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Wait! The NEW(!!) CW(BS) Network Violates FCC Regs, Yes?
(click on the names to see responses)
Tue, 24 Jan 2006 17:06:22 -0800
rec.arts.tv
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Ian J. Ball...
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As you might remember, Viacom (now CBS) had to apply for an FCC waiver
just to keep both CBS and UPN under the same corporate umbrella.
But it looks to me like UPN programmed a lot less hours, and owned fewer
key affiliates, than the proposed new network.
Despite the fact that The New(!) CW(BS) Net is 50% owned with TWX (Time
Warner, for those of you wondering...), the fact that it will program
more hours, and involve more higher tier affiliates in more 'major
markets' would seem to go beyond CBS's original FCC waiver.
So, am I wrong here? Or is CBS about to get smacked down by the FCC on
Anti-Trust grounds?...
Ian (I haven't seen anyone even reference this issue yet...)
Taylor...
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I think both parts of the 50/50 will say it like this: If you DON'T let
us merge, BOTH "networks" will go off the air by 2011 by pure logic.
Doing this helps protect every TV station that is a CW affiliate... even
if it means the "orphans" (those cities with one of each current
netlets) could possibly die. But it's better than ALL UPN and WB
affiliates going broke and becoming independents all at once.
Of course, this CW-thing could fail in a few years and the UPN-to-WC and
WB-to-WC affiliates could end up independents, anyway and you're right
back where you are: 4 big networks, plus PBS and a bunch of highly
vulnerable independents with a possibility of near-death.
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Jorabi...
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Just a guess, but I think all parties would have had their lawyers
review the deal first!
Jack Bauer's Spunky Sidekick, Ian J. Ball...
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That doesn't prevent News Corp. from going to the FCC and saying,
"Hey! Waidda minute!!..."
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