Cox Communications issued a press release Tuesday refuting claims by Hearst-Argyle that it charges for high-definition programming."KETV continues to mislead television consumers in the Omaha market with inaccurate information about high-definition programming," the release states.
Cox Communications says it does not charge its customers for high definition programming.
"Any residents of the Omaha market who have televisions with built-in HD tuners or an HD antenna don't have to do anything to receive KETV in HD," Cox said. "HDTV owners without built-in tuners will need to lease a receiver or CableCARD to transmit HD signals, including local broadcast stations, ESPN HD, Discover HD Theater, etc., into their homes. A Cox HD receiver also provides customers access to the interactive programming guide, On DEMAND and pay-per-view functionality."
In Omaha, Cox charges $9.95 per month for an HD receiver and $1.99 a month for a CableCARD. Cox says providing HD receivers and CableCARDs extends the reach of KETV's signal to more viewers. That ultimately allows KETV to generate more advertising revenue while improving the station's HD signal quality, Cox said.
Hearst-Argyle stations in six markets around the country are seeking compensation from Cox to rebroadcast their high definition signal. KETV's high definition channel on Cox (Channel 809) has been dark since Oct. 1.
"We're trying to keep the cost of cable television reasonable," said Kristin Peck, vice president of public and government affairs for Cox in Omaha. "If we had to pay for the high definition signal of every local broadcaster in Omaha at the rate demanded by Hearst Argyle, our customers' bills would increase by as much as $25 per month. Why should our customers have to pay when the signal is available for free over the air?"
Both KETV and Cox have said they hope to resolve the dispute "quickly."
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