Some local satellite subscribers say they can’t get answers on the reason why KPLC Channel 7 out of Lake Charles is not carried by DISH Network, and not only the subscribers but the NBC affiliate is frustrated as well.A Lafayette viewer had switched from cable to DISH Network in September 2006. He was won over by a sales call that promised 200 cable channels and all his local news stations, pretty good.
Enamored with niche offerings like The History Channel, didn’t notice for a few days he had no local NBC channel in the package.
Local cable subscribers did get local NBC channels out of both Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, but the viewer had neither.DISH Network told him both channels are “out of market” for Lafayette because it’s not in the city limits. They said they aren’t responsible for a third-party salesman’s claims, but told Stanford he could buy an NBC channel for additional fees.
“They said I should have called within the first three days, but I didn’t even know in those first three days,” Stanford said. “They ended up taking $1 off my monthly bill, and they still won’t let me out of my 18-month contract.”
Jim Serra, general manager of KPLC in Lake Charles, said this is one example of a bigger problem his station has had with both DIRECTV and DISH Network. He’s had numerous viewers call and ask for help, but Serra said he’s been given few answers himself.
Representatives for both satellite providers said Thursday they only knew that area NBC channels weren’t offered because they’re considered “out of market,” or each company hasn’t picked up channels in some small markets like Lake Charles.
DIRECTV does give Lafayette subscribers an NBC affiliate out of Jackson, Miss. Company spokeswoman Jade Ekstredt wasn’t sure why that large-market channel was pumped into Lafayette, while NBC affiliates from Lake Charles, Alexandria or Baton Rouge weren’t.
Serra of KPLC in Lake Charles said his station has done its part, entering an agreement with the satellite companies to uplink their channels. But and DISH Network haven’t taken the next step, he said.
“We do know the satellite companies have told customers in bigger markets that they’re making a priority of rolling out their digital service, in addition to the analog service they already provide,” Serra said. “So while Lake Charles/Lafayette has gotten no local-to-local service for even their basic analog (subscribers), there are other bigger markets getting attention.
“With only two satellite companies serving this area and neither one uplinking NBC in Lake Charles, there doesn’t seem to be any market pressure for one to step up.”
