Satellite Companies Open Up Online
At one time both satellite companies seemed to be afraid of the online world; however as we close 2008 both companies are now starting to officially embrace it.
At one time getting any official satellite news from the big two satellite companies was like pulling teeth as both companies were afraid of the online world. For many years consumers depended on people like me and satellite sites like mine for rumors of what was happening in the industry.
While some in the companies would talk to folks like me they would always give us information unofficially and off the record. In talking with various PR folks over the years mention the word internet and they would start stuttering and trying to figure out the quickest way to get you off the phone.
I am happy to report that this is all changing. Over the past two years both Dish Network and DirecTV have started embracing the online satellite communities, Dish Network has had consumer meetings with folks like Dish Network CEO Charlie Ergen, and DirecTV has opened up a program for the diehard satellite fans to beta test their latest software before it is released to the general public.
However now as we roll into the end of the year both companies have started cracking out of their shell and have started posting news and marketing information to the internet. DirecTV kicked off its online presence by launching a page on Facebook yet now has an active presence at Twitter. (http://www.twitter.com/directv) DirecTV has been using Twitter to alert customers of channel updates, promotions and new channel launches. The folks from Dish Network have hopped on the online train and have also launched their own Twitter site. (http://www.twitter.com/dishnetwork)
While these sites take some of my work away from me by digging for news I find them refreshing and welcome them to the online world. I applaud them for understanding that there are a lot of folks out here looking for the latest scoop on their companies.
So to the satellite companies from me, I say welcome to the Internet… hop on in as the water is fine.
Bubba Out?
It appears that Bubba “The Love Sponge” will soon be leaving the satellite radio world. On his show today Bubba was grilling the management of Sirius Satellite Radio for not renewing him.
Bubba has drawn quite a following over the years on Sirius but it appears that this loyal following is not enough to keep Bubbas uncensored show on Sirius / XM.
Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin recently commented "If we took the most aggressive number of people who cancelled and we take that (away) the $120 a year (they pay) it doesn’t get to a $1 million as compared to the significant amount of cost savings as a company that needs to make money," said Karmazin.
It looks like Mel has also weighed the possible cancelations from fans of the Bubba the Love Sponge Show and is making an educated gamble.
BillShepp commented:
The URL for Dish Network at Twitter is case sensitive. It should be www.twitter.com/DishNetwork rather than www.twitter.com/dishnework.
emtpud commented:
J Manyo: What do you think this is,the Harvard Business School class on writing? go read your child's writing if you're so put off by this! Who really cares if their are mistakes made. Most of us can get the point being made.
Tim Grimm commented:
Yo J Manyo: "Stupid face"? What are you, 12?
Ikill commented:
For some reason or another these guys still read your articles, so keep doing what you do. Thanks Scott
DishDunce commented:
Wow, why don't you tell us what you really think? Well Scott, I still love you and appreciate what you do.
Can\'t Stand Greczkowski commented:
You babble nonsense, write like a child, think and act like Bush. You offer NOTHING we don't already know - it's called common sense. My 9 year old has a better grasp of writing skills than you. You are an embarrassment to media and the industry as a whole. Go back to school and perhaps learn something this time around. And Reed Business - what on Earth is wrong with you, allowing this moron to blog on your site - have you no sensibilities?
tom wagner commented:
I surmise that the problem is another glitch of Dish Networks technical webmaster expertise.
J Manyo commented:
Yeah, check your links before posting them stupid face.
tom wagner commented:
Scott, Direct TV'S twitter.com works but Dish nets twitter shows no such page exists.
