WISN Gets Another Shot

[Kevin Arnold]

Did a little searching on the Court of Appeals site about the WISN tower zoning issue and low and behold it looks like they're still alive with their appeal to extend their tower. Although it's difficult to interpret the legalese, this is what I found:


02-0941 Court of Appeals District: 1
Status: Closed
Disposition: Reversed and remanded 5/9/02
Short Caption: Hearst-Argyle Stations v. Grant F. Langley
Class: Other Inj or Restraining Order
Court: Court of Appeals
1/3 Judge: 3 Judge Case
County: Milwaukee
Circuit Court Case No: 02-CV-2619
Circuit Court Judge: Michael P. Sullivan  

and this:

Filed By: Matthew J. Flynn  Other Decision 5/9/02
Date Submitted: 4/17/02
Additional Response Received: 4/29/02  Filed By: Linda U. Burke  
Additional Response Received: 4/25/02  Filed By: Maureen McGlynn Flanagan  
ORD petition for leave to appeal is granted; FRO matter is summarily reversed and remanded to cir ct for proceedings consistent w/this order; FRO motion to dissolve stay is denied as moot.

If they're any lawyers out there maybe you can clarify, but it looks like its back to court for the Hearst-Argyle boys. Ironically, they'll spend so much on lawyers they won't be able to afford a digital transmitter.

[kjnorman]

Well, I decided to have a rant at WISN today and posted the following to WISN programming via their website:

To Head of Programming,

When will WISN get with the program and start to offer High Definition television (HDTV) here in Milwaukee?

Back in 1997 the FCC mandated that all broadcast stations begin transmitting a digital signal by May 1, 2002.  This time has come and clearly passed.  To date, WISN still does not transmit a digital signal.  

I would like to watch Alias this Fall in high definition, knowing that ABC broadcasts the network feed in this format.  ABC has one of the best High Definition prime time line-ups of any network.  There are many other programs that I would be happy to watch if WISN only presented the network High Definition feed.  

I find it depressing to find that I can not receive this programmed in its best possible presentation because WISN is continually failing in its obligations to the FCC and its goal to provide the best possible view experience to its customers, the viewer.

I find the clearer, sharper widescreen image of HDTV very engaging and often find this to be the differentiator in otherwise bland programming.  By not providing a digital transmission signal, I am only able to view regular NTSC programming on WISN.  I therefore find that you offer little to differentiate yourself from the other 100 odd standard definition channels out in TV land.  Consequently, I will not be watching much in the way of ABC programming via WISN.

Kerry Norman

P.S. I participate on www.milwaukeehdtv.org  web forums, the premiere source of HDTV information for Milwaukee.  You will find that there is a lot of negative comment regarding WISN lack of digital signal on the forum.  It would be nice if a correspondent from WISN could contribute to the forum regarding your digital transition.  For example, Jim Hall from CBS-58 often participates in the forum and this has earned CBS-58 high regards amongst forum members here in Milwaukee.  

Isn't it about time you improved your reputation and got with the program?
[\quote]

I'll probably never hear from them again, but it is worth a try...

Kerry

[Matt Heebner]

There was an article posted a while ago reporting on the expensive digital tower built back in 1999. It was to be used, leased for the digital transition.
Anyway, in this article, WISN talks about being in "extensive" negotiations with Milwaukee about extending their tower. 1999....2002. They have been in negotiations that long.....I don't see any resolution to this matter anytime soon.

Matt

[Tom Snyder]

Either does WISN! Bet that's why they're going that route!