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Updated: KXAN off Time Warner Cable? Michelle Valles gone from KXAN
UPDATE on the retransmission flap between KXAN (with its corporate owner LIN TV) and Time Warner Cable:
Here’s what KXAN has to say about this retransmission situation: “I’m hopeful but at the same time I’m skeptical,” said KXAN general manager Eric Lassberg. “Usually we do resolve these things before the station is pulled off a cable system. The difference this time is we haven’t even heard a response back.”
Here’s what Time Warner has to say: “This is a typical negotiation tactic for LIN,” said Roger Heaney, director of public affairs for Time Warner Austin. “We’re trying to manage cost for our customers, and LIN is just trying to make more money.”
And our FINAL UPDATE on Michelle Valles:
“Michelle Valles is no longer employed at KXAN,” said the station’s general manager Eric Lassberg.
So it’s official. As of Monday afternoon, Valles is gone.
Valles turned down a contract offer last Thursday and left the station. She plans to stay in Austin. KXAN will begin searching for a new co-anchor to work with Robert Hadlock.
ORIGINAL POST from earlier today:
KXAN and its parent company LIN TVannounced today that its current contract with Time Warner Cable will expire on Oct. 2.
You can check out the dire-warning announcement here.
What does this mean? It’s possible that Time Warner customers will be without the station’s local and NBC network programming, including local news, “Today,” “Tonight,” “The Office,” “30 Rock” and a slew of new and returning fall series.
You may recall that KXAN and SuddenLink Cable, which serves about 30,000 people mostly in the Williamson County area, engaged in a similar meltdown in January.
When KXAN’s retransmission agreement with the cable company expired Dec. 31, 2007, SuddenLink dropped the station from its lineup and substituted an NBC station, KCEN in Temple.
KXAN was off the air in SuddenLink’s service area until late March, when a new contract finally was signed.
What is a retransmission agreement? It’s payment by a cable or satellite company for programming from local stations. Local stations increasingly want more money for their programming, in part to offset the cost of digital and high-definition transmission.
It’s hard to imagine KXAN and LIN would profit from losing local viewers for any length of time, especially at the beginning of the new TV season and with the November sweeps just a few weeks away from the Oct. 2 deadline.
We haven’t heard back from Time Warner or KXAN management yet, but we’ll keep you posted.
For the good of Austin couch potatoes, this madness must be solved!
And speaking of KXAN … Anchor Michelle Valles said today that, as far as she’s concerned, she’s no longer with the station. Her contract negotiations ended less than pleasantly last Thursday, and she left the station.
Her photo is still up on KXAN’s web site, and station management still considers her to be employed there. So the impasse lives on.
We wrote about this situation Friday, and that little piece of news generated the biggest — and at times the nastiest — reader response the TV blog has ever seen.
Just so you know, I don’t post comments that are obscene or just too nasty for public consumption. Share your opinions, but keep ‘em decent.
Permalink | Comments (75) | Post your comment Categories: Local news
Comments
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By Susie B
November 1, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
I did not miss KXAN while it was off air. I had quit watching their news, even though I love Jim Spencer, because of the fumbling unprofessional reporting by Michelle Valles. I am excited to see someone else anchoring their news and may now start watching it again.
By Jacque
October 15, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
We just realized that Michelle Valles was missing from the news. When we didn't hear it meantioned, we were worried that she may have left the station as a result of the TW dispute. Anyway- Michelle is a breath of fresh air, and we will miss her. maybe you can get her back? Michelle, we wish the
best wherever you go,
HOLLOWAY RESPONDS: You must have been away from Austin for quite a while! Michelle left KXAN in a contract dispute with the station several weeks ago.
By Mike
October 14, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
I liked Michelle Valles, I thought she had a nice sense of humor and that she was easy on eyes. Though, lately I noticed she has been looking a little tired. Who cares how intelligent the person reading the news is, as long as they can enunciate the words they're reading, I say the sexier the woman is, the better.
By interesting
October 14, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
ha, they got leslie cook back to replace michelle valles...hmmmm..i bet they offered her the job before they ever started the squeeze play to get michelle out. shady kxan mofo's! charging for free signals! they will reap what they sew!
By thinkerdog
October 14, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
So - Diane - what's the latest? We're all still sitting here watching old movies on what should be the NBC feed channel... This thing has been going on for nearly two weeks now - I've not seen anything on whether these clowns are meeting, talking, ignoring each other, or engaged in ANY activity that will resolve this mess (of their own creation) in favor of their mutual customers (and advertising eyeballs). What's going on??
By Joe
October 8, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
There is no need to fret. A pair of 20.00 powered Rabbit ears and High definition tuner allready on your hd TV (hopefully) and you get a far better picture than TWC can deliver because it is non compressed- Believe me when I watch local channels I watch with rabbit ears because with Digital the picture comes in crystal clear!
By JRose
October 7, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I believe this is LIN's fault, not TWC, but I wish they would resolve this soon. I know that now whenever I see the KXAN van when I'm out and about in Austin I'm always going to remember their "business" tactics.
By Kate
October 7, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
Regardless of fault, the TWC/KXAN thing sucks. I pay for it and don't get it. They need to switch to a la carte channel selection. I'm the paying customer; give me what I want--it's like bait and switch. No Chuck or Heroes? No SNL? Ugh.
I have always watched KXAN news because of Hadlock, Wallace, Swift and especially Jim Spencer; the world's most gifted and natural weatherman. When Michelle Valles came I tried; I really did. I just couldn't deal with her so I began watching the KVUE news section, and then switching back mid-broadcast to KXAN for weather and sports. Hopefully the replacement won't make me cringe as much and I can stop switching back and forth.
By Rick
October 6, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Off us another NBC feed! I don't care if it is KXAN or someone else...
By ShadowTiger
October 6, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Went through this last year with SuddenLink (aka Cox) up in Georgetown. The company that owns KXAN is doing this to cable companies all over the US. Both sides are really to blame here, but from what I understood from the SuddenLink situation (and I have no reason to believe this is different), LIN is really asking for *far* more money than practically anyone else in the nation for retransmission rights, and with stipulations that aren't very tenable to any cable company, much less TW; for example, in the Georgetown case LIN would only negotiate with SL for a bundle of cities with Austin - very small markets in the middle of nowhere, but at the same rate they wanted for Austin. On top of things, the FCC won't let someone like TW show, say, the San Antonio or Waco NBC station on the Austin cable network. So there's plenty of blame to go around, but I look at LIN the worst.
By Theresa
October 3, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
This entire debate over who is paying or not paying is more like a child's argument. If you don't play right then I will take my stuff and go home. I am sick of TW bullying everyone around. They are constantly raising their rates and only when someone threatens to cancel their cable subscription will they then lower their rates for a short period of time to make the customer happy. And then they will raise their rates once more. For once, TW, think about ALL of your customers and ALL of the money that you are bleeding them dry of and do what is right and give US, the paying customers, our local station back! TW, you are the neighborhood bully and we don't like you very much right now!
By Dale
October 3, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
This KXAN issue was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. Ended up switching to dishtv and I am not paying 40% less for more channels and more HD channels (including KXAN and NFL Network). Reliability and picture quality is better. TimeWarner is no longer competitive in this marketplace, in my opinion.
By Lynne
October 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
I was extremely disappointed that KXAN was off the air this morning. I think we pay enough to TW that they could easily pay for the signal from LIN-apparantly other cable companies pay them for the signal, so why does TW think they should be exempt? This is why cable television should be deregulated-so that we, the paying customer could make a choice between two companies. I don't want to install a dish satellite on my house, but if TW continues this sort of business, I may have to.
By John
October 3, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
They both suck...
No one subscribes to Time Warner in order to get the local channels, because they will always be free without cable. While a lot of people may watch KXAN on TW, the fact is...KXAN is NOT responsible for bringing in any revenue for TW at all.
That said, TW has always abused its "monopoly" here in Austin, charges way too much and constantly raises rates without explanation, on its longtime, loyal customers. I've cancelled TW to have UVerse installed soon, not so much because of KXAN, but because I finally have an option to get rid of TW who has lost my loyalty to the point that I'd rather give my money to anyone else who'll take it. Saving 40-50 bucks a month is icing on the cake
By Bob
October 1, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Just bring her back...
By Pete
September 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Oh, get over it. Barbara Walter's she is not.
By Brian
September 29, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
KXAN should rethink letting go of Michelle Valles. The news doesn't change from station to station. Michelle was a reason to watch KXAN.
By oldguy
September 21, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
The only reason we'll miss KXAN? Why, the Two Jims:
1. Jim Spencer...man, we love his enthusiasm and efficiency and his LOVE for the weather.
2. Jim Swift...one of the only voices "we" have left in this gawd-forsaken yuppie hole...long live "OLD AUSTIN!"
By Bill
September 20, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Is it any coincidence that Time Warner also doesn't have a deal with the NFL Network? Haven't heard much of this since last year, but they seem to be one of the few cable companies that can't seem to negotiate with stations. Until Comcast, AT&T, Dish, Verizon, and DirectTV start dropping channels, I'm thinking this is squarely on Time Warner.
By Audrey
September 20, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
The only reason I watched KXAN was for Tanya Kerr and especially for my fellow El Pasoan, Michelle Valles. Now that they are both gone, I'm switching to another station. Best of luck to you Michelle. I m sure you will find a better job!!
By Peggy
September 18, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Couldn't KXAN allow TWC to carry their signal as they continue to settle this? It's really up to KXAN not to pull their signal off TWC. So, come on KXAN do the right thing!
By Matt
September 18, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Why so many angry Austinites? Michelle, you will be missed. You added color and personality to the dull and staid recitation of local news. Thank you for your community involvement. Hasta manana a ti :)
By Mike
September 17, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Alias,
Why do you have to make it a language or a race issue on Michelle. There are more Spanish (Castillian dialet) listeners and viewers in this continent that HABLA ESPANOL and see Telemundo which is not for red necks. Guess your not smart enough to be bi-lingual. So much freeedom of speech regardless of language. Duhh!
By Tony P
September 16, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Michelle Valles, was the only reason I watched KXAN.....what a stupid move. Michelle, come back to El Paso.....Newschannel 9 has your old position available.... El Paso, Texas , loves Michelle Valles.
By Ernie
September 16, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Michelle could have been a fine news anchor, but she chose otherwise. Her opinionated, breathless delivery was unbecoming, and her closing nothing short of irritating.
By mamacita
September 16, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Michelle is always welcome back to EL Paso!!!where she is much loved!!!, You guys can have our Celina Avila!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Diana V
September 16, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Michelle will be missed. She is as real in person as she is on television. She treats everyone as if she has known them forever. There are a few news anchors here in Austin who act as if they are Hollywood stars. Michelle was never and has never been full of herself. KXAN chose to lose here and the KXAN viewing public will lose as well. KXAN should have paid her what she deserved. BY the way 40% of the public liked her "Hasta Manana" salutation! For those of us intelligent enough to speak more than one language!
By JBird
September 16, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Michelle was nice to look at.. she always fumbled her words and look like she partied too much. I think a SA, Houston, Dallas station will pick he up b/c of demographics not talent. Hope they replace her with Sally Hernandez she is talented and is really good with reporting the news not reading the news.
By Dean
September 16, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
I will greatly miss Michelle Valles on the news. Austin has it's fair share of blonde Barbies... She came across fun, relateable and trustworthy. I am not sure where the hate comes from on these posts, but could it boil down to jealousy? The same type of posts when Christen Haas left to go to Houston?
Come on, you few..wish people well and don't make it personal. That is not the AUSTIN we love or represent here.
By funland
September 15, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
>>>said Roger Heaney, director of public affairs for Time Warner Austin. “We’re trying to manage cost for our customers
This is hilarious!!! Cable rates keep going up year after year after year. I finally cancelled my Time Warner "basic" cable when it went up almost $5 bucks last year. Back in 2003 it was $8, then raised to $10, now it's around $15. And this is without an increase in the lackluster amount of channels: Half of which are home shopping and Spanish language- which is worthless for me cause I don't shop from the TV and I speak only English. By the way, who can stand to watch News8Austin?!? That's a weird news channel- it has "sponsorship" announcements like every 10 minutes (usually the same ones repeated ad nauseum).
By Jesse
September 15, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
TWC: “We’re trying to manage cost for our customers, and LIN is just trying to make more money.” HHAHAHAHAHAH...since when? Give me NBC instead of the Discovery Channel and Telemundo and the History Channel and all those other crap channels you force me to get. I'd gladly give those up for NBC. DUFUSES!
I'm cancelling TWC if they lose NBC. It's not about KXAN so much as 30 Rock! OMG.
By HT
September 15, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
no great loss if KXAN goes off the air... They don't show anything I am interested in watching.
Maybe Time Warner can replace them with one of the San Antonio channels, their news is always quite interesting.
By Phillip
September 15, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I for one am glad Michelle Valles is gone. It's a shame she thinks she has more talent than she really does. KXAN will hopefully find a news anchor that can carry a newscast and compliment the co-anchor. One that comes across as professional and not trashy as Ms. Valles always appeared by her attire she chose to wear for newscasts.
Keep Walking Michelle....
By hg
September 15, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
TW has to pay for news late austin, i mean news 8 austin and other stuff no one wants
By I love KXAN!!
September 15, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
KXAN has Jim Spencer the best weatherman in Austin no doubt!!! Robert Hadlock And Roger Wallace are great as Well!! We will miss you Michelle Valles!!!
By Alias
September 15, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
KXAN has a top weatherman in Jim Spence and
Robert Hadlock is a pro but Michelle Valles
can take her "hasta manana" crap she always
makes sure to sneak in at the end of every news to "Tela-MOOONDDO" where she can speak all the
Spanish she wants.
By Amanda
September 15, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Texan- KXAN was in second place last year. Keep up with your Neilsen ratings. Right behind KVUE. Also, it won the best nightly newscast from the AP. It's a great station.
By Waterlou
September 15, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Yeah!!!!
oh what do I care, anyone who cans their good reporters but keeps the likes of Jim Swift as a mainstream reporter isn't on my viewing schedule anyway.
By april
September 15, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Michelle doesnt have a job because of her DWI most likely. I rarely watch KXAN and I could care less if I cant get it anymore. I dont even have cable, so how is it going to cost me...if anything. haha
By Randy
September 15, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I use At&T Uverse. Infinitely better service and they actually have customer service people that want your business.
By Juan Tutri
September 15, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Michelle Valles is an asset to Austin TX.
By Nobama
September 15, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
KXAN news is swirling the ****** because NBC news is proving itself to be nothing more than a talking points playback machine for the Barack Hussein Obama campaign and for the Democrat National Committee.
By Juan Tutri
September 15, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Michelle Valles is an asset to Austin TX.
By Juan Tutri
September 15, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Michelle Valles is not perfect, but she is talented. KXAN would be foolish to let her go.
Those nasty men who don't like her, can take a long walk at the bottom of Town Lake.
Juan Tutri.
By BW
September 15, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
I have been sick of TW for years. Back in Dec I had ATT U-verse set up and LOVE it. you can call 1 877 827-5288 give the operator code ws0375.
By Not a Michelle fan
September 15, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Hmmmmm.....I notice that Leslie Cook has disappeared from the talent roll at WJLA 7 in Washington, where she was a reporter and weekend anchor. Her husband (former chief of staff to FEMA director Michael Brown -- "You're doing a heckuva job, Brownie") is reportedly already back in Austin.
Could all this Valles drama be a precursor for a return to KXAN anchoring by Leslie Cook?
By Southside Danny
September 15, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
I thought cable was required by law to carry local over-the-air stations, no money exchanged. When did that change? Since I get my TV thru an antenna I'll still get KXAN but why would I watch it without hubba-hubba hot Michelle Valles?
By Texan
September 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
The only reason anyone should be upset is the loss of NBC programming. The KXAN newcast is the lowest ranking local news in Austin (behind even Fox for crissakes!). Which is insane because NBC News has always been a leader. But when I watch KXAN, I feel like I'm watching a small market newscast like Waco, Billings, MT or Rapid City, SD. I mean really... this is Austin. I keep hoping someone will buy them and clean house.
Like someone said previously, Valles isn't as talented as she thinks she is.
Anyway, WARNING TO KVUE. If Valles shows up in your empty anchor chair, I'm switching to KEYE!
By Finally
September 15, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
LIN needs to sell KXAN, it will be better for both enities in the long run. Good luck Michelle, this will be a learning experience for Michelle Valles. She doesn't currently have the experience level she needs or thinks she does at this time, the day will come when she will understand that.
By Silvia Pr.
September 15, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Michelle is THE reason I watch KXAN
By Loco
September 15, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I am so sick of TW. We really need competition.
By Bubbafett
September 15, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I find it interesting that that cable companies charge so much for the privelege of being the gatekeepers of programming that is already paid for by advertising dollars. So what if it's "digital"? That's just an excuse to jack up already inflated prices. I could give a rat's patoot about whether it's "digital" or not.
By JLC
September 15, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
I don't know if it is TWC or KXAN but the NBC HD channel has the most messed up surround sound. Most of the time the programming comes through either the left or right speaker (I called multiple times during the olympics). CBS is bad about broadcasting 2.0 in 5.1 such as Letterman so you end up hearing his voice through the surround instead of just the band and audience (luckily I can force my system to 2.0).
KVUE, and CNN are the only ones broadcasting news in HD. Basically I don't watch anything not in HD as it looks like crap and I hate those black bars on the side. Get it together people, start broadcasting everything in HD.
By dorothy
September 15, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Only reason I watch KXAN is because of your anchors Michele Valles and the man whose name escapes me. Typical Texas treat women worse than men. Will we ever get past this as a nation. She lends a great deal to this station. Guess I can watch Judy Maggio if Michele does not come back. Pay her whats fair you stupids.
By Joe
September 15, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I was sick of time warner and there nickle and diming. I switch to At&t U-verse a few months ago and couldn't have been happier. They have better picture, better prices, and better user interface.
By john
September 15, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Michelle was the reason I watched Kxan news. Oh well, back to CBS.
By shannon
September 15, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Could it be related to the DWI that she apologized publicly for ON THE AIR?? You must have missed that one...
By Hector
September 15, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Michelle Valles is a professional newscaster that brought some class to local television news. Most of the local newscasts are so "small times" and appear to be run by white republican men.
By bart waterloo
September 15, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Michelle Valles is beautiful and she is a Longhorn... she'll do fine in this town!! NBC on the other hand...
By Allen
September 15, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
I only watch KXAN when there is a good football game on Sunday night. Is it a coincidence the Cowboys are on this coming Sunday? What is it with time warner and the Cowboys?
I hope Michelle shows up on another local news station.
By Larry
September 15, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
For those who are worried about TW dumping KXAN, get one of the satellite services, either dish or direct. I have one of those and have never looked back after I kicked TW to the curb 3 or so years ago.
By Jeff
September 15, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Michelle:
If the phone still ain't ringin', you know it ain't us calling you back. Best of luck in your career.
By tryinginaustin
September 15, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Michelle.
By Allen
September 15, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
The only thing I watch on KXAN is Sunday Night Football IF they have good teams on. Is it just a coincidence the Cowboys are on next Sunday night?
What is it with Time Warner and the Cowboys?
I will miss Michelle, hopefully she will move to another local station.
By bernie
September 15, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Over-the-air tv is free tv, higher quality than cable and not subject to poor contract negotiations. Down with cable, viva Free Tv!
By Brad
September 15, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
What's up with all the Michelle Valles-bashing? She's competent and in control even when the news breaks late and she's obviously flying without a prompter. I always noticed her out at community events too. Get her back.
By steve
September 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I want to be as nice as possible here. Michelle Valles never brought viewers to KXAN. If anything, men would tune in to see what she was wearing then move on to another station. I felt sorry for Mr. Hadlock who never was challenged by her lack of knowledge of situations she would report. She came across as only reading the news and not understanding it. If KXAN obtains an intelligent, challenging, and yes good looking, female for their next anchor position, they will be number one in Austin. Good luck Ms. Valles,,, next
By Your Momma
September 15, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Y'all ugly!
By Bob Madden
September 15, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Open D - I agree with you. Because commenting is anonymous and ubiquitous it is far too easy for people to attack with such hatred and vitriol knowing that they will not personally be exposed or held accountable. It is kind of like the cyber version of hiding under a sheet.
By keith
September 15, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
TimeWarner thinks they hold all the cards for what can and cannot be shown....they gouge their customers, break contracts with their customers (I've had it happen twice already) that a customer cannot break without paying a hefty termination fee, and now they hold the card with taking a station off the air because they won't pay the fees - this only incoviences TW customers beyond how poor they already treat us
TWC even false advertises - they say home of free HD, yet charge you for what they deem 'premium HD'.
By AL
September 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Well, the way Time Warner gouges us, they shouldn't have a problem with someone else doing it to them!
Side note: I like Valles...
By OpenD
September 15, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Dianne - Thanks for taking a lead in deleting nasty comments from your blog. I've almost given up on reading Statesman blogs because so many of the threads immediately degenerate into little more than name calling and insults and mean spirited trash.
I'm beginning to have more appreciation for the old system, where "Letters to the Editor" had to meet certain standards of coherence and civility in order to be published.
More "moderation" seems to be in order, and overdue.
By bj
September 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Good luck Michelle, but I won't miss you.
By Josh
September 15, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Why am I not surprised that we see yet more drama at LIN owned KXAN. LIN is notorious for this type of behavior with both its retransmitors and with its on air talent. The best thing that could happen for us is for LIN to sell KXAN (like they attempted to do not long ago) to a true media company that understands that the quality of its product is directly tied to the good of its bottom line.
By CraigW
September 15, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Who's in the more powerful position in the dispute between LIN and Time-Warner? To me it seems like TW is. TW will not be hurt nearly as much as LIN will be if they lose all those viewers who come to them via TW (though TW will certainly have plenty of very angry customers to deal with). I don't know the business model for this arrangement but it almost seems like LIN would provide the content to TW for free due to the value of the ad revenue for the number of viewers TW brings to the table.