somewhere.
Bottom line is Lilly doesn't care what the signal looks like. All Lilly is about is saving a dollar and that is not a true broadcaster.
I thought WSEE was owned by KEVIN Lilly? Why is Brian Lilly of WICU running WSEE? I thought WSEE was supposed to be run independent of WICU?
There are a lot of unanswered questions that need to be answered!
The boys own WSEE. Daddy owns WICU. It's cheap and convenient for Brian to oversee the operation of both stations. Brian doesn't want to be in Erie and I would anticipate his departure, sooner rather than later. This would be to move on to larger things within the Lilly group. Rumor runs the gamut from John C. to Pauline G. eventually running the Erie operations. The latter would be the most logical candidate.
About the signal quality and transmission issues. Jack is right on the money. If you look at WSEE and WICU's over the air signals, they are fine. But run them through the numerous links, converters, STL's and the the cable systems and the images go to hell in a handbag. The substandard links in the chain are the culprit.
To put it quite simply, Daddy and the other group owners probably aren't getting the real picture of what's going on in Erie. One previous GM was a fine woman and took care of problems and people at both WSEE and WICU, and money was never an issue. The current leadership has clearly demonstrated it allegiance to the almighty dollar.
Now that last post contained some interesting speculation
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