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First The Weather Channel was replaced by the inferior Accuweather and now The Outdoor Channel has been removed.
It seems VZ is trying to drive customers away.
We need both channels restored.
I was watching the Outdoor Channel tonight and then...
I get the white screen saying that it's no longer available.
First The Weather Channel, then the Sportsman Channel... now this. Literally removing 30% of what I watch on FiOS. Why should I stay? What will you take away next that you will replace with shomething I would never watch? And your competitors even offer in HD that which you do not.
Switching costs be *****. I'm leaving Verizon. And I'm taking my company's business with me, too. Verizon, consider this my notice. It's been a good 10 years. You went from ground breaking product to a severe hassle for everyone. Adios.
This is not ok with me. The Sportsman Channel and now the Outdoor Channel?? Other than sports and HBO, these are the only channels I watch. The email from Verzion says we can find similar programming on "History Channel (channel 128 & 628), Destination America (channel 168 & 668), Nat Geo Wild (channel 132 & 632) and the Discovery Channel, (channel 120 & 620)"; not even close. That comment is so far from the truth. It's my opinion that Verizon just choose the anti-hunting side of the coin.
Going to be canceling my TV service and subscribing through an internet based provider. Sadly, I'll have to keep them as my ISP. I need the Internet.
Very disappointed in Verizon, as I was paying for this "sports" package BECAUSE of these two channels. Like I really want the Cricket Channel.
This completely *****. My family used to watch the Weather Channel and I watched both the Sportsmans Channel ( until I had to pay extra ) and the Outdoors Channel. We pay almost $300 a month and now we get second rate tv service. Time to explore our options.
First we lost the Sportsmans Channel and now the Outdoor Channel. These are two of maybe 5 channels that I watch. I wonder if I can break my conract with them now, since they no longer provide the service that I signed up for.
That is so funny. My husband said the same thing about the Cricket Channel. We wondered how Cost Effective that channel is. We are not buying Verizon's reasoning for dropping the Outdoor Channel.
We pay extra, as well, for these channels in a Sports Package. If Verizon was so concerned that the "cost of content is increasing" and "in order to prevent those costs being reflected in your bill" along with "it is necessary to remove channels from our lineup" Then they could have simply charged more for the Package.
This Verizon statement is the one they send out to all customers. They just tailored it. It was like saying You can't have chocolate on your ice cream because it's too expensive for everyone. But We'll pay for the chocolate. We don't want you to. And, We're not going to offer it.
Outdoor channel and Sportsman channel gone, BUT we have some less than appealing ones to choose from. I think it time to look around!!!!!!!
This is the first time I've ever logged onto the "community" and it's soley to express my displeasure at Outdoor Channel being removed. As someone else said, the alternatives listed indicate that Verizon knows nothing about the Outdoor Channel programming or the type of customer that watches it. I won't speculate as to what drove this decision, but will say I spent the morning researching alternatives and will be cancelling my service. I spend WAY too much money for such a subpar lineup.
Edit: As of this post, 62.5% of the posters are from first timers like me. This tells me people are fired up enough to be looking for answers.
Public Service Announcement:
The parent company for the Sportsman and Outdoor Channels has set up a microsite to help us find new providers that carry these channels.
Here is the link: http://www.keepmyoutdoortv.com/
If you go to that page, you can enter your zip code and they will tell you what TV providers serve that area and still carry these channels.
This decision put me over the top...Long time Verizon customer and first time poster now here too. The removal of the Outdoor Channel as well as the Sportsman's Channel and the Weather Channel is the last straw. I will be looking for an alternative regardless of the cost to change. Verizon you are failing to listen to the customer. There are 130 million people in the US who participate in some type of outdoor sports. To imply that I can find the same content as show on the Outdoor and Sportsman's Channel on National Geographic, History or others tells me you have no clue about your audience. Where was your VOC study to determine if these channel should be kept even if it meant a price increase to consumers? You drop all outdoor programming yet add multiple Spanish/Latin channels with a much smaller customer base. You may wonder why there is a strong growth in Web streaming and other technologies to see the content that consumers want while you look at your lineup strictly from a cost basis. You are losing customers with decisions like this. Goodbye.
Paul
I too am first time posting. Recently renewed 2 year contract paying extra for Sports Package only to have the Outdoor and Sportsman's channels abruptly cancelled. Paying extra specifically for something that no longer exists is plain WRONG!
Maybe cable needs to be government regulated and monitored. I am one extremely dissatisfied customer. But as other bloggers have stated Verizon is not paying attention to their customer base who pays their salaries!
signed,
very disgusted with Verizon
Just lost Outdoor Channel here in the NYC market too (yes, we love the Outdoor Channel in NYC just like the rest of the country). Add me to the list of first time posters who are fed up with this latest move by Verizon. I may soon be making a programming change of my own…to another content provider.
The cost vs viewership reasoning doesn’t seem to hold water. Hopefully Verizon isn’t deciding what programming is "appropriate" for their viewers. I’m not sure what the channel lineup looks like in other communities, but here in NYC a quick scan of the available PPV offerings doesn’t exactly position Verizon on the moral high ground to be making such calls. Verizon, please find a way to provide all types of programming and let your customers decide what is right for them. If you truly need to charge more for it, then so be it.
Verizon needs to bring both Outdoor Channel and Sportsmans Channel back. What type of nonsense are they pushing when they recommend other channels that don't air the same content and shows as similar? I can only guess that Verizon is anti-outdoorsmans and only supports air-headed tree-hugging hippies who have no idea what the outdoors and conservation truly are. A few years ago, I actually moved up to a more expensive package lineup just because of Outdoor Channel and Sportsmans Channel. Without these two channels, I see no point in keeping the more expensive package. If Verizon does not bring both channels back, I will reduce my package and switch to a provider that carries both channels when my contract expires. As much as Comcast has a bad rep here in Maryland and I switched to FIOS when it became available, I will consider switching back to them just because they still carry Outdoor Channel and Sportsmans Channel.
Verizon, if you are listening, bring back Outdoor Channel and Sportsmans Channel. I was a happy customer of yours until you dropped the channels I watch the most. Bring them back.
Sincerely,
One Upset Verizon Customer
I just checked Verizon's lineup and they still offer Al Jazeera America. So, they drop two channels that are truly American and keep a Middle Eastern, anti-American propaganda "news" network that no one watches? What kind of crock PC nonsense is that?
We don't have the viewership vs cost numbers.
Verizon cited low viewership for dropping Sportsman channel back in September.
Maybe Outdoor and Sportsman channels cost a lot more per viewer than Al Jazeera (Dish offers Outdoor, Sportsman, Mav and World Fishing for $4/mopnth)
In the end it is a business.
Providers have to make decisions of content vs viewership vs cost.
They make a value judgement and then decide which channels to provide.
There will always be a preponderance of postings from people that miss a channel that has been removed.
I for one never watched so won't miss.
I am sure you can say the same for channels I like to watch.
In the end, we all have to make decisions based on what you can get for your dollar.
I AM INCENSED. I am 6 months into a new contract lockin and Verizon removes my two favorite channels and arguably the ones I spend 80% of my viewing time watching.
I am going to call and cancel and demand to terminate the contract due to a change of terms on their behalf.
Sorry, but the contract allows the to add and delete channels as necessary (pretty standard among cable providers)
Please bring back the outdoor and sportsman channels . The weather channel would be nice to for safety reasons ,got us through hurricane Sandy with very few lives lost . Accuweather stinks . I was a fios customer from the start ,one reason was these channels you offered (Outdoor,sportsman ,weather ). I have all your service wireless, internet ,phone your top TV plan . I always was your number fan when ever any one asked and there was a lot( thousands probably ) through the years who was your cable provider I was proud to say Verizon . I have cable companies stopping by my house ,calliing tring to get me to switch and I always tell them never very happy with Verizon fios . They are even willing to pay off my contract ,6 months free , save me big money every month and I still say No I am very happy with Fios . Wont even let them talk . This is how you pay me back by removing my favorite channels ,when I call customer service and even your corporate office you blow me off . What happened to good paying customers comes first ,never missed a payment always way in advance . You have two months to bring back my favorite channels or I will be switching providers ,very un happy customer .Please Verizon do the right thing support your loyal customers bring back our channels .
These are peer to peer support forums.
Verizon has stated they have dropped these channels to low or declining viewership and cost.
So I would doubt they will be back.
Best way to vote is with your dollars.
But I think we will see more of this amongst all providers.
As people cut the cord, they will have to make decisions and the less popular channels are liable to be the ones to take the hit.
Just like the removal of the Sprortsman's Channel, the non-renewel of the contract of the Outdoor Channel and it's removal targets a specific audience; those of us that enjoy watching hunting and shotting sports programs. The four channels listed tin the emails and on Channel 807 (here in Virginia) DO NOT have the same programming contrary to the Verizon's statement. This gives me serious pause...if it weren't for a contract, we would be changing to Cox imediately. Talk about poor business decisions....hope they get an overwhelming response and reverse or I'll have to juist break the contract.
And, when I called Customer Service to register my complaint, of course I got a representative who just didn't get it that I was complaining about the decision; guess he'd never gotten a complaint about service and oh by the way, English was a second language for him as his diction was very poor and he didn't understand what I was saying as I repeated myself four times before I ended the call. Talk about frurstrating!!!!
Most of my favorite shows were on this channel. I guess it's time to find a new carrier!
very unhappy about losing Sportman's channel and Outdoor Network
Some politically correct excutive has removed all shooting shows. But you can still see violent movies?
I add my name to the many that have already expressed their disgust and frustration with verizon-- Their "PC" anti-hunting stance is troubling. With so many ***** shows that we are forced to pay for, Verizon decided to eliminate an entire genre of shows that are a part of the package that we are paying for!! I am paying for these channels!!
X-Finity, Concast and Direct TV continue to offer these channels in the D.C. market.. I will be researching my options and making a switch.
I got a 4.99 month credit for 12 months. I said I do not watch sports except these 2 channels and I am paying a sports network fee of 4.99. Of xourse opting out of the preferred bundle and adding everthing else but sports would cost more?
I am most unhappy
unfortunatly, I had comcast, not going back soon, I don't want a dish.
Verzon must be convinced to put theswe back NOW (probably dont happening anytime soon)
How about Sport'man/Outdoor offering free streaming via internet
Restore the Outdoor channel immeditely. I have Verizon Fios, Internet, Phone and Cell Phone service. If you don't want to lose about $5,000 a year in business with me, you want to restore the Outdoor channel by the end of the month!!!!
When I chatted with Verizon, they said it was a marketing decision. Let's see how long this is going to last. The worst group to **bleep** off are hunters, and outdoorsman. They will not put up with a decision like this. It was the same with Time Warner Cable and the YES network fiasco in New York. People left them in mass droves, and they still haven't gotten them back even though YES is back in their lineup. NOW, people will have a reason to flock back to cable or dish just to get their Outdoor Channel & Sportsman Channel. Maybe the Marketing Department will have to answer for this one. I'm going with Optimum and with the same package (Currently over $210 with Verizon) pay $25 less than FIOS, with a free DVR. I'm heading up to hunting camp this weekend and I know all the locals guys, about 25 of em, loved FIOS. Let's see how many of them switched over!!! I'll say 100%.
Just some interesting statistics for Verizon to ponder. First, there are over 14 million hunters in the US. Second, there are over 80 million gun owners in the US. If you figure how much they spend on TV, phone, and internet services, it would be staggering. Just like the previous customer stated that besides their home, their business also utilizes FIOS. And keep in mind, the Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel promote safe handling, storing, and use of firearms in this country. They show our youth how to respect and care for the environment and wildlife. Maybe you should look at some of your other programming and bring back the channels that really matter. It won't affect me, because I'm going with another service, but do it for those who stick around and put up with all the high costs and not get quality in return.
Considering other more popular channels have been dropped, I think you Outdoor Channel fans don't have a chance of getting them to restore the channel.
Remember these posts are to peers and NOT to Verizon.
Removing the Outdoor Channel is totally unacceptable. If people don't appreciate the value of hunting for funding wildlife conservation and the maintenance of wild open spaces in our country, then they should not tune in. For Verizon to cave in to anti-hunting pressure without listening to the millions of Americans that love to hunt is a travesty. I am seriously considering dropping VZ permanently. I tried to file a formal complaint by telephone. Good luck talking to representatives in India when you call! Customer service was almost better with Comcast. Wake up Verizon! Put the Outdoor Channel back on the air now.
So I just googled Optimum dropped channels.
A thread in another forum had Charter/Optimum dropping Sportmans channel this past March.
Lots of people up in arms over there as well.
Google just about any TV provider and dropped channels.
You will see they are all doing it in on form or another.
And their subscribers are just as upset about content going away and their costs not going down.
The best way to answer this problem is to drop the service.
Just to reiterate everyone's dissatisfaction with Verizon at this point, I am so sick of Verizon continually raising prices and then removing my favorite channels and offering nothing comparable with NO explanation. Guess what Verizon, Comcast offers this channel for a cheaper price. Looks like I'll be making a switch also.
Any other NRA members out there. Just read an article the Verizon has decided to control our access to these channels because of its anti 2nd Amendment views. I just upgraded and those channels were there. Now I cannot find them. I feel betrayed. Is anyone else upset about this? Verizon had decided to play big brother and pick our programming. I may be looking to get out of my contract with them and go to a carrier that supports the U.S.Constitution.
Outdoor and Sportsman removed. These channels carried NRA Programming. Verizon is deciding to control our access. I am looking to move also.
My guess it is a pro gun site.
My guess is that Verizon dropped the channel due to low viewership or cost/viewer.
Let me join the discouraged outdoorsmen who are unhappy with Fios for dropping the Outdoor and Sportsman channels. I have been a subscriber for 10 years and this is Verizon's biggest rip off yet. How can they drop popular programming due
to alleged cost increases when my my bill goes up almost every month.
Also, WFN is part of the Outdoor Group and it is still in the lineup. We were given two soccer channels as replacement programming.
I have a notion that the firearm and hunting content did not fit into Verizon's political mindset. Anyone agree?
Please have someone in authority respond to each subscriber who feel they have been cheated.
I will be leaving as well! Leaving shortly unless the Outdoor Channel is back.
So long then. Its really not likely to ever come back.
I just found this out today....http://videos.myoutdoortv.com/motv/
I think the channel we lost might be available now via streaming.....
I was going to come back to Verizon then my Father who I talked into switching to Verizon says they removed all the Outdoor Channels that we pay extra for.
So I will not be returning and he will be changing service providers back to Optimum.
(FYI... Optimum still carries all the channels)
I think that Verizon does not care about its customers' wants and needs. I have been posting requests for The Weather Channel to be returned to the lineup as this was one of the major stations I watched on a regular basis. When it was time for us to renew our contract, we decided to go all out and get the premium channels also. it was just a week or two before they were going to take The Weather Channel off the lineup and without notification to anyone! So we renewed, and then when I turned to channel 49 and 619, I did not see The Weather Channel anymore! What the heck is this Accuweather that is about worthless? It never even had our local weather on it and when it did, it was not correct! Get rid of them and bring back The Weather Channel AND The Outdoor Channel. And when our contract is up, I believe you will be as well, Verizon! Thanks for nothing! Why don't you listen to your customers? So many have 'jumped ship' already. Doesn't that bother you at all??
If you saw Verizon's last report, they had a net gain in customers for the last quarter.
As with all providers, cost/subscriber is a driving force.
Given the ratings, these channels were deemed not to be cost effective without raising rates.
VERIZON has removed essentially all the channels that I watch one at a time. I am an avid fisherman. I stood by and watched Verizon remove them all one by one. I watch the fishing channels. Really liked the OUTDOOR CHANNEL/GONE. Loved world fishing network/GONE. Next step- Reconnect my Direct TV.
Although it outdoor network appears to be available on DirecTV, wfn is not.
Looks like both are available via an app for android and apple.
SPORTSMANS CHANNEL -- WHEN ARE THEY COMING BACK???
I would say doubtful.
If a channel is dropped for low viewer ship, I can't see how it would come back unless part of another channel group.
