While in Buffalo this weekend, I happened to be in numerous electronics stores while getting my grandpa all setup with a new 42" plasma tv.
I was highly amused at the drama that unfolded at these stores due to the recent
fight between Lin Broadcasting and Time Warner cable. Apparently Lin Broadcasting, which owns the Buffalo CBS affiliate station, is hurting financially...just like everyone else. Their plan to increase revenue is to start charging Time Warner for the re-broadcast rights for their CBS station. Time Warner, however, refuses to pay, citing the fact that the CBS affiliate broadcasts for free over the air, and thus should be free for everyone.
Since no resolution could be agreed upon, Time Warner took CBS off the air for their cable customers. For most people, this wouldn't be a very big deal...they might just have to miss an episode of the Amazing Race or David Letterman. However, because the Bills game is on CBS...the citizens of Buffalo had quite a problem with the missing channel in their tv lineup.
The solution, of course, to watch the game without your cable company is to purchase an old fashioned tv antenna. Time Warner was even kind enough to pass out antennas for free to customers that braved the extremely long lines and short distribution hours. For those who didn't get their free antenna from Time Warner, you could purchase an antenna for up to $20 and be reimbursed by the cable company.
However, good luck finding a tv antenna at any electronics stores in the greater Buffalo area. During the weekend, I was at Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears, as well as 3 different Radio Shacks. Did any of them have rabbit ears in stock? Nope.
I don't know how long this standoff between the local CBS affiliate and Time Warner will last, but I'm tempted to buy a bunch of tv antenna in Cleveland and then drive to Buffalo and sell them for a profit. Actually, maybe Lin Broadcasting should do that as yet another revenue source...
