Q: Is there any known timeframe for the WPXI vs. Verizon Fios dispute to be resolved? Lack of “Saturday Night Live,” “Sunday Night Football” and 11 p.m. news, to name a few, is beyond frustrating. I pay for a cable package that includes WPXI and I feel like I am getting ripped off.
— Sean McLaughlin, Pittsburgh
Rob: It all depends on when the two sides come to an agreement in their retransmission dispute and there’s clearly no way for any of us on the outside to know what’s transpiring in those negotiations.
But the fact that the two sides – honestly, a pox on both their houses – could not come to a resolution before NBC’s Jan. 4 “Sunday Night Football” broadcast featuring the Steelers and Ravens suggests they’re in no hurry to come to terms — that game was the best incentive both sides had to reach a resolution. I suppose the next best incentive period might be the start of the Winter Olympics (Feb. 6) and/or “Super Bowl LIX” (Feb. 9).
Q: Verizon has made it virtually impossible for customers to complain about losing Channel 11. Whether calling the number WPXI shows for folks to call or trying to chat online through my own FIOS account, you just go through a rabbit warren of menus and bots. It is impossible to easily voice concerns or complain to Verizon regarding the loss of WPXI in the Pittsburgh region. Most exasperating.
Time to explore other options
— Margie, Scott Township
Rob: Unsurprising that Verizon makes it impossible. Like Cox Media Group, WPXI’s owner, this dispute is all about the bottom line and has little to do with either company prioritizing the best interests of customers/viewers.
Based on what Margie describes, I don’t know if this will help but …
“We share our customers’ frustration that Cox Media Group has removed their local channels and understand they may want to find out what options are available to them,” a Verizon spokeswoman responded when presented with Margie’s concern. “We want to ensure every customer has the correct information to reach us as we work tirelessly to protect them from excessive rate increases. For the fastest access, customers can call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) and speak to a Fios Representative or visit verizon.com/cox for further details.”
Q: Is John Shumway on vacation or has KDKA let him go? Not a fan of KDKA since they let Kym Gable and Lindsay Ward go.
— Mickey, via email
Rob: I heard from several viewers at the start of January, concerned about Shumway’s whereabouts. But, folks, come on, it was the holidays. News anchors/reporters, especially those with seniority, which Shumway obviously has, will often use their vacation time in December and around New Year’s. People who work in TV get time off, too!
If TV talent is not back a bit after the kids return to school in January, then it’s time to worry. Otherwise, best to just assume it’s vacation.
Q: I was a little confused about the schedule changes at WQED, especially the “Antiques Roadshow” moving to noon. Will that be new episodes or is that going to be repeat episodes?
— Josh, via email
Rob: I noted the daytime weekday shows will be reruns of programs that already aired in prime time, a common scheduling play by PBS stations nationwide.
However, WQED is testing the addition of new series on Saturday, including “Energy Switch,” “MotorWeek” and “Papa Ray’s Vintage Vinyl Roadshow.”
“We’re fortunate to have access to thousands of programs through PBS, American Public Television, and NETA — far more than can fit on a single broadcast channel,” explained WQED CEO Jason Jedlinski. “Many of those are available to viewers on our Create, World, and Showcase channels, which offer deeper access to the catalog beyond channel 13.1. There’s also a deep library on WQED with Passport and the PBS app.”