Upsetting

Dear editor:
If town council was “upset” with Shaw Cable . . . I was [furious] with the classless/faceless nature of Shaw’s unwillingness to announce (in print) the recent changes in direct district programming.
I made an inquiry to Shaw on July 15 re no televised town council meeting on July 14. To my astonishment, I was advised that Randy Thoms, district program director, was no longer with Shaw.
Nonetheless, my inquiry was forwarded to Brad Kingsmith, program manager in Thunder Bay, who contacted me on July 16. He stated the issue was not a “news item” but an internal matter.
The conversation was the same company line I’ve received in the past from Shaw’s Kenora office. Am I a valued customer, the Town of Fort Frances, or the judicial District of Rainy River? No!
The recent handling to remove the local programer is absurd. No, Mr. Kingsmith, I’m not a personal friend of Thoms but rather a well-served Shaw subscriber through him.
For the record, Shaw Cable Systems G.P. came on board locally in 2001, taking over from Videon. Their first billing to me under the Shaw logo was issued July 8, 2001.
In its May 1, 2001 news release, Shaw stated, “Our goal is to minimize effects on you while bringing new, innovative, and improved services to your area.”
In addition, the company stated, “With our proud tradition of community involvement, we also look forward to building relationships that go beyond business.”
What a crock! How times have changed!
For example, Shaw had a mobile unit in Fort Frances to serve and deliver quality programming in Rainy River District. Unfortunately, it was removed (I believe being transferred to their “urban” centre in Thunder Bay). What a shame.
It appears Shaw has the big city mentality rather than a dedication to local community as suggested in its May, 2001 news release.
In addition, Shaw has cancelled excellent channels, such as (just to name a few) all four Duluth stations, CKY (CTV) in Winnipeg, CBMT (CBC) in Montreal, Ciii (Global) in Toronto, and BCTV in Vancouver.
Who cares for Detroit coverage? And Sunset Country’s Super Channel CJBN (Shaw’s Kenora-owned Channel 3) is a joke and certainly no replacement for CKY.
Shaw, what will happen within seven months—effective Feb. 17, 2009—when the analogue TV waves in the U.S. will go dark and Canada will shut down analogue TV signals on Aug. 31, 2011 in favour of digital technology?
What is Shaw going to do next without advising its valued customers? Close our local office?
In conclusion, the common denominator for Shaw Cable is “Shuffling, Fine-tuning, and People Powered.”
Thanking you,
Larry Wood
Fort Frances, Ont.