CBS Signs Affiliation Agreement for Louisiana Station
(Editor’s Note: There have been several comments over the past few months that CBS doesn’t have any options in Erie. The following story from Broadcast and Cable seems to indicate that digital can change everything; like carrying two major networks in high definition on the same channel at the same time. This also provides SJL/Lilly an option if they intend to stay in Erie. But will time be on their side? We thank the new EMGR editorial staff for discovering this story)
By Caroline Palmer -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/15/2006 5:50:00 PM
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CBS announced Wednesday that the network has entered a long-term affiliation agreement with Media General Broadcast Divisions KALB-DT located in Alexandria, Louisiana that begins in January 2007.
Under the agreement KALB--which is the station with the highest viewership in the area--will send two signals from it's digital transmitter. …. One will continue to air NBC programming and other shows while the other will carry CBS programming and introduce new programs to the area.
John Cottingham, Senior Vice President, Broadcast Stations, Media General Broadcast Division, said, "This is our first CBS-NBC dual affiliation and we look forward to maximizing the new sales and marketing opportunities presented by this powerful combination.”
(Editor’s Note: KALB-Alexandria, LA is in Nielsen market #179. Erie is #142. Since this is still just one station, it would not be considered duopoly even though it transmits two networks. It also has been pointed out that multicasting, which the above points to, may limit the quality of the two HD signals within the limited bandwith available. This past July, KALB began broadcasting NBC in high definition. Future compression technology is expected to improve that efficiency)
"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 http://www.dtv.gov/
If You Haven't Seen Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC in High Definition...You Haven't Seen Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
(What An Opportunity Missed)
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10 comments:
"we thank the new EMGR editorial staff?????" OH MY GOD!!! YOU'VE GOT DISCIPLES!!?? oh (edit!
Not that I like the back-stabbing and all, but I have to say, the comments have toned down a bit. Are people afraid of being pinged now? Kind of dissapointing, but I still enjoy the blog.
I hope I didn't put off too many people from posting. That was not my intent.
Any blog has the capability to ping or know the IP address of each hit.
However, I can't tell who is actually sending it. All I get is the ISP that they use and how many times they have been in the blog and when.
If something severe was sent that needed the attention of other authoritizes, I can send the IP address, the message and the approximate time.
If it toned down the hate and anger it is worth it.
Readers can still be as frank as they want and always send me private messages with total confidentiality. Only those that cross a certain line I will edit for one reason or another. That one day last week was definite attempt to spam with false information. I won't tolerate that nor the site being used to even a score.
People can still debate and take out their frustrations but don't use charactor flaws to degrade someone. I am not perfect either.
I put up this blog so I am used to being critiqued. That's fair.
I agree. It's kind of disappointing that the comments have really slowed/calmed down.
I enjoyed the catfight when it happened. I also enjoy the intelligent discussion.
One last question: how many people are on your so-called "editorial staff?"
Just Curious
I'm surprised SJL/Lilly hasn't thought of this. It would seem to be a perfect fit? WICU has the tallest stick of any Erie Station. Just beam WICU-DT and WSEE-DT off the same stick. Unfortunately, if they did this it would probably be only 50kw ERP to save money.
SJL/LILLY = CHEAP ASS BROADCASTING
As the volunteer editorial staff come from various cities including Erie, I don't want to provide a count.
Let's just say I feel more comfortable with more eyes around in my absence.
The problem with multicasting is only one of the signals is in HD and the quality of the content is not as high.
Just look over to Youngstown and you will see my point. With WUTV/MY-YTV for example, you have 2 hours of MY-Network programming surrounded by repeats of news in addition to a 10'oclock news, and a local newstalk show in addition to classic TV shows and programming from America One on the weekends. Now this may sound nice but what you get is a poor attempt at a second station.
With multiplexing, it should be about offering unique different programs instead of a second network that airs crusty repeats of Happy Days and Quincy.
In Erie you could see more choice since the new cw is a member of the cw 100plus and there is no MY-Network TV in the market. By creating a subchannel that is an independent or one where there is more unique local programming in addition to a national network, you could see a new and fun digital TV come into play.
But in the end it comes down to does the local broadcaster see the need for a second revune source, can they make it work, and most important can they get it onto cable/satelite.
In Dayton WHLO just shut down their digital UPN station due to the fact they lost out on the new CW and MY-TV and Time Warner didnot want to carry the station. But in Erie you may end up having what Cincinnati has where WKRC has the CW on a sub carrier and a news share on MY-64 if WICU was to place WSEE on one of its subcarriers and tried to operate the CW 100plus.
With digital TV, it opens up the door to new and great things but it will tae the effort of the broadcasters to see the what the potiental is and act upon it or else we one day will see every station airing weather stations and reject networks.
Those are points very well taken and you are right it wouldn't be the best HD. But according to the reports and the offical news release from the station and CBS, both stations will be in HD as they can get it. That does cut the bandwith as we suggested. Probably makes it more of an HD Lite situation.
I was just reporting that both CBS has an option as well as SJL/Lilly, Nexstar or any future owners.
BREAKING NEWS! SJL/LILLY has cancelled Thanksgiving and Christmas. The reason? NOT COST EFFECTIVE! (Edit) is cheap! (Let the mayhem begin!)
Carefull Anonymous. I know that is your opinion but don't let it get out of hand.
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