The logic behind cable programming is confusing to most. It is more than just what show gets the most views or playing reruns of our favorite programs. Great Plains Communications would like to share answers to three of our frequently asked programming questions.
Question 1: Who chooses what local channels I have in my area?
A: Our country is broken up into designated market areas (DMAs). Cable networks
assign local stations to these DMAs and grant or deny cable operators use of their
station in addition to exclusivity in these markets.
Question 2: Why does my favorite show suddenly go off air?
A: We have all had a beloved show that doesn’t get picked up for a second season or
even ends after a few episodes. Ultimately it is up to the network, as they evaluate
which shows have the largest viewing audience. An example of this was SPEED,
which aired racing programming 24/7. Unfortunately for fans, the ratings for the
whole channel were very low and it was replaced.
Question 3: How does Great Plains Communications determine what
channels to air?
A: As a whole, we try to evaluate what channels are most popular, and from there we
examine the Network Bundles. Many people don’t realize that ESPN is actually
owned by Disney. Therefore, for a cable operator to offer ESPN, they must also
offer: ABC Family, Disney, Disney Jr, Disney XD, ESPN 2, ESPN Classic, ESPN
News, ESPN U, SEC and Fusion. Below we have listed other networking bundles.
Comcast NBCU
- USA
- Syfy
- Bravo
- CNBC
- MSNBC
- Oxygen
- Cloo
- Chiller
- Universal HD
- The Golf Channel
- E!
- NBC Sports
- G 4
- Esquire
Fox Group
- FX
- FXX
- Fox Movie
- National Geographic SD
- National Geographic Wild
- Fox Sports Mid
- Fox Sports One
- Fox Sports Two
- BTN
If you have any additional questions regarding your Great Plains Communications cable service, please call our Customer Response Center at 1-855-853-1483 and a representative will be happy to assist you.