Hoffa: Union against DirectTV/Dish Network merger

Broadcasting|Cable Magazine ^ | 7.1.02

[mhking]

Hoffa: Union against EchoStar-DirecTV merger

Broadcasting & Cable
7/1/2002 2:30:00 PM

During a private meeting with President George W. Bush last week, Teamsters union president James P. Hoffa reiterated the union's strong opposition to the merger of EchoStar Communications Corp. and DirecTV Inc., a Teamsters spokesman confirmed, although he added, "They didn't get into a deep discussion."

In May, the Teamsters issued a statement saying that they were against the combo.

"The merger threatens competition and will adversely affect the blue-collar workers at both companies," the spokesman said.

[The Iceman Cometh]

"The merger threatens competition and will adversely affect the blue-collar workers at both companies," the spokesman said.

There's only like 11 million customers of both services.....plus, there is this thing called 'Cable TV' that competes.

Another moron cannonballing into the gene pool!

[dead]

Generally, if it's bad for the unions, it's good for America.

[cva66snipe]

Likely the same idiots who also pushed to make getting distant network broadcast on them impossible as well. It seems a local station is deemed sole owner and sayer of who can and who can not qualify to pick up distant cities networks. If it's a service I pay for and I can't get their local signal anyway what business is it of theirs? Neilsen sets a very unworkable standard for who qualifies and who doesn't just by a milage radius and does not consider terrain as a major factor for a viewable signal. The Cable Industry as well ignored my area till most had purchased DishNet, DirectTV, or the more expensive C-Band systems. Then they as well can claim territorial rights.

[hgro]

Translation - Jimmy Hoffa will not be able to skim money from as many union members as he can now. A good illustration that the acorn doesn't fall very far from the tree.

[thescourged1]

Just wait till the major network broadcasters get force-fed the government-mandated conversion to digital signal transmission. "Off-air" reception via rooftop antennae will cease to exist unless you buy digital televisions. No digital TV? Gonna have to buy the 'local' affiliate broadcasts through Cable or DishNet. When I was a DirecTV/DishNet/C-Band installer, I had a simple solution to obtaining the major network channels...lie to the programming office. I had a very happy clientele. As far as I was concerned, if they wanted the networks (from whatever city the programming package offered) and they wanted to pay for them, I was all for it. And I didn't get commission for 'selling' the additional programming, either. Money talks and BS walks. BTW, this network digital conversion is scheduled to be (by force of law) finished by 2010 if memory serves.

Coincidentally, I was offered a job by DishNet a few weeks ago. Lotsa new equipment, perks, 2002 GMC work truck, etc. Problem was that their pay program was arcane at best, and the hoops and rules were a bit too anal-retentive for my taste. So I took a pass on that, and continued my hand-to-mouth existence as a handyman. I value happiness in a job more than perks and high dollars. Call me stupid. </peep into my questionable existence off>

[cva66snipe]

I questioned Charlies sanity when he done a deal with Web-tv. The Dish Player was a dog. It took eons to download and was not user friendly IMO. I live 20 miles north of the 4 major network tower on the northern slope of a 500 foot ridge. All I get on a local signal is echos off the ridge across from me. I'm lucky I got grandfathered in but I really would like to upgrade to 500. But if I do I loose New York and Cali on my networks due to it. I would have to get waiver which from my experience with my parents unit in the same situation the local station managers will not budge at all on the matter.

In that respect I think the burden of signal should rest square on the local affiliates back. They to deny you service or access to Dishnet or other distants should be required to come out and do signal strenght test themselves and show the signal is watchable or otherwise they should be made to shut up.

[Chemist_Geek]

C-band is still being used? Wow... I had thought the only use for those big dishes nowadays was Ham satellites.

[thescourged1]

C-Band is still in limited use, but not really sold much anymore. The 4DTV digital receivers gave those that wanted to continue using C-Band a new lease on life. What folks don't know is, is that a 4DTV-equipped C-Band dish is more capable than any mini-dishes out there. With the ability to track all the comm-sats in the Clark Belt, and receive analog+digital signals, there's nothing that beats it.