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Some Dish subscribers will miss NBA and NHL playoff games
There's bad news for some folks hoping to catch the NBA or NHL finals today. The Tribune network, which owns WGN and affiliates for FOX, CBS and other networks, is no longer available on Dish. As usual with such disputes (which often involve Dish), the reason for the blackout is money. Tribune says that Dish "refuses to reach an agreement based on fair-market value" for its stations, while Dish says "Tribune is demanding an unreasonable rate increase for channels that are available for free over the air."
DirecTV and Tribune cut a deal, turn WGN America and 23 other channels back on
That was quick. After lobbing accusations and FCC filings back and forth for a few days, DirecTV and Tribune Broadcasting Company have come to an agreement, resulting in the satellite broadcaster turning all those stations back on at around 9PM. Even with an agreement signed sealed and delivered, DirecTV still had some shots to let off, referencing the deal it claimed had been reached back on March 28th and calling for action from the federal government. None of that matters now though, since now that it's done we can all go back to not watching Cubs and White Sox day games.
Tribune stations nationwide including WGN America go dark on DirecTV
In the latest round of disputes between pay-TV providers and networks over the millions of dollars we, the customers, are paying for service, Tribune Broadcasting Company (owner of several different broadcast networks nationwide including WGN America -- list follows after the break) and DirecTV are going at it. As a result, the 23 broadcast networks under Tribune's umbrella are no longer available on the satellite service, and there's no indication when they'll be coming back. Oddly, DirecTV claimed Thursday it had accepted Tribune's terms, before the Tribune Company stated no deal had been reached. Now both sides are accusing the other of misleading viewers but no matter who is responsible the facts remain the same -- until they settle things you'll need to get those channels some other way.
Chicago's WGN takes local news to HD
Whoa, WGN news is lookin' good in high-definition! The superstation has finally taken a hint and got with the program by unveiling its HD newscasts. Viewers can tune in locally on Chicago's local CW affiliate, while national onlookers can switch over to WGN America HD. Check the read link for more high-resolution screen captures.[Thanks John and Stephen]
WGN America HD coming to DISH Network
DISH Network subscribers are finally netting another channel: WGN America HD. Yeah, we know some of you are still bitter over losing all those VOOM channels (and trust us, so is VOOM Networks), but DISH is hoping to brighten your spirits at least somewhat with the addition of WGN America HD. Scheduled to launch on June 11th, the station will deliver 160 live sporting events featuring the Chicago Bulls, Cubs and White Sox, not to mention the movies, kid favorites, news and educational material. So, DISH customers -- are you pleased with this one? Could you possibly care any less?[Thanks, John]
Superstation WGN's 2008 baseball season is all HD
Superstation WGN is keeping the HD baseball love going, with plans to broadcast all of its Chicago Cubs and White Sox games in HD. That's in addition to the Cubs Forever documentary, premiering April 20. Sure 93 high definition baseball games in Chi-City is enough to cheer, but we're most looking forward to Ferris Bueller's Day Off airing in high definition as a part of Super Sweet Baseball Week starting today.
Cubs Forever documentary coming to WGN HD
Alright, Cubbies fans -- this is your year. What better way to end the streak than on the 100th anniversary of your last World Series win, right? In preparation for the upcoming season, WGN-Channel 9 is gearing up to air a two-hour documentary called Cubs Forever, which is in celebration of the 60th anniversary of WGN airing its first Cubs baseball game. For the historians in the crowd, that April 16th, 1948 matchup between your beloved Cubbies and the cross-town White Sox was actually an exhibition, but on April 20th of this year, fans will be able to witness "interviews with more than 60 Cubs players, fans and team staffers" that have been a part of the WGN / Cubs partnership. No word on an exact airing time just yet, but you can rest assured that it'll be beamed out in glorious high-definition.[Image courtesy of VacationsByRail]
Superstation WGN going HD in November
A keen eyed observer at DBSTalk.com noticed that Superstation WGN updated their FAQ and the last question now asks when it'll go HD. According to the FAQ, it will be available to cable and satellite providers in November. Unfortunately, they don't say what providers or even what will be in HD. We'd be more excited, but with all the new so called HD channels launching lately -- with almost no HD -- these announcements are being more and more meaningless.
