Topeka, Kansas CBS affiliate dumped from Cox
About this time last week, we had hopes that WIBW-TV and Cox Communications could come to terms and put this spat behind, but unfortunately, things didn't exactly work out. As of right now, Topeka, Kansas' CBS affiliate is being dumped from Cox's lineup, and while talks are reportedly continuing, TV viewers in the area now have to turn to alternative methods to catch CBS programming. On an update on the station's website, it actually recommends that consumers call up DISH Network and DirecTV to see what kind of deals they can nab should they be too far away to pull in the signal via OTA. Here's to hoping this situation sees an amicable resolution, and fast.Update: The deadline has been extended until March 13th, so Cox users can still receive WIBW for a few more days at least.
[Thanks, James H.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sean T. @ Mar 8th 2008 2:31PM
People still live in Kansas??? ;-)
Seriously though, if the station gets too greedy for the cable company to negotiate a reasonable fee for 'retransmission consent' they will force the 'must carry' provision onto the cable provider.
I *love* this statement; "We are happy that both services do pay to carry our channels". It's always about the money.
It's not pretty, but broadcasters have a lot of legal resources at their disposal to protect their business model.
Nothing a little competition from broadband, net neutrality and IPTV couldn't solve...
wilsons66604 @ Mar 10th 2008 7:25PM
Cox & WIBW are still in talks. Cox has until Thursday 11:59pm to come to terms with WIBW. http://www.wibw.com/freetv
Cox is the only cable company in town and they act like it!
I recently switched from Cox to DISH and am getting WIBW over the air & sat. so I can care less about the pending agreement
and yes, people do still live in Kansas!