[S-dogg]

Not so much a complaint thread, just thinking out loud here. I wanted to record the Toyota hearing on C-SPAN 3 today, but it conflicted with Olympic curling. Then it occured to me, why isn't C-SPAN in the clear for me? (fyi, I'm on Fios, so it's QAM only).


I know the rules for local PEG channels are different, since those are broadcast channels, but C-SPAN is kind of like a national PEG channel. Not to mention, the cable cos don't have to satisfy the demands of a third party channel owner, as they own (run?) the network. And finally, what are they protecting? As far as copyright is concerned, C-SPAN has stated (according to Wikipedia) that proceedings of the government are in the public domain. I know it's never that cut and dry, but still...


Any thoughts? And if C-SPAN is digital on your provider, is it encrypted?

 

[Desert Hawk]

All 3 C-SPANs are not considered "public, educational, and government access channels". They are national cable networks just like USA and ESPN. Some cable systems choose to put some or all of them on limited basic, but most put them on expanded basic or higher. In Bakersfield, Bright House has C-SPAN1 on analog expanded basic. C-SPAN2 on digital expanded basic, and C-SPAN3 requires the "digital variety pack". All 3 digital signals are encrypted. Analog C-SPAN1 is in the clear.

 

[Dude111]

You think they would be IN THE CLEAR THOUGH,its just news and such....

 

[S-dogg]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Desert Hawk /forum/post/18192199


They are national cable networks just like USA and ESPN.

I don't agree. USA and ESPN are for-profit networks, owned by third parties. C-SPAN is a not-for-profit network that is funded directly by the cable and satellite companies. That means their missions are fundamentally different. The mission of USA and ESPN is to make money. The mission of C-SPAN is to draw people into subscribing to cable or satellite.