Thank you for the reply and your link. It was very informative but seems quite complicated as well. It does seem like the cable companies would try to leave stations to view for local channels rather than loose customers. Many in this area have already canceled their service with them as they didn't even send out notices to their customers they were taking off these 3 local channels. They also stated we can not get back these channels regardless if we obtain equipment from them. They have chosen to give us out of state channels for what they are giving us to view as local channels and have taken off all but one channel within our area.
I read they are considering taking it off as well. We are all more interested in getting broadcasting news and events within our state than states which are 2 or 3 states away from us. Our congressman and state senator are working with Washington to try and get these channels restored to our viewing area. It seems the only recourse is to hurt the companies profit and if they keep up these tactics, they may well do so. Charter has lost profit for all 2008 and their outlook for future operations is in question regarding a report in the Washington Post this week. It is too bad they have not allowed any competition in this area.