Sounds like a good argument. But the problem is that it is a free over-the-air signal if you want to receive it free over the air. But if you prefer to receive it in a more convenient fashion (via cable), you pay for it. Right now, we don't get any of that money. |
The cable operators are paying to show content. The most important content you have is the broadcast stations. They take the position that over the air is free to people, so it should be free to them. |
They don't seem to have shown any interest in acquiring our signal. Occasionally, we talk but they don't follow up. What I would say to people is we're sorry they're in the middle of it and we know they don't care about the contract dispute. |
We've spent more than $150 million to upgrade to a digital HDTV signal. And the cable operators are using the HD signal to get people to switch to their more expensive digital cable package. |
What it comes down to is that Charter would like to sell (HD service) to people and they would like us to give it to them for free. It's like a store getting eggs from a farmer for free to sell. |