I hope it is not just tempoary. I was very happy with all other aspects of my basic 60-channel package. It also included my local network channels at no additional charge and when I was with DirectTV, they wanted another $6/month for the locals.
I know that DishNetwork has a means for recording what you are watching (i.e, Big Brother) via the phone line attached to your receiver box. Maybe they will get some interesting statistics this election cycle and 'see the light' and we'll get this as a permanent addition.
I can only hope (and write more letters to them asking them to keep it permanent - I hope others will do the same).