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DISH Network, a pay television provider, announced last week that it will offer local channels to the region, providing residents with a new option when considering television programming providers.
The new available channels, WOAY-ABC, WVNS-CBS, WVVA-NBC and WVNSD-FOX, will provide the Beckley-Bluefield designated market area’s 92,000 households additional access to their local news, weather and sports.
DISH Network CEO Charlie Ergen explained why the company decided to launch the local channels.
“I grew up in a small town and I learned early on that in a small town you don’t always get the same service as you do in a big city,” he said. “But I know local news, weather, sports and entertainment are important to everyone. I also know it’s good business to give customers what they want.
“So over the years, DISH Network launched local channels via satellite, giving customers a real alternative to cable — one that provides access to local programming that matters most.”
DISH corporate communications manager Francie Bauer said the company has been working for years to make local channels available to the area.
“Offering local channels is more complex than offering national channels and takes a fairly significant investment,” she said, “We are excited we’re now able to offer locals, giving consumers more choice in their TV.”
The new channels mean more competition, which is beneficial for customers.
WVVA General Manager Frank Brady Jr. is pleased with the news, explaining that now residents of rural areas can receive local emergency information.
“This is great news. We’ve been chasing it for four years,” he said. “Before, if people didn’t have cable in their rural area, they lost communication. This development creates opportunity for increased local channel viewership.”
Chris Leister, station manager at WVNS-CBS and FOX, agreed with Brady.
“This is good for all the local stations. Thirty-five percent of the homes in the nine counties we cover are on satellite. That equals a lot of people who will now have access to breaking local news and weather,” he said.
Brady also explained there should be no cost for conversion equipment, if needed. The satellite providers are supposed to arrange this free of charge.
Last Friday, the network held a special kickoff event at Word Park in Beckley. DISH representatives were onsite to help new or current customers add their local channels.
This Saturday, DISH will host another event at Celebrate Princeton at Princeton Town Square and Mercer Street. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Former Pittsburgh Steeler and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Ham will attend the event from noon to 2 p.m.
New customers signing up for service after the launch of local channels will automatically receive local channels, but existing customers will need to call to get the local channels added.
For more information about DISH Network, visit www.dish.com.
— E-mail: kvanpelt@register-herald.com
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DISH Network now offering local channels to the region
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