🚀 go-pugleaf

scs@iti.org (Steve Simmons) writes:
>It's worth noting that channel 50 does multiple feeds.  If you're
>getting it by broadcast or by cable around the Detroit/Ann Arbor area,
>you're getting the actual broadcast.  But WKBD sells their signal all
>over the US and Canada -- they're not quite a superstation, but they do
>have lots of customers outside of the actual broadcast area.  Those
>customers get their feed from satellite, which is sometimes a different
>feed from the broadcast.  This is particularly true if the item being
>fed is something of regional relevance (specialty shows), a sports
>event which may "trespass" on another teams broadcast zone, etc.

That's news to me.  I am the now-retired Engineering Manager (Chief
Engineer) of WKBD (TV) channel 50.  We had no satellite uplinks when
I was there.  We did not "sell" our feed to anyone.  WKBD is not on
any satellites.  Channels 2, 4, and 56 are on the Canadian Anik bird
(scrambled), which feeds cable systems all over Canada.

I think you have it confused with the cross-country microwave system
that services Michigan and upper Wisconsin.  They pick up channel 50's
signal off the air and feed it to out-state cable systems.  WKBD does
not receive any payment for that.  The microwave company makes all the
profits.  Their headquarters in Lansing.  Marion Stoner is their Chief
Engineer.  He described the microware link system to me when we both
were attending the Michigan state NAB convention several years ago
in Lansing.  My memory is a bit hazy on the company name but I think
it is American Microwave.

Keith
--
Keith Petersen
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