Comcast Cancels MSNBC, Keeps Fox News

News Type: Event — Seeded on Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:02 PM EDT

Article Source: Daily Kos

politics, media, msnbc, fox-news, cnn, pittsburgh, comcast, daily-kos, election-year, keith-olbermann-bill-oreilly

Disclosure

Newsvine is a owned by MSNBC.com, a sister company of the MSNBC TV News Station. The administrator of this column (killfile.newsvine.com) receives monetary compensation from Newsvine, and thus (indirectly) MSNBC.

Effective Tuesday, July 15, Comcast customers in the Pittsburgh area awoke to find that MSNBC was no longer available on non-digital cable. I came home eager to get my daily dose of Hardball and Countdown, but all I receive is a black screen.

I have since learned that MSNBC has been moved to digital only cable for Comcast customers in the Pittsburgh region. It's 2008 - an election year. And this will be perceived by many to be an attempt by Comcast to prefer one political ethic over another, namely FOX over MSNBC.

Published to:

Killfile's Column, All of Newsvine
Groups: Election News, Headline Discussion, Left of Center, Media Watch, MetaVine, Newsvine Community, Open Minded, Political Analysis, Skeptics, The Big 2008 Election
Regions: none

What's this?

Who's leading the conversation?

This visualization below allows you to see the impact that each user has on the current conversation. The top row contains the group of users who have had the most impact, the 2nd row the group of users who have had the 2nd most impact (et cetera). Users with similar impact are grouped together, and the average score of the group is shown to the left of the group. The author of the article is also shown on the left, in their corresponding group. Each user's score is based on the number of comments the user has made plus the number of votes their comments have received. The scores are calculated relative one another, so while their absolute value is not particularly important, their relative difference does indicate a larger difference in impact on the conversation.

3.8

2.0

{"commentId":2208565,"authorDomain":"killfile"}

Killfile

Yes, I'm aware the headline has problems but it's the original from the article. I'm open to suggestions for revision and, if you've got an idea, post it in the Headline Discussion group.

That said, this has some serious bias issues involved. CNN is fairly centrist, Fox more than a bit to the Right and while MSNBC doesn't quite balance things out, it's as close as we've got right now.

To move that to a premium network drastically tilts Comcast's service to the right. If I was in Pittsburgh I'd be pissed as hell.

{"commentId":2208565,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"killfile"}

4 votes

#1 - Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:04 PM EDT

{"commentId":2218284,"authorDomain":"newbroom"}

newbroom

If I was in Pittsburgh I'd be pissed as hell.

but, since you are obviously NOT in Pittsburgh....no problem?

{"commentId":2218284,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"newbroom"}

#1.1 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:08 PM EDT

{"commentId":2218695,"authorDomain":"killfile"}

Killfile

Well since I'm not in Pittsburgh and also not a Comcast subscriber or even in an area that they serve I very much doubt that Comcast really gives a crap about what I think.

From their point of view I can go pack sand.

Perhaps I should have said "If I was in Pittsburgh I'd be raising hell with Comcast"

{"commentId":2218695,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"killfile"}

1 vote

#1.2 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":2220933,"authorDomain":"newbroom"}

newbroom

I was thinking more along the line that is attributed to JC......whatsoever you do to the least of those, you do so also unto me....and that anyone with a sense of fairness should feel that Comcast is arbitrarily limiting available opinion. (I'm only *picking* at OUR survival technique of detachment when I suggested that you were not offended because you don't live in Pittburgh.)

{"commentId":2220933,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"newbroom"}

#1.3 - Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:08 AM EDT

{"commentId":2209249,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}

jfxgillis

kf:

It's not just Pittsburgh.

IIRC, Fox paid a huge premium years ago for a basic-tier slot. Ten dollars per subscriber or somesuch ungodly number. I seriously doubt political bias has anything to do with it ... except to the extent that Comcast may think MSNBC viewers are loyal enough to follow along.

{"commentId":2209249,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}

4 votes

#2 - Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":2209608,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

Yikes....I would scream like hell also. I have Comcast and they serve Redmond, home of MSNBC and Microsoft...I would be real interest if they pulled that trick around here... I might do some digging on that other network...

{"commentId":2209608,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

3 votes

#3 - Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":2210546,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

Comcast on Twitter says its gone also looks like San Francisco.

Nothing on the website here.

{"commentId":2210546,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

4 votes

#3.1 - Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":2304507,"authorDomain":"ProgrammerDude"}

Chris from MN

I have to call them so often to complain about one thing or another that I've got them on speed dial, and I've just about memorized the phone menu. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 3.. 3..

Comedians long ago used to joke about how bad the (then new) cable companies were. Imagine my chagrin when a decade later I got cable for the first time and discovered the source of the jokes.

I've never lost phone service. Never that wasn't my fault (lightning zapped my answerbot once and shorted the line making it seem dead until I got a clue and unplugged the bot).

Gas also never a problem. (The utility, I mean. Gas is often a personal problem. :-)

Electric has also never gone out shy of a major weather-induced outage, and still I may have lost electric a dozen times (two dozen tops) in a lifetime.

But I'm probably calling Comcast a couple times a month for service related issues. I've replaced my box twice for problems (and once for HD, which I gotta admit rocks).

As utility companies go, they are the worst by several orders of magnitude. I can barely stand to buy TV from them. Internet and phone just ain't ever gonna happen.

{"commentId":2304507,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"ProgrammerDude"}

3 votes

#3.2 - Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":2304576,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

I've just about memorized the phone menu. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 3.. 3..

Long long ago that and most other Comcast "help" numbers got put into speed dial....They are the worst service provider I have ever had. The second that Verizon has FIOS service, goodbye Comcast....

{"commentId":2304576,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

3 votes

#3.3 - Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":2306270,"authorDomain":"ProgrammerDude"}

Chris from MN

I've been seriously considering finding how much the local telco would charge to run fiber to my house.

{"commentId":2306270,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"ProgrammerDude"}

#3.4 - Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:57 AM EDT

{"commentId":2210322,"authorDomain":"thecivicvoice"}

Christian Areas

I have Comcast Basic Cable and I've never had MSNBC. I get CNN, Fox, CNN Headline News and CNBC. Also get C-SPAN and PBS. No MSNBC though.

{"commentId":2210322,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"thecivicvoice"}

1 vote

#4 - Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":2210945,"authorDomain":"killfile"}

Killfile

Long ago in another lifetime I worked as a Customer Service Rep for Dish Network. Allow me to shed some light on how this usually works.

Channels are sold in blocks, typically from large distributors. MSNBC is owned by NBC Universal which bundles MSNBC with NBC local channels and probably Telemundo. If a distributor wants to buy one of those channels it has to buy all of them. Channels in the lower programing tiers are worth more money though so a big part of the negotiation is working out who carries what where.

Moving MSNBC to the middle tier is strange though because it indicates a breakdown in the negotiations between NBC and Comcast. Comcast isn't really benefited much by putting a station like MSNBC in the second tier - that's a draw station. MSNBC of course doesn't want to be there.

Long story short, I think both thought the other would back down.

{"commentId":2210945,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"killfile"}

3 votes

#5 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:23 AM EDT

{"commentId":2211896,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}

jfxgillis

kf:

Excellent call. If I may add by way of supporting evidence, the process you describe is almost exactly how things went down between Comcast and the NFL Network last year.

{"commentId":2211896,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}

2 votes

#5.1 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:07 AM EDT

{"commentId":2211467,"authorDomain":"roybatty"}

Roy Batty

Either move them all or none at all. Its a disgraceful move in the middle of the campaign season.

As far as I can tell, MSNBC doesn't even broadcast in high def anyway.

{"commentId":2211467,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"roybatty"}

2 votes

#6 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 2:45 AM EDT

{"commentId":2211678,"authorDomain":"ctw5007"}

ctwdog

Thomm Hartmann discussed this move on his program months ago. At that time, I called Comcast and asked them if it was true. They told me that there were no plans to do this. So, I let it go. Then I came home on 07/16/08 and discovered that MSNBC had indeed been moved to the digital range. I called Comcast on 07/16/08 and asked them about it, referring to my call last October.This time they gave me some mumbo-jumbo about making more room in the digital range.

I don't know what the truth is. But, I have a serious problem with it. It's ridiculous! In the Pittsburgh area, we must have 3 or 4 different flavors of Fox channels on basic cable. None of those channels have moved, that I can detect. But, now, to get MSNBC, one must have a more expensive package, and a converter box which, means one must pay more.

I still get MSNBC because I moved one of my televisions to digital in the last month, and I had planned on going fully digital with the other (2) TV's. But that's not going to happen now! Personally, I would not mind paying more if I knew the Fox ditto-heads also had to pay more. As it is, I'm getting rid of Comcast as soon as possible, whether it be Dish, Direct or Verizon FIOS. I'm pissed!

{"commentId":2211678,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"ctw5007"}

2 votes

#7 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 4:24 AM EDT

{"commentId":2211983,"authorDomain":"rascal2pt0"}

Rascal 2.0

You have every right to be pissed. I think this is a political move, or some other stupid motivation. Whats sad about this entire thing is that the SD channels are about as clear as the digital channels, until they start broadcasting in 1080P no one will benefit from it being "digital" except for the distributors (DISH, COMCAST, DIRECTV, etc...)

I just recently signed up for DISH, and I'll be paying under $60/month and have everything I need for my one TV with a DVR and everything that goes along with that awesomeness.

There running a special with no activation or installation charges so If your looking a switching this may be a good time.

Obviously something is up at Comcast, as no other competitors have jumped the tier yet. If MSNBC is available via broadcast in your area I'd hop on over to my local RadioShack and get one of those digital antennas ASAP. Seeing as the poor people of Pittsburg, now only get a one sided truth slant FOX now I'm a little concerned about Personality voters in that area.

{"commentId":2211983,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"rascal2pt0"}

2 votes

#7.1 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:51 AM EDT

{"commentId":2214514,"authorDomain":"mhbmeb"}

MH-Elaine B

That is pretty outrageous. Although Comcast isn't my current carrier, I used to have them many moons ago and never had any problems. But hearing all this, I would have a problem. I'm not a satellite fan, but if I were their customer, I'd definitely be considering switching.

{"commentId":2214514,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"mhbmeb"}

1 vote

#8 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:21 PM EDT

{"commentId":2217661,"authorDomain":"jimrs6"}

JimRS

This is business decision by Comcast, not a political. They have finite bandwidth and they also know by channel what the costs / viewership levels are. If an analog channel takes up bandwidth but does not the have the audience to justify it, they will move it to digital only. In spite of some great passion among MS-N BC for a handful of programs, overall it's ratings (and thus ad rates) are MUCH lower than the others.

{"commentId":2217661,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"jimrs6"}

#9 - Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":2299625,"authorDomain":"robertpmurphyjr"}

Robert-395863

This is true in Massachusetts also. I have complained to Comcast to no avail. Just one more list of complaints I have against Comcast. I am up to my ears in Spanish, shopping, and kids channels that I never watch. The one station I watch every morning and every evening is no longer available. What am I paying for. I do believe it is time to look into satellite.

{"commentId":2299625,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"robertpmurphyjr"}

#10 - Mon Jul 28, 2008 10:36 AM EDT

{"commentId":2304659,"authorDomain":"MinnieApolis"}

MinnieApolis

Oh why don't they just change their name to BotCast -- looks like they are avoiding anything that makes them or their listeners do any actual thinking.
BotCast -- their new ad jingle: "We already know what you want to watch". (you'll watch it and like it)

{"commentId":2304659,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"MinnieApolis"}

1 vote

#11 - Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":2467549,"authorDomain":"pamela-b-rodgers"}

Pamela-422869

Not only has Comcast removed MSNBC from its cable lineup, but it has also added Fox News to the Basic Cable lineup, which previously had NO national news whatsoever. We are being force-fed Fox News at a moment when the campaign season is really heating up.

{"commentId":2467549,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"pamela-b-rodgers"}

#12 - Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:04 PM EDT

{"commentId":7495446,"authorDomain":"rbeckler"}

Ray-1142210

Well, the axe just fell on MSNBC in the Philly area. After spending an hour with a comcast rep this morning, I got nowhere. The only solution is to rent cable boxes for every set at $4.00.

I hate comcast but they've got us by the you know whats. FIOS? Not available. Direct TV? Great but no local sports which Comcast has locked up.

I've got no choice.

{"commentId":7495446,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"rbeckler"}

#13 - Sat Jun 6, 2009 11:11 AM EDT

{"commentId":7939873,"authorDomain":"markharding21380"}

Mark-217281

I hate Comcast. I've had my digital box replaced at least 5 boxes in the last 15 months, (3 in a 2 month span). They refuse to give me a brand new box when I request one. The last box they installed was supposed to be brand new. Later I discovered it was one of the oldest boxes they had. To no surprise, I began to have issues with it within 2 days. I can hold my remote an inch away from the sensor and it either won't work or will turn to the wrong channel. I've learned to deal with the glitches because I'm tired of having people at my house every 3 weeks. Now they move MSNBC to digital while FIXED NEWS stays on the regular tier. Mixture of political moves and sucky service. GOD I can't wait for FIOS because Comcast will get a cable box back smashed into millions of pieces.

{"commentId":7939873,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"markharding21380"}

#14 - Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:54 AM EDT

{"commentId":8526539,"authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

pcbynature

This morn I find MSNBC gone from my Comcast service. I have a HD TV and when I got a "HD box" I found that I had no other channels that I watched from the more expensive service, so I dropped. I'm just tired of Comcast. I'm switching to Direct today...

{"commentId":8526539,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

#15 - Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:43 AM EDT

{"commentId":10046219,"authorDomain":"mrpop"}

mrpop

Switch to Direct TV buy the Premium package with the 80 hour DVR for each room and you will get about a hundred sports channels, all the cable news stations as well as every other station they offer. Cable is so old fashion I am surprized anyone would pay more for far less. I tape every show I like to view when I want .

{"commentId":10046219,"threadId":"314195","contentId":"1671445","authorDomain":"mrpop"}

#16 - Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:41 PM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"314195","isPrivate":false}

KILLFILE

Backyard

Comcast Cancels MSNBC, Keeps Fox News

Disclosure

Published to:

FUN STUFF:

COMPANY STUFF:

LEGAL STUFF: