By KSN Chief Meteorologist Dave Freeman

May 2005 -- No, it's not the hot new children's book in the Explore Store here at Exploration Place. It's the latest development in the fast changing world of broadcasting and if you are a satellite TV customer, it could have a direct impact on the safety of your family!

In recent months we have received a growing stream of calls, letters and emails from folks in Western Kansas who have become satellite TV customers. They are asking why they are not getting their KSN Custom Forecasts anymore--instead, seeing the Wichita forecast. The answer lies in the transition from the bunny ears to the bird--from the over the air broadcast of the KSN TV stations to the signal provided by satellite companies.

Rest assured, the KSN WeatherLab continues to provide the KSN Custom Forecast for each of the KSN TV stations just as we have for a number of years. We also continue to provide more comprehensive severe weather coverage on each of the KSN TV stations, covering those areas affected. The policy of splitting our coverage to the various parts of the state has been very effective in providing improved forecasts for each area's TV station. In addition, it has enabled us to do a better job providing custom severe weather coverage to one part of the state while not inconveniencing others who may be hundreds of miles away from the storms.

The problem is that some (or all) of the satellite TV providers have chosen to provide only the KSNW (Wichita) signal to their customers no matter where they live. So, instead of seeing the KSN Custom Forecast and, most critically, custom storm tracking, customers of these satellite TV companies are seeing coverage that is intended for Wichita and Central Kansas!

Now, please understand that KSN is very happy that satellite TV has provided a wonderful alternative way for folks to get KSN, and NBC. Our only concern is that folks are missing critical weather information. KSN has expressed its very serious concern about this practice to the various satellite vendors. We have urged them in the strongest possible language to provide the proper KSN signal to the various parts of the state. We have pointed out that someone could easily be injured or killed because they missed the extensive severe weather coverage that was intended for their part of our viewing area.

So, may I offer some suggestions to those who have chosen to receive their TV signal by the Bird?

First, make sure you can switch back and forth from the Bird to the Bunny Ears. In other words, make sure you have a way to still see your local KSN station so that you will get your KSN Custom Forecast and storm tracking. With many modern TV sets, this is a very simple process--a button or two on the remote control can change from satellite to over the air antenna.

Second, contact your satellite TV provider and let them know how you feel. It is one thing for KSN to talk to them. It is quite another for their customers to tell them what they need and expect! You as the customer have the power of the checkbook!

Third, stop by Dillons and pick up one of our KSN WeatherLab Weather Alert Radios, so that you can be alerted to dangerous weather conditions no matter the time of day or night.

These are all very important steps that will help ensure the safety of your family!

Thanks for watching KSN--whether by Bunny Ears, Bird, or the Wire (cable)! You can count on us to work hard every night to track storms and keep your family safe.

Dave Freeman
KSN Chief Meteorologist
weatherlab@ksn.com