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Dec. 30, 2010
A Deep Creek Lake resident has a seemingly simple aspiration – to watch a television station that offers Maryland sports, Maryland news, Maryland weather, and even Maryland campaign commercials. But complicated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules are impeding Chuck Hoffeditz’s wish.
“People in Maryland, especially Garrett County, want to watch Maryland television,” he told the county commissioners last week during a meeting with state Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel.
To illustrate his point, Hoffeditz showed the officials a petition containing the signatures of more than 500 people who, indeed, would like to watch Maryland TV. Several of those petition signers attended the meeting and voiced their concerns to the local officials.
Because FCC regulations about only allowing one Designated Market Area (DMA), most local residents can only receive Pittsburgh, Pa., channels through their cable and satellite companies. Even Maryland Public Television is not available to many Garrett Countians, despite the fact that a MPT tower is located on Eagle Rock.
A few Comcast customers in the Finzel/Frostburg area, however, are more fortunate. Their DMA is larger, so they are able to view Pittsburgh, Johnstown (Pa.), Washington, D.C., and Baltimore stations. Hoffeditz would like to have that option, too.
Jay’s note: I remember the days where you could get both Pittsburgh & Washington/Baltimore TV stations – that’s how I cam to love the Steelers & the Redskins. I agree with Chuck, give us the choice!
