WWME and 2 other channels gone?

[Ascender]

I am also  very fustrated  and about to pull all and everything to do with AT&T Uverwse, wireless, Land line phone and internet. This is the last straw. First  my wifes channels DYI (came back) and  Hall mark and now the only ones I watch at Night and catch up on some old favorites. i record my favorites on WWME on the DVR to watch at night. I want those channels and if AT&T does not restore them, then I will find a provider that will provide them. I am also upset about the changes to IM on the wireless plans changing to uses smart phone data rates then the free IM service which contract called for.  

I am upset there were no messages about this in the U-verse message system and is totally non acceptable.  If I were to do this to my customers I would be out of business! 

Please Bring Back WWME and it's sister station before I start calling Comcast.to transfer all services. 

[k9jdk]

Got a reply from Weigel Broadcasting.  Here's what they said:

"We expect service to be restored quickly to viewers within approximately 20-miles of downtown Chicago. We are working closely with AT&T to thereafter restore service to all other Chicago area viewers."

Sounds like we're gonna get WWME back.  Stay tuned......

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

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k9jdk wrote:

Got a reply from Weigel Broadcasting.  Here's what they said:

"We expect service to be restored quickly to viewers within approximately 20-miles of downtown Chicago. We are working closely with AT&T to thereafter restore service to all other Chicago area viewers."

Sounds like we're gonna get WWME back.  Stay tuned...... 

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Did they indicate the reason for the removal from the U-verse lineup?

[k9jdk]

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texasguy37 wrote:

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k9jdk wrote:

Got a reply from Weigel Broadcasting.  Here's what they said:

"We expect service to be restored quickly to viewers within approximately 20-miles of downtown Chicago. We are working closely with AT&T to thereafter restore service to all other Chicago area viewers."

Sounds like we're gonna get WWME back.  Stay tuned...... 

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Did they indicate the reason for the removal from the U-verse lineup?

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Nope.  I quoted their entire reply.

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

Thanks.  The way that restoral will take place sounds odd.  It may not be related to a carriage dispute, but some other reason.

[ZephyrG]

I also did not receive notification that AT&T u-verse TV was dropping my two favorite stations - WWME (23) and WMEU (48).   When both stations disappeared on June 26, I called customer service.  They didn't know what was going on, so they transferred me to technical support.   First, technical support told me that both stations were having technical difficulties and the problem should be resolved in 24 hours.  But later that day, they called me back and said the stations closed down and they would no longer be available to watch.   I asked if this issue was true with AT&T only, or with all cable companies.  They told me it was "everyone", which I found out later was not true (A friend of mine still gets both stations with Comcast).   I am so unhappy and disappointed with AT&T right now.  If they don't bring these two stations back, I'm definitely going to consider other options.  I feel like I'm wasting my money since I usually don't watch the other stations. 

[pin wheels -2348]

Channels 23 & 48 are no longer available in my area. I question the value of ATT services, as Channels , like Hallmark and WWME are not available.  

[Ryder2011]

I love watching the old TV shows. Thats the only thing I watch in the early evening. How could you AT&T take this away from us. First you take away Halmark which other carriers have, now this. How RUDE. Why don't you renew your contract?????? Whats going on with you???????

[k9jdk]

Please read message 32 in this thread BEFORE you comment on channel 23 - MeTV going away.

[Citizen60123]

It continues to.amaze me that AT&T still does not get It. They keep alienating their customers by pulling popular channels. First Hallmark, then Scripps HGTV, etc. remember that fiasco?. Now weigle broadcasting METV. And soon Amc. Both cable companies carry all here in Elgin, Comcast and WOW. Come on AT&T you are losing whatever competitive advantage you may have had!!

[k9jdk]

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Citizen60123 wrote:
It continues to.amaze me that AT&T still does not get It. They keep alienating their customers by pulling popular channels. First Hallmark, then Scripps HGTV, etc. remember that fiasco?. Now weigle broadcasting METV. And soon Amc. Both cable companies carry all here in Elgin, Comcast and WOW. Come on AT&T you are losing whatever competitive advantage you may have had!!

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Did you read message #32 (or any other messages) in this thread?  I thought so.

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

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Citizen60123 wrote:

It continues to.amaze me that AT&T still does not get It. They keep alienating their customers by pulling popular channels. First Hallmark, then Scripps HGTV, etc. remember that fiasco?. Now weigle broadcasting METV. And soon Amc. Both cable companies carry all here in Elgin, Comcast and WOW. Come on AT&T you are losing whatever competitive advantage you may have had!!

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You mean something that happened almost 2 years ago that lasted less than 3 days?

Yeah, you have quite a long list there. You should become a Dish Network customer so that you could create a much longer list.

By the way, a deal was reached today with AMC Networks.

[Citizen60123]

Sir, we still are blacked out. Just because the parties are talking does not mean they will reach an agreement. Yes, I CAN read. Thanks.

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

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Citizen60123 wrote:

Sir, we still are blacked out. Just because the parties are talking does not mean they will reach an agreement. Yes, I CAN read. Thanks.

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Blacked out of what?  The agreement between AMC Networks and AT&T has been reached.  It's a done deal!

[mibrnsurg ACE - Geek]

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pin wheels -2348 wrote:

Channels 23 & 48 are no longer available in my area. I question the value of ATT services, as Channels , like Hallmark and WWME are not available.  

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Looks like the 23/48 problem is that Wiegal Broadcasting transitioned from 2 OTA channels (possibly transmitters in a different location-fact they had different call signs) to subchannels on the WCIU 26.x transmission.  WMME is now 26.3 and WMEU is 26.4.

ATT does not carry any subchannels in any markets and that is why those 2 channels were dropped.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weigel_Broadcasting#Stations_owned_by_Weigel_Broadcasting

Chris

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Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
Need Help? 1-800-288-2020, After he gets acct info, press # a bunch of times, get a menu from Mr. Voice recognition
Your Results May Vary, In My Humble Opinion
I Call It Like I See It, Simply a U-verse user, nothing more

[gamegurou]

I believe there are 2 VHO's that are affected by channel WME-28 (IND) channel 23 and WMEU-48 (IND) channel 48. One is CICRIL which services the Chicago area and affected suburbs. I believe theres a seperate VHO in IN that is also affected.

[k9jdk]

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mibrnsurg wrote:

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pin wheels -2348 wrote:

Channels 23 & 48 are no longer available in my area. I question the value of ATT services, as Channels , like Hallmark and WWME are not available.  

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Looks like the 23/48 problem is that Wiegal Broadcasting transitioned from 2 OTA channels (possibly transmitters in a different location-fact they had different call signs) to subchannels on the WCIU 26.x transmission.  WMME is now 26.3 and WMEU is 26.4.

ATT does not carry any subchannels in any markets and that is why those 2 channels were dropped.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weigel_Broadcasting#Stations_owned_by_Weigel_Broadcasting

Chris

---

Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
Need Help? 1-800-288-2020, After he gets acct info, press # a bunch of times, get a menu from Mr. Voice recognition
Your Results May Vary, In My Humble Opinion
I Call It Like I See It, Simply a U-verse user, nothing more

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Hummmm....

If these channels are now subchannels, the reply from Weigel needs some clarification.  I read it to mean "we're gonna fix it soon".  They'll have to do something other than subchannels to get back on Uverse.  Can they feed Uverse 23/48 and the rest of the world 23.x and 48.x ?

Related question:  is there some technical reason why Uverse doesn't "do" subchannels?

[SomeJoe7777 ACE - Geek]

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k9jdk wrote:

Related question:  is there some technical reason why Uverse doesn't "do" subchannels?

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I think it's a cost issue.

The "must carry" rule is a fairly hard rule that exists about local carriage.  Basically, if any provider carries any local channel in a certain market, they are required to carry all local channels in that market.

But the rule was written for NTSC broadcasts, and doesn't address subchannels.  I think AT&T is worried about setting a precedent.  If they start carrying one subchannel within a market, they're opening themselves up to requests and/or lawsuits from other subchannels to force them to carry them as well.

In Houston, I believe there are at least 10-15 subchannels that aren't carried.  If they were to start carrying one or two, they then might be in a situation where they would have to carry all of them.

While WMME and WMEU were low-power analog broadcast stations (Class "A"), AT&T was required under the must carry rule to carry them if they were normally considered receivable in the Chicago market.  Once they transitioned to a digital subchannel, it looks like AT&T dropped them to avoid having to carry all the other subchannels as well.

They might still be carrying them in areas where the digital subchannel cannot normally be received, if WMME and WMEU are still broadcasting in that area in analog on their low-power station.

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

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SomeJoe7777 wrote: 

They might still be carrying them in areas where the digital subchannel cannot normally be received, if WMME and WMEU are still broadcasting in that area in analog on their low-power station. 

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That could be the case because the notice indicates that the channels would be removed "from portions of the Chicago market".  If those channels are now received as subchannel  in those portions of the Chicago market, I would not anticipate that they will return to those portions unless AT&T changes it's policy about carrying subchannels which would then affect carriage of subchannels in ALL of the U-verse markets.

[erich.schoen]

All I know is I had these channels, I watched these channels and now they are gone.  It is time to move on to another provider such as Comcast or one of the many satellite providers.  Either that or find the shows I like on an internet carrier like hulu.

We really don't need a land line either.   More savings.

[Randyman0974]

I wish spokespeople from AT&T and Weigel Broadcasting would be honest and just tell the U-Verse subscribers what the real issues are here. 

This is what I received back from an email I sent to Weigel... "We expect service to be restored quickly to viewers within approximately 20-miles of downtown Chicago. We are working closely with AT&T to thereafter restore service to all other Chicago area viewers."

I'm 40 miles outside of downtown Chicago so for me, and many others like me, I guess it's just tough luck.  Weigel danced aroung that one.  Just like it or leave AT&T I guess!  

[RoJ]

This is ridiculous. These are great channels that I should be able to get. Honestly, it's a deal breaker. Will be contacting Comcast ASAP

[dian1950]

Go over to COMCAST. They have had and still have these plus all the other sub-channels like the great ANTENNA TV.

[dwinth]

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dian1950 wrote:

Go over to COMCAST. They have had and still have these plus all the other sub-channels like the great ANTENNA TV.

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You are still here? Anyone can post on these boards, but all you do is bad-mouth U-Verse . If you are still a U-Verse subscriber, then you are a total hypocrite.

Which provider do you work for? Is it Comcast or another provider?

You have the same old message post after post.

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

This was posted on the U-verse Facebook page:

Hi Tim, we've had to limit these channels in the Chicago market because of increase copyright costs. But we will be adding MeTV back into our lineup in the near future-- in all markets. Hope that helps!

http://www.facebook.com/uverse/posts/469518683060026?ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply

[dhascall ACE - Professor]

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texasguy37 wrote:

This was posted on the U-verse Facebook page:

Hi Tim, we've had to limit these channels in the Chicago market because of increase copyright costs. But we will be adding MeTV back into our lineup in the near future-- in all markets. Hope that helps!

http://www.facebook.com/uverse/posts/469518683060026?ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply

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I'm not totally sure that I believe that one.   At least the FB response sounds honest (if it actually is) - the real meaning is "We are not fighting for you, Tim, we are fighting for our investors." Lol.

If it really is a "subchannel" issue, look out.  The FCC is looking to jettison broadcasters from RF channels 32-51, meaning that OTA TV broadcasts could be limited to RF channels 2-31.  The rub is that in some areas, there are no replacement  channels in the 2-31 spectrum, so what happens if more broadcasters flip to being on another stations DTV subchannel?  It is time for AT&T to move on subchannels anyway and this may be more impetus.

[Donzo1017]

You're not the only one, I did too. I called AT&T and they said they were "investigating it" - huh? What's to investigate? They also said they would get back to me, haven't heard back. Very frustrating, I pay too much for the package, time to shop it.

[etvb]

Very disappointing losing wwme and the sister channel.  Most of the TV I watch is on these channels.  I hear Comcast still carries them.  I will give Uverse some time, but will eventually go to Comcast if I don't see the return of these channels...May cancel my long line while I am at it.

[snookpup]

I called AT&T as well, and inquired about my two favorite stations.  I was told it was a contractual dispute for carrying the channels in this area (Chicagoland).  Remember, these are digital local stations, which in the Chicago Area, one can receive by antenna.  I have a whopper amplified antenna on my roof, which gives EXCELLENT reception of all free broadcast digital channels, including 26.2 (MeTV) and 26.3 (MeToo).  (AT&T 23 and 48 respectively).  Hook the roof antenna to your "TV" input on your TV receiver, and you have it.... Now, mind you, you will not be able to use your AT&T DVR, but if you still have your VCR, or a generic DVR not affiliated with any service, you can record your shows there, to skip commercials like my wife and I do. 

All local digital channels in Chicago come in BRILLIANTLY with a roof antenna, within about 40-45 mi of Chicago and the HD reception is awesome, even from CBS 2, (channel 2.1).   When I called AT&T Uverse asking about these channels and threatening to drop them  they gave me $26 bucks off my bill for 6 months.  I may just decide to blow off the TV portion of the UVerse, and just watch off the antenna.  I lose Golf, NFL Channel and ESPN, and my wife would lose HGTV, but who cares?  It's a lot of money, this Uverse, and all the rest of the providers, and I'd just as soon watch TV for free again, as, (like many of you said), over 90% of the TV I watch is on ME TV or MeToo, and the network channels (especially for news and sports.).  And hey, the VCR still works.  No problem for me.  Soon I will say "Tah-Tah" to UVerse.

[rockn50]

Yeah, I too am VERY upset about this.  It just isn't these two channels...it appears that the U-Verse phylosophy is that local programming will be abandoned.  I live just south of Chicago, and never had access to CLTV (Chicagoland Television) - now add WWME.  Even the Weather Channel is of a national flavor - "Local on the 8's" is what you see in a hotel room in any city you might travel to.

I am seriously considering chaning carriers now.  The local stations are important to me, not only for the entertainment, sports (sometimes the Cubs games are on WCIU) - but news and weather as well. 

I would like to hear if anyone else is getting the same - loss of local programming.,