WTOK TV General Manager Tim Walker released a statement Monday announcing that Dish Network will no longer be carrying the local Channel 11.
My experience is in the newspaper business so I am not familiar with how the terms work in broadcast; but it is disheartening to learn that our local television station will not be carried through a major cable provider, thru no fault of their own.
I do know that local news stations are similar to the newspaper business because we depend on our readers, viewers and advertisers to be able to continue bringing you the news and community events.
Local news stations are just like local newspapers – they are vital to the community. National news can be found anywhere in this day and age, but local community news stations and newspapers continue to be a visible part of the community. It is unfortunate that Dish Network has refused an extension offered by WTOK and does not recognize the value of this station.
I have Dish Network at home and this isn’t the first time I have experienced a black out of a channel. One week during a highly anticipated New Orleans Saints game right before kickoff Dish Network blacked out the channel. After calling and complaining, their excuse was that particular game was not offered in our area. Needless to say, my ranting didn’t help because the channel remained blacked out for the duration of the game, yet my cable bill continued to rise.
I made the decision to switch cable providers Monday and go with Direct TV since they will continue to carry local stations. Hopefully, if enough noise is made, Dish Network will come to an agreement and continue serving our area with the local television station. If you would like to voice your concern in support of WTOK, please visit the website keeptvlocal.com
