DirecTV okays channels from PBS and ITVS

Current ^ | Dec. 13, 1999 | Steve Behrens and Karen Everhart Bedford

[Halfmanhalfamazing]

Dec. 15, a new nonprofit called Link Media Inc.--founded by ITVS, Internews Network and Internews Interactive--will begin feeding WorldLink TV, a new channel that provides independently produced documentaries, interactive program, global perspectives and world music.

Both were being rushed into existence for launch Dec. 15 [1999]--the deadline set by the FCC for implementation of a 1992 law that requires DirecTV and other DBS companies to use 4 percent of their channel capacity for noncommercial educational and informational programming.

The initial delivery medium for the channels will be DirecTV, the largest direct satellite broadcaster, with 7.8 million subscribing households. The company announced last week that it had selected six new educational and religious channels to add to its line-up under the new FCC mandate. But public TV stations will also be able to offer the PBS You channel through multicasting on their DTV channels, or through local cable systems, ITFS microwave operations or other outlets.

[Halfmanhalfamazing]

Link TV is the birth child of FCC regulations. Founded at the end of 1999; these days it receives funding from many left wing foundations. Some you have heard of, some you haven't.

[RayChuang88]

I’m surprised that DirecTV hasn’t allowed Classic Arts Showcase on its service. If you want to see a long list of opera, classical music and ballet performances, Classic Arts Showcase is a great resource.

[Gay State Conservative]

I don't have satellite TV but I do have XM radio.When signing up I instructed them to block several channels...a homosexual station,Stern,Rosie O’Donuts and one or two others.