[net.misc] Loss of TV Network Programming -- Don't Blame the UFO's!

lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein) (07/22/84)

You can safely assume it was a local effect -- most likely a failure
at the telco switching office that brings in the feeds from the
three commercial networks.  

First of all, with the exception of PBS, which is largely satellite
based these days, the networks (CBS, NBC, ABC) are almost completely
coaxial cable distributed for "on-air" purposes.  There are some
satellite feeds of particular programs to deal with east/west coast
time delays on "topical" programs (like "The Tonight Show," for
example) but the actual distribution of programs to local stations
is still almost 100% by cable, not by satellite.  There are also
occasional satellite feeds between network O&O's and affiliates
for special programming purposes, but that still doesn't change
the basic cable-based aspect of the distribution network.

All three networks are now embarking on programs to gradually switch
their feeds over to satellite distribution, but it has been going
rather slowly, mainly due to problems with the newer 12Ghz satellites
(relating to rain-induced fading, interference, etc.)

In most areas, all three commercial networks feed into a city through
ONE ROOM at a primary telco switching point.  I've been in the main
feed control room for Los Angeles (down in the massive "L.A. Central"
C.O. on Grand) and there are three monitors sitting next to each other
in a rack that are the feed checks for the three networks.  A localized
power failure, circuit breaker trip, or other similar effects could
easily have affected all or some of the networks simultaneously.  There
are supposed to be backups to prevent such things, but all systems
can fail.

So Will, I'm sorry, but you can't blame UFO's for this one.

--Lauren--