October 29th, 2008
Time Warner Cable has decided to remove KLRU2 from channel 20. Beginning November 4th, KLRU2 will only be offered to customers with the Digital Tier package on channel 255. If you are among the Time Warner Cable customers this impacts, please tune to channel 9 to watch KLRU’s main channel.
If you have comments or questions contact Time Warner Cable customer service at 512-485-5555.
UPDATE: Please read the Austin American-Statesman story about the KLRU2 move at Austin360.com.
Tags: KLRU2
Posted in schedule change
Any chance of KLRU adding a third over-the-air digital channel and putting KLRU2 on that? I do NOT like the idea of TimeWarner strongarming me into renting another bloody box.
Comment by Robert Brown — October 31, 2008 @ 6:24 am
I am greatly disappointed by the decision to take KLRU2 off the regular Time Warner cable package.
Why is this happening? Why were your viewers not allowed to weigh in on this earlier?
Is there any way to keep KLRU2 on the regular cable package?
Is their anyway to at least air BBC World News on KLRU?
Comment by Dr. B. J. Lee — October 31, 2008 @ 9:51 am
I do not want nor need the 100’s of channels Time Warner offers with its Digital Tier Package. I will greatly miss the programming on KLRU2, but I’m not likely to pay more for it and the plethora of channels I’ll never watch.
In addition, my DVD player and VHS recorder (2 in 1) does not work with Time Warner’s Digital Tier Package. One has to purchase THEIR Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to record programs. (Time Warner’s salespersons will tell you that DVD players and/or VHS recorders will work with their digital programming, but, in fact, they will not.
Does KLRU have to agree to this move by Time-Warner? If so, could we hear our PBS affiliate’s reasoning for this? Bill Stotesberry, can you hear me?
Fond farewell,
~pamela
Comment by Pamela — November 1, 2008 @ 2:33 am
I am not at all happy about this. We use KLRU2 to better manage our recording schedules. For instance, it allows us to record Signing Time and Biscuit Brothers without bumping up against each other, making for a cleaner break between shows. We’ve also used it to record Nova and Frontline without bumping up against other primetime shows. I’d say about half of our KLRU watching ends up being on 2.
Yes we could still see most of those shows on the main network but it’ll be far less convenient. Also, being new to town, we’re trying to see as many Biscuit Brothers episodes as we can for our toddler who has fallen in love with them. If buying entire seasons on DVD was an option, that’d be one thing, but the DVDs only have a few episodes each.
I will call Time Warner tomorrow to complain. I turned the other way about the NBC affiliate because I only watch Heroes on NBC and could see that online (albeit at somewhat of a hassle), but I don’t like my cable company screwing around with my PBS!
Comment by Kimberly Chapman — November 3, 2008 @ 12:16 am
I called TW and complained. I will miss KLRU2 but I just don’t need 100+ channels, i need KLRU2.
Comment by diana — November 3, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
I often flip back and forth between KLRU and KLRU2, or record a program on KLRU2 in the wee hours after having missed it or recorded something else while it aired on KLRU during primetime. I will be calling Time-Warner and letting them know this will cause me to consider switching to U-Verse for my broadband — and I only get basic because I need broadband, and originally basic cost little more than they charged for getting broadband alone. Time-Warner does not care about its customers and just does whatever it can get away with.
Comment by Barbara — November 3, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
The first I heard about the dropping of KLRU2 from T-W’s basic service was last evening while I was watching the station. I talked to T-W this morning and found that I could keep KLRU2 by upgrading within their digital service and it’s only going to increase my monthly rate from $20 to about $55. Wow, such a deal! I guess I’ll have to discontinue my relationship with that TV cable source, and I’m sure going to miss KLRU2 as the times that channel suited my viewing times the BEST!
Sayonara to T-W and KLRU2…Sigh…
Comment by Morgan Stout — November 3, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
I am totally outraged Time Warner is pulling KLRU2 from it’s standard cable service to be replaced with some off the wall paid alternative. There are only two stations that consistantly broadcast quality programing in the Austin area. Both are public. All the other hundreds of various paid channels broadcast, for the most part, mindless opinionated garbage in various languages such as the Simpsons. I , for one, think Time Warner should be congratulated on contributing to the dumbing down of America. Your judgement, in my opinion, has hit rock bottom. Newton Minnow’s comment continues to apply. The vast wasteland continues to endure. My thoughts are Time Warner should be forced to freely broadcast KLRU2 or face relinquishing it’s braodcast license.
Comment by Jack Haesly — November 4, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
I just had the most frustrating “chat” with Time Warner customer service. Although I clearly stated that I wanted to know HOW removing KLRU2 from Channel 20 better serves Time Warner’s customers (see http://www.timewarnercable.com/centraltx/programming/legal_notices2.html) all I got were the stock replies about contractual agreements and customers’ preference for digital channels. WHAT???? When I told the rep I was embarrassed for Time Warner for putting educational programming out of the reach of young families that can’t afford digital cable all “she” could say was, “I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” How incredibly sad.
Comment by Ellen — November 4, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
This is going to hurt me bad. I really enjoyed the scheduling of KLRU2: the replays, the alternative programming when the stuff on the main channel wouldn’t suit me. I’m going to HAVE TO pay attention to the competitors’ offers i keep getting in the mail.
Comment by Jerome Potts — November 4, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
I dialed the Time Warner number to complain but couldn’t get a person. Not that it would have mattered, although I at least wanted to get it on the record. Their reasons for the change are garbage. And unfortunately TWC seems to be the exclusive distributor of KLRU2.
I am a rock solid Republican but stuff like this makes me think that it’s time for tighter regulation of cable companies. Perhaps yesterday’s election results will help that happen.
In the meantime, I urge KLRU to explore other means of distributing this channel.
Comment by Mike — November 5, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
I am also extremely upset at TWCs decision and see this as a hint of things to come from them. They realize how important KLRU2 is to us and want everyone to have to get another box.
I urge everyone to at least email TWC. There is an email form under Customer Service, Contact Us.
Let’s let somebody over there know how we feel, since we all know what the chances are contacting them via phone.
Comment by Marcy Molitor — November 7, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
this has irritated me so much that i’m searching for an antenna with a fractal design (thank you, Nova!). with the fractal’s enhanced reception and a digital box, i’ll be saying ‘bu-bye’ to Time-Warner TV cable for good. (btw, gang, KLRU2 is available to view on regular antenna TV already…)
EDITOR’S NOTE: KLRU2 is currently only available on Time Warner Cable. A similar channel called KLRU Create is available over the air. For a complete list of KLRU Create programs visit KLRU’s Schedule page at KLRU.org/schedule
it was bad enough when Time-Warner they messed around with NBC, suggesting that everyone could just stream it on their computer, then buy a special cable, install the cable connecting to their TV, then - oh, so easily - just watch ‘many’ of the NBC shows there. are they kidding me?
yes, i’ve gotten the same run-around from customer service there. enough is enough! if i can get decent reception elsewhere, i’m gone for good! (KLRU, this is because i truly appreciate your wonderful programming and all the work you all do. you’re worth it to me!)
Comment by Kristen Herrington — November 12, 2008 @ 3:04 am
In the franchise agreement with the City of Austin, Time-Warner must make available 13 PEG channels (”Public, Educational, Governmental Access Channel,” “Access Channel”, or “PEG Access Channel” means the Channel(s) on the Cable System which are reserved for non-commercial public, educational and governmental uses, in accordance with applicable law and with the rules and procedures established by the City.) Isn’t KLRU2 one of these (and if not, shouldn’t it be?)
4.3. Allocation of PEG Channels. The City Council may designate PEG Channels for use by public, educational or governmental access users or organizations at its sole discretion. The City may designate one Channel for several uses or users on a shared basis.
4.5. Use of Public, Educational and Governmental Channels. The PEG Access Channels shall be placed under the authority of the City for use related to governmental and educational purposes or individual expression.
So, can’t the City Council get active here and force Time-Warner to reactivate Channel 20? I hope someone knowledgeable from KLRU can respond to this.
FROM KLRU’s CEO Bill Stotesbery:
That is an interesting question. the original agreement was developed back in the late 1980s and I think you may be correct that KLRU—TOO, as it was known then, was one of the PEG channels. I don’t know whether this distinction carried through in the later versions of the agreement, but this is something we can look into. Thanks for suggesting this.
Comment by Laura Burns — November 14, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Have you seen the new “explanation” about KLRU2 on the Time Warner website? It’s available as a pdf download on their “Upcoming Programming Changes” page. It pretty much says that because most of their customers are Digital that their Analog customers don’t count anymore. And, to add insult to injury, it says that Digital customers will still have KLRU2 on Channel 20. I guess Time Warner doesn’t realize that many Digital customers are “Digital” on only one TV and rely on Analog for their other TVs–for example the TV the kids watch. Now the kids get to watch a test pattern on Channel 20. So educational. They’ll learn their colors……
Comment by Ellen — November 14, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Time Warner’s decision to remove KLRU2 from the normal package is another example of a corporation lining their pockets at the expense of their customers. Their decision is not for the good of the viewer. I hate not having KLRU2 and will not pay more for 100’s of useless channels. I admit to signing up for digital, bringing the digital box and extra remote home, hooking it all up, and then returning it all in favor of simplifying my life. I deeply miss the news and gardening programs that aired in the later evening hours. KLRU2 offers an excellent array of programs. I will do as others have done and call to complain to TW. Shame, shame on them! May they recant this decision!
Comment by Ann Cabot — November 16, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
This is not surprising, given time Warner’s desire to monopolize public broadcasting. I would like to see this investigated by the FCC. On the other hand that would be akin to having thieves guard my home during the holidays.
Whoever is behind this at KLRU must have some kind of deal with TWC for funding for other programs.
Public Television indeed!
EDITOR’S NOTE: KLRU did not have anything to do with the decision to take KLRU2 off TWC’s basic cable. If it had been up to us, it would still be there.
Comment by Gary O'Brien — November 18, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
I canceled my Time warner Cable because of this. I can get regular PBS over the air KLRU2 was the only reason I kept my basic cable.
Comment by Josiah — November 19, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
Jack Haesley (Nov 4th) hit the nail on the head when he talked about the wider implications of removing KLRU2 from the basic cable lineup. Apparently, we are not content with having an appallingly bad public library system and extremely dumbed down TV news and local newspaper in Austin. Now we have to remove one of only two educational channels. (Of course, even the upgraded channels contain little of educational value — “educational” meaning contributing to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us in any meaningful way.) This from one of the supposedly most educated populace in the country!
Once again, we have sacrificed the education of our citizens on the altar of the almighty dollar.
Forget about expecting Time Warner to care about anything but profit. However, it seems to me that the City of Austin should have something to say about this. After all, isn’t a government elected to serve the best interests of its citizens? Is it in the best interests of the citizens (especially the youngest ones) to be kept ignorant? We should demand more from the people we hired to serve us.
Tracey Suits
Comment by Tracey Suits — November 20, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
This is the second channel Time Warner has stolen from me(the first being National Geographic). If I ever get another source for high speed internet here, they will be history.
Could you re-broadcast the KLRU content on the DTV subchannel? I have TVs on antenna that can receive DTV. Also, how do I get your subchannel schedule? I did not see it on your website nor in the paper.
EDITOR’S NOTE: KLRU cannot rebroadcast KLRU2’s lineup on one of our digital channels because our contract with Time Warner states that KLRU2 has to be exclusive to their customers.
KLRU Creates, which features craft, cooking and how to programs, is available over the air. To get a schedule for this channel click on the “Create” button on our schedule page: klru.org/schedule
Comment by Jody Everett — November 20, 2008 @ 9:45 pm
Can you re-broadcast some of your mainline shows suchs Nova and Frontline over your subchannel or at a different time over your main channel? This re-broadcasting is what the History channel does(on both cable and satellite). Or does Time Warner somehow stop even that? Re-broadcasting would allow over-the more viewers to see these shows without the hassel of recording them. Seems like this could even save KLRU money.
Comment by Jody Everett — November 25, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
KLRU-2 was the only reason for us to keep paying TW any money. The price of basic cable has nearly doubled over the last year. The continued “raise the rates and reduce the service” policy they have followed over the past 20 years finally made their basic offering not worthwhile (by their design). I’m sure they want everyone to upgrade to digital service. NOT! I just called them and cancelled.
Comment by Jon P — December 4, 2008 @ 8:12 pm
This is BS!
Comment by Jacque Meoffsky — December 9, 2008 @ 8:42 am
Interesting…
Shortly after “the offical date” (eg. the 8th of November 2008, as I recall), KLRU2 (channel 20) was “replaced” by a “kids movies” channel. Then, later in November, KLRU2 was “back on the air”.
I was under the impression that TW had reached an agreement with KLRU…
Now (as-of ~ December the 8th), it’s gone (again), now leaving a “dead” channel 20.
I’m impressed. Congratulations to Time Warner!
Dark thoughts to corporate any durn thing.
Comment by Bob S. — December 11, 2008 @ 11:01 am
This is very disappointing because there is nothing we can do short of upgrading.
Comment by George Ramsey — December 26, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
I commented before but came back to check to see if KLRU2 might possibly ever be offered by AT&T’s U-Verse when the existing contract with Time Warner is up. This is because Time Warner, after having issues with KXAN in the fall, almost lost all of Viacom’s channels last night. And another commenter says above that Time Warner has pulled other channels like National Geographic in the past as well.
Time Warner seems to enjoy engaging in acts of “playing chicken” with its content providers. I was strongly considering switching to U-Verse over the Viacom thing since it was in addition to the loss of KLRU2. I watch two kinds of TV for the most part: real-life news content like Nova, Frontline, etc., and fake comedic news like Daily Show and Colbert. Take away both and I’m only left with the option of revolution. These are my bread and circuses!
I would still switch to U-Verse to get KLRU2 but if there’s an exclusive contract with Time Warner, I can’t gain it by switching. I refuse to pay Time Warner for an “upgrade” to get it because that will only encourage them to keep up these shenanigans.
So I ask that please, KLRU negotiators, when your next contract comes up with Time Warner, play hardball with them and demand that they return KLRU2 to basic cable. As someone else mentioned, there may be the PEG offering requirement anyway. If they won’t return KLRU2, please offer it to U-Verse or some other reasonable competitor, and we will follow you there. You can tell them that you know many of us have called to complain or have left already. Use our voices to demand better treatment. Make it clear to them that our loyalty isn’t to our cable company, but to the content providers.
Comment by Kimberly Chapman — January 1, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Time Warner is #1 on my consumer dislikes list.
I recently missed the first broadcast of The Story of India; not to worry, I thought. I’ll record it when it comes back again or on KLRU2. Nope, poor me, I don’t get KLRU2 because I refuse like many of you to buy the big $ upgrade (and box?) from TW.
U-Verse is looming in my future just so TW gets no more of my $$$$.
Comment by Ed T — January 22, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
There seems to be enough of us to create some noise and go demonstrate in front of Time Warner’s offices here-I say let’s start a public outcry the good old fashioned way—face to face. A grass roots effort could change this—we could split time between their offices and city council until someone takes action-This is borderline censorship and the station alone cannot be the one to change these monopolistic practices while the city may act if pressured. Otherwise they will do nothing-but hey ts an election year so let’s go give it a try. Anyone game for some good old fashioned protest?
Comment by marsha — January 27, 2009 @ 6:39 pm
I am so glad to find this information, I was beginning to think I was losing my mind. I record the morning painting programs for my 90 year old father-in-law. For the last couple of months he has said that when he would play the tape there was nothing but black. I thought the problem was with me, the recorder or my television - I never dreamed the channel was off the air!! I repeatedly referred to the Time Warner Programming Guide to make sure I had the correct channel and time and still no luck. Yesterday I was determined to solve the mystery so after seeing that there was nothing but a black screen when I turned on Channel 20 at the program time I called TW. Initially the support person was uncertain the reason because she too saw that the full channel program listing is still shown for Channel 20 on the programming guide- and the change took place nearly three months ago!!!! When she told me of the change I was dumbfounded and so disappointed for my father-in-law. We have digital service on one television in our house but have no way to record the program on a VCR tape so now I have no way to record the program for him. He loved the painting shows and watched the recorded programs over and over. I have been so frustrated by the move of the weather radar from Channel 44 to Digital and now to learn of the KLRU-2 move. The TW representative could give me no reason for the move as I feel certain it was purely profit motive driven. I find it very deceptive on TW’s part the way these valued programs are moved from the basic tier to a much more expensive tier, thus shutting out many viewers whose only option is to get a “box” and pay the higher rate. I can only change what is in my control so I will be looking for a cable alternative immediately.
Comment by Laura Bohls — January 28, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
Ok, it took me awhile to finally find out why KLRU2 was no longer available on basic cable. In the processing of writing my letter to TW telling them I’m cancelling altogether if they don’t a) put the station back on or b) reduce the rate that I pay, I found out this is old news.
I’m also steamed b/c I signed up for cable in October, when they already knew it was leaving the lineup, and didn’t tell me. That’s bait & switch in my book.
Marsha — I’m up for picketing. Tell me when and I’ll be there.
Comment by Denise — February 8, 2009 @ 10:26 am
We decided to completely skip cable when we came to Austin (anticipating DTV switch… we got the $40 Converter Box Coupon from Feds, and a great wall antenna box that pulls HDTV quality for $40). Yesterday… Feb. 17th DTV DAY… a THIRD channel is now available from KLRU (mostly previews for now), so we get CREATE, Main Channel PBS, and the possibility of a 3rd set of programming soon! We’re giving our “Cable Set-up” money to PBS, instead! (Except for C-Span)… it’s all ya need!
Comment by S. Attix — February 18, 2009 @ 10:50 am
We don’t have cable subscriptions, and KLRU is about the only thing in Austin area broadcast television worth tuning into. Without a viable recording system (I can’t afford one, and neither can many of my peers), we miss out on a lot of quality programming that the PBS-supporting community in town pays a lot for. It would be nice to watch other programs during the weekend music shows and British dramas.
Replacing Create with KLRU2 would improve the quality of life of many Austin area residents. I understand that an exclusivity agreement with Time Warner prohibits the station from broadcasting KLRU2 on one of the free to air digital channels. But now that Time Warner has dramatically restricted access to the station, perhaps that agreement can be renegotiated?
(apologies if this comment is submitted multiple times)
(I apolgoize
Comment by James — March 14, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
Has Time Warner in Texas gone all digital yet? No more analog?
Comment by Mary — March 18, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
Recently got a HDTV (which of course contains a digital tuner in addition to an analog tuner) and found out that KLRU2 is still offered to standard cable subscribers, but it’s on digital channel 92.20 [for me, at least... your channel number could vary].
So if you have a HDTV or a device with a digital (QAM) tuner hooked up to cable, try tuning in to channel 92.20.
Comment by nhjm449 — March 21, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
I’ve beaten Time-Warner for years. I get my TV off the air with an antenna. Channel 18, 18-1, 18-2, and the upcoming 18-3 come in just great. And that’s off my little non-amplified indoor antenna.
The @#%&$$ with cable. Just grab those little TV electrons right off the air.
Keep up the great programming.
virg
Comment by Virg — March 27, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
I have done without KLRU2 for a few months and miss it, especially for the daytime and Saturday morning programs. KLRU2 provided a quality alternative to children’s shows.
I also miss the book coverage and even the quality of the cooking shows.
Is there any chance that KLRU could or would override the Time-Warner decision?
At this time, Time-Warner is not living up to its public obligations. Time-Warner needs to provide ‘needed’ programs as part of a basic package. To serve public obligations, Time-Warner should provide an initial tier BASIC package that includes the four networks, both PBS stations, the weather channel, and all C-SPAN (produced by cable station monies) channels. This BASIC TIER would serve the public and provide a positive model for quality basic programming, priced right for every family.
Why C-SPAN1 and C-SPAN2? These channels offer coverage of the U.S. Senate and House, and should be available at no additional cost to all taxpayers who subscribe to Time-Warner. Time-Warner offers C-SPAN1 in the Basic and Standard tiers, but they do not include C-SPAN2 (coverage of the U.S. Senate) in either tier.
Comment by Mike Sullivan — March 31, 2009 @ 10:52 am
Will the program, “Religion and Ethics” be aired on klru or klruq? Time Warner Cable has closed its office in Lockhart where we live. With all their changes they certainly don’t seem to be providing the service we had hoped for when we signed on to their package of telephone, tv and computer service.
as soon as my contract is up we’ll be going back to At&T. I’ve told them that too. About the program, we used to view it on KLRU2 at 9:30 on Friday evening.
Comment by shirley bruch — July 7, 2009 @ 4:55 pm