NBC Boston channel speculation.

[JustinT]

I've noticed that in most of Charters coverage, they still have WJAR on Channel 10. Maybe they'll finally be removing it and replacing it with WBTS.

Definitely the most logical move.

Anyone know what the lineup looks like for Comcast in Bristol County? Surely WJAR isn't moving off 10, but will NBC Boston be carried there at all?

 

[ssetta]

From what I understand, no it will not.

 

[channel99]

NBC Boston is now on 60.5 (WMFP) - added sometime today. On WBTS 8.1 it is in 10801, but on WMFP, it's in 720P (as is SonLife). No guide info, but the channel ID is WBTS-LD.

 

[mvcg66b3r]

Addition of WBTS-LD Boston to the List of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution

The Commission approves an application by Bell Canada, acting as the Canadian sponsor, to add WBTS-LD Boston, Massachusetts, a non-Canadian television station, to the List of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution (the list). The Commission received an intervention supporting this application. The revised list can be found on the Commission’s website at www.crtc.gc.ca and may be obtained in hard copy on request.

Bell Canada described WBTS-LD as a 24-hour general interest station (100% English-language) serving the greater Boston area and providing programming from the NBC network as well as local programming specific to the Boston area.

The Commission assesses applications for the addition of non-Canadian television stations on a case-by-case basis, and considers whether the addition would contribute to the achievement of the policy objectives set out in section 3(1) of the Broadcasting Act, namely, to serve the public interest of Canadians and contribute to the provision of programming drawn from local, regional, national and international sources.

Secretary General

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2016/2016-489.htm

 

[mvcg66b3r]

I've noticed that in most of Charters coverage, they still have WJAR on Channel 10. Maybe they'll finally be removing it and replacing it with WBTS.

Charter will carry NBC Boston on 10/787, per a notice in the Telegram & Gazette. WHDH will move to 777 and WJAR to 17.

 

[Oldie919]

It appears TDS Telecom in (at least parts of) New Hampshire will be carrying NBC Boston on channel 14 (HD channel 1014)....
This info reportedly comes from TDS' Facebook page....not a fan of social media, I cannot confirm or deny this .....

 

[Mr Tony]

Addition of WBTS-LD Boston to the List of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution

Bell Canada described WBTS-LD as a 24-hour general interest station (100% English-language) serving the greater Boston area and providing programming from the NBC network as well as local programming specific to the Boston area.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2016/2016-489.htm

There is a simple reason why. Bell Canada (formerly Expressvu) uses Boston affiliates for their US Nets. And since WBTS-LD was NOT on the list, they would have not been able to carry NBC Boston. There are some smaller cable companies nearby that probably use them too but most use Detroit/Buffalo for US Nets in the East.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

http://www.newenglandone.com/news/l...eryone-ragged-after-nbc-affiliation-loss.html

Update WHDH in February

Producing the most news in Boston has come at a cost after WHDH 7 lost its NBC affiliation on January 1.

The station went from producing 8.5 hours of news during the week, to producing 12 hours per day. Although the station has been adding staff, much of it has been replacements for those who have recently left. In the past 18 months, 11 on-air talent have left WHDH alone - many additional behind the scenes staffers have left as well.

Since January 1, WHDH has covered at least three breaking news events with expanded coverage - a winter snowstorm; the airport shooting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and the Presidential Inauguration. With the special coverage and the expanded newscasts, news crews have been required to work six day work weeks and double shifts.

The station does give comp days for a sixth day of work, but there is no additional compensation for having to work a double shift.

WHDH SAG-AFTRA union representatives Byron Barnett, Victoria Warren, and Tim Caputo (all reporters at the station) recently sat down with news director Linda Miele to address the issues and sent the following email to all on-air talent at the station.

NOTICE TO ALL WHDH SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS

Hello Fellow SAG-AFTRAns,

The three of us have started meeting monthly with Linda and Carol to discuss issues in the newsroom. Here's a brief summary of some of the things we talked about on Thursday.

Linda acknowledged she's running everyone ragged and promised to scale down the double shifts and six-day work weeks after the Super Bowl...major snowstorms notwithstanding of course. She said she knows the newsroom cannot continue to operate at this pace. What's interesting about this is that we were going to ask her about this, but she brought it up without any prompting from us.

Linda said she will be hiring three more reporters and is very close to hiring one of them. She said she will also replace Cheryl Fiandaca.

We brought up field anchoring issues and Linda seemed receptive to things like heaters and tents for anchor teams who are stuck outside for long periods of time. But she didn't seem to have any answers about getting food and bathroom breaks. We'll continue talking.

Linda would like all crews to learn how to use CNN Newssource in the field to download video.

Linda appreciates the good response from reporters using "storynotes" at the end of their shifts.

Linda says our ratings continue to be great.

Our next meeting is scheduled for February 16th. Feel free to suggest issues for us to bring up.

Sincerely,

Your SAG-AFTRA Shop Stewards, Byron, Victoria and Tim

 

[Prescott Joe]

Very, very interesting threads. Sad that NBC Universal put the almighty dollar
ahead of their viewers in Boston and surrounding areas and states.........