INSIDE: WNDU Partial Preemption of Sunday’s NHL Game
INSIDE: WNDU Partial Preemption of Sunday’s NHL GameWNDU Blog Listing
INSIDE: WNDU Partial Preemption of Sunday’s NHL Game
Topic Author: Dave Grundy, Web Channel Director
Posted: 4:19 PM May 15, 2009
Replies Posted: 17 comments
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While we understand the disappointment of hockey fans, as a television station dedicated to local news coverage, it is absolutely essential that WNDU provide comprehensive coverage of the President’s visit to the South Bend area.

WNDU asked NBC for permission to shift NBC’s sports programming to other outlets while providing coverage of the President.  But NBC was only able to grant WNDU permission to shift the affected programming to 16.2.

This means that viewers who watch WNDU over the air (via antenna) will be able to continue to watch NHL coverage by switching to 16.2.

WNDU plans to return to NBC’s NHL coverage as quickly as we can without sacrificing coverage of the President in South Bend.

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Posted by: bbradley Location: St. Joseph, MI
Perhaps some prior information that the game was going to be preempted not only for President Obama but the entire graduation ceremony would have been useful. Those of us that (gasp!) are extreme hockey fans could made plans out of the WNDU viewing area to watch the game. Hopefully a useful lesson was learned.

Posted by: lars Location: south bend
This isn't the first time this has happened. A few weekends ago it was the Blossomtime Parade and trumped most of the Capitals and Penguins game. And I can agree that Obama's speech in most people's opinion is an important event, but in that case why couldn't they just show his speech and his speech only. And as far as hockey not being popular enough, a series like this isn't common. It's a huge rivalry, also you have to take into account the Ovechkin/Crosby rivalry, that brought in a lot more fans also. So saying we shouldn't be allowed an opinion on this matter because of stats you got from last season on ratings is a terrible argument.

Posted by: gool Location: south bend
SHOW THE GAME. 2 other local stations showed barack this is lame.

Posted by: Rick Location: South Bend
This is total garbage, showing the president taking off trumps playoff professional sports? If this was an NFL game they'd show that, but when it's hockey no way. Garbage.

Posted by: Perspective The national press is in town covering this event. Part of the station's license is to cover local news events. Nowhere in it does it say anything about carrying hockey.

If you can't get 16.2, then you are not ready for the digital conversion a month from now. Wake up.

If you think the NHL is more important than this, you are completely clueless. The majority of your playoffs are carries on the Versus network. Even in the rare occasions that it is on broadcast television, no one watches. Last year the Finals drew a pathetic 3.2 rating nationally. The NBA and MLB draw 5 times that. You are NOT a national sport and have no ground to complain until you actually get people to watch your sport.

The abortion debate taking place on campus while a SCOTUS justice is being selected is an extremely important event. If you don't understand the importance of that, you have no business posting here.


Posted by: M Location: St. Joseph
THIS IS ABSURD!!!! If I cared about the ND commencement, I'd go. I don't care any more about this graduating class than the other places the president spoke... ASU or Georgetown.(Keep in mind that Obama had Georgetown cover all the crosses before he spoke there). This is the playoffs with 2 local teams (and original 6) playing each other. Should have taken one of your great polls to see what your viewers wanted.....IT'S NOT OBAMA OR ND COMMENCEMENT. BAD CHOICE WNDU!!!!

Posted by: Edward Location: Goshen
Partial pre-emption? After the President spoke we got to see professors commended for their service, and more speeches NOT by the President (professor Noonan)! Pro sports provides a good impetus for kids being committed to sports and being able to achieve scholarships. Notre Dame has Hockey scholarships, two (relatively) local pro teams are competing against each other both original 6 teams. You are pre-empting the only play-off game on today and on NBC, so if I want to view this sport you have made it very evident you are not my channel of choice. Hopefully hockey fans will understand the disservice you do are doing to us and boycott ALL your programs. Lets face it the major of your viewers if they are wanting to see the commencement they are already there. The majority of your viewers are probably NOT ND grads.

Posted by: Dan Location: Granger
Obama is done talking. You can go to the hockey game now. Why do you think everone in the south Bend area is fascinated by whatever Notre dame does??

Posted by: eric Location: granger
ok guys the president is done talking and i dont think we really need to hear everyone elses speeches. i think its about time to start covering the blackhawks game

Posted by: t om Location: st joseph
hockey

Posted by: v Location: Benton Harbor
WNDU sucks

Posted by: Help Location: Niles
Their over-air signal keeps fading in and out. Where's it coming from? From the studio grounds or south of town by the fairgrounds? I live on the SW side of Niles. Anybody know? Thanks. Yeah, put BO on 16.2. I see enough of him as it is. I'm heading for the roof.

Posted by: hockey fan Location: south bend
you stink

Posted by: Lisa Location: Granger
Give me a break. The Blackhawks are FINALLY in the playoffs playing their arch-rival and we have to listen to the President speak. I am respectful of the office, but I have no desire to listen to anything he has to say. Put his speech on 16.2 and let me watch my Blackhawks. Terry and Joel - how can you let this happen? You are hockey fans - you lean the wrong way, but come on...don't you have some clout???

Posted by: fed up Location: South Bend
put obama on16.2 and let us watch the game


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