This information is for those interested in requesting a waiver from WCAV / WVAW / WAHU TV for a distant CBS, ABC, or FOX satellite signal. Please note that DISH Network offers our stations (CBS19, ABC16, and WAHU FOX27) locally. Despite our attempts to convince DirecTV to carry our stations, they have not yet agreed to do so. It will likely take much consumer and government pressure to make that happen.

In observance of federal law, WCAV / WVAW / WAHU TV cannot process waiver requests for a satellite subscriber unless that request has been submitted directly from your satellite provider on your behalf. If you have been told by your satellite service provider to contact any local television station directly for waivers, you have been misinformed. Satellite carriers are legally responsible for walking you through the entire waiver process.

If your initial waiver request is denied, which is almost always the case because our stations do not have the resources to conduct on-site tests, then the satellite company must supply you with the paperwork outlining the signal test process. The satellite company, not our stations, will provide the name of a suggested signal test company. Please note the cost of the signal test is always the responsibility of the consumer. If the test results prove the CBS19, ABC16, and/or FOX27 signal strength at your location is below the federal requirements, the waiver is automatically granted by the satellite company through paperwork the satellite company will provide. Should you find your satellite carrier unwilling to follow these federal requirements, you may report their conduct to the FCC directly at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

Some points to be aware of as you complete the process:

1.) Waivers are only granted to “unserved households” as described in the congressionally mandated Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act.

2) Waivers are not considered or granted for the sole purpose of receiving a High Definition out of market signal.

3) Calling or contacting your local television station is not the right procedure. If your satellite provider is urging you to do so, they are giving you bad advice. They are obligated to walk you through the waiver process, including the suggested process for a Grade B signal strength test.

In closing, we encourage you to contact your U.S. Congressman and Senators to tell them you believe satellite carriers should be required to carry Charlottesville stations. It is our fear that DirecTV will not elect to carry local stations until they are forced to do so by law.

The Honorable Tom Perriello, United States Congress, 5th District of Virginia, 313 2nd St. SE, Suite 112, Charlottesville, VA 22902, (434) 293-9631

The Honorable Mark Warner, United States Senator from Virginia, 459A Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, (202) 224-2023

The Honorable Jim Webb, United States Senator from Virginia, 248 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, (202) 224-4024

In the meantime, we will continue to pursue every avenue possible to convince DirecTV to carry our signals, and those of other local stations. Until you are able to receive local stations, we invite you to visit www.newsplex.com on your computer or mobile phone, for local news, weather, and sports.

Respectfully,

Charlottesville Newsplex and Gray Television