Dish Network now offering "The Obama Channel"

Posted by DarthDilbert at 10/01/2008 09:47:00 PM

The Obama Channel

After reading about this at Michelle Malkin's blog, I called their customer service line at 8:30pm EST and was on hold waiting for someone for ten minutes. At 8:40pm Stephanie picked up the line. I first asked what programming was available on Channel 73, and she had no idea what I was asking. I guess a handy channel guide is too expensive for them.

I then explained that the programming on Channel 73 was devoted solely to Obama and asked if there was a companion channel for John McCain. Her response was an overwhelming silence, whereupon she said that they have a number of news stations specifically mentioning CNN and MSNBC wondering if that is what I was referring to. I had to stifle a snort as I explained to her that I wasn't referring to either of the channels she mentioned, but to the previously described Obama Channel on 73.

She obviously didn't have any information on the matter and then tried to make it a sales call asking first if I was a customer of Dish Network and second, if I wasn't if I would like to subscribe to their service. I got the conversation back on track by asking if she could answer my initial question about the programming on Channel 73. I said that if she chose not to answer I could easily hang up, call back and ask someone else until I arrived at an answer.

I guess the compact fluorescent light bulb suspended above her head finally illuminated because she asked to place me on hold while she asked a supervisor for the answer. I then waited for another ten minutes. She then came back on the line and said that she had an internal memo dated 1 October 2008 that said that "The Obama Channel" would be available for customers in the "Eastern Arc" at no charge to them. It went on to say it was paid advertising from the Obama campaign and that no other candidate had approached them to advertise with a similar channel.

I then decided to try the "Live Chat Customer Support" service they offer and spoke with "Anthony K." Here is the transcript that I saved:

Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...
You have been connected to (03) Anthony K.
Customer: Can you please provide information on the Obama Channel?
(03) Anthony K: Thank you for choosing Dish Network the leader in DVR and HD. I will be happy to assist you today. Please give me 2-3 minutes to access your account and review the information you have already provided.
Customer: I don't have an account. I'm curious about the new channel.
(03) Anthony K: Thank you for staying online.
(03) Anthony K: we appreciate your interest.
(03) Anthony K: I will help you with the information.
(03) Anthony K: Effective Wednesday, October 1, 2008, DISH Network launched the OBAMA channel at no additional charge to customers.
(03) Anthony K: This channel is available to customers subscribing to all packages and is broadcast from the 110° orbital location and will be broadcast though the conclusion of the elections.
(03) Anthony K: This space has been purchased similar to any other channel we broadcast, and any other candidate who wishes to purchase a channel through DISH Network will be given the same opportunity. At this time, no other candidates have showed interest in purchasing a channel.
Customer: Thank you for the information.

Dish Network Customer Service:
Dish Network Customer service contact page
Dish Network Live Chat
Email form
Phone: 1-888-825-2557

4 comments

# posted by Blogger Crock, Inc. : 10/02/2008 03:56:00 PM
Hmmmm. I'd like to point out the difference in the two responses. One said, "No other candidate has approached them". The other said, "no other candidates have showed interest". This begs a question; does dish network have an advertising sales department? If so, would they not approach the McCain camp and try to sell them a channel? The second rep even offered that "any other candidate who wishes to purchase a channel...would be given the same opportunity". Sounds like someone should get on the phone and offer "the same opportunity" to McCain. Unless, of course, there is a political agenda. I suppose there is such agenda as Dish Network has supported Hillary Clinton in the past and Al Gore spoke at their TEAM Summit Rally last year.
 
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10/02/2008 10:53:00 PM
Ridiculous!

Why then is it labeled "Obama" instead of “Paid Advertising” if it is not a real Dish Network endorsement?

Could David Duke start his own channel and would they call it “The Klan”?

How about one for the good reverend? The "G*D* America channel”?

Here’s a ratings buster; the "new" panthers "Kill Whitey" channel etc...

I could do this for hours!
 
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10/03/2008 02:27:00 AM
I called Dish demanding them to remove. They want me to block my receiver. This is ridiculous.
I AM CANCELING MY LONG TIME SUBSCRIPTION and i will write everywhere about this situation.
Beyond ridiculous!
 
# posted by Blogger Heidi - Ho : 10/03/2008 05:31:00 PM
Funny, I did the same thing yesterday. I noticed on Wednesday that there was an Obama Channel. What the H***? I felt like I was in Nai Germany being bombarded with bullSh**! So, yesterday I called "Nelson" in India, who loves working with us "nice Americans" he said. It went like this:
Nelson: Hello, May I help you?
Heidi: Yes, I was wondering if you could tell me where my Mccain Channel is?
Nelson: Your What?
Heidi: You know, like the Obama Channel that is running 24/7 on my Dish Network. You have an entire channel dedicated to Barak Obama, so I know there must be one for John Mccain.
Nelson: Let me check. (Pause while he checks with a manager) No, we do not offer that. Who is John Mccain?
Heidi: Well, he is the person running for president that I would like to vote for. Are you going to be getting a Mccain channel?
Nelson: No ma'am, I am sorry, we are not.
Heidi: Okay then, would you mind cancelling all of my channels and put me on the very most basic plan you have? I would like you to especially remove MTV and VH1 and the Obama channel.
Nelson: Okay, but I cannot remove the Obama channel.
Enough said.....hello koolaid drinkers! Weren't the democrats the ones in favor of less control by the government? Stay out of my wallet and stay out of my home!
 

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