Tampa Brighthouse removing my favorite channels

I pay a significant price each month for my cable TV. One might say that I’m an advocate for great television, be it the educational dynamics of Discovery or History Channel or the wonderful drama and comedy filled standard and premium channels I pay dearly for. There are channels I’ve watched for years, and some I’ve just started watching recently. At over $100/month, I expect my cable to be here for me when I need it, and in the full glory that I pay for.

Well, that’s about to end.

As of today, Brighthouse Networks has made an enemy of me. They’re removing the following 19 channels from their line-up, effective immediately: Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Logo, Pure Country, Palladia, MTV2, MTV Europe, MTV James, Noggin, Spike, Nick2, Nick @ Night, MTV3, TV Land, VH1, VH1 Classic and MTV Soul. Of these, I honestly only care about Comedy Central, Spike and MTV. WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS?

I called them to ask. Apparently, as part of the 2009 switch to all-digital-signals, they are cutting all programming that doesn’t fit the new digital format. As all of these channels refuse to be offered digitally or in HDTV, they won’t be carrying them anymore. Viacom didn’t want to make the significant investment in the new formatting, so all Roadrunner-Brighthouse-Comcast-TimeWarner, etc.etc. will be removing them today.

I called Brighthouse. They tell me, “We’ve had this notice posted in our office for 2 months. If you don’t come in to pay your bill, you wouldn’t know that. But you had an opportunity to voice your opinion. The decision has been made.” What kind of bullshit is that? Who the fuck goes INTO an office to pay their cable bill? Maybe 10% of people? I pay online or by check. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t. Why would I take time out of my busy day to go to their offices and see a notice?

I’m so disgusted. I’m about to call Verizon right now to confirm they aren’t doing the same thing, and then to switch. Fuck, this is upsetting.

Related posts:

1. Brighthouse adds more new HD channels
2. FiOS Adds 6 new HD Channels, Brings total to 117