It’s been nearly two weeks since Time Warner Cable dropped CBS in some of its large markets, but TV watchers are finding ways to get the network’s shows into their homes.
The blackout, which is affecting 3.2 million customers in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas, has created a double-digit spike in high-definition antenna sales in those markets at RadioShack, a spokeswoman for the electronics retailer said Monday.
It’s unclear exactly how many antennas sold that translates into, however: RadioShack declined to release concrete numbers on that score.
CBS was pulled from Time Warner Cable on Aug. 2 after carriage negotiations collapsed. Both sides have urged viewers to use alternate means to get the network, with CBS suggesting that Time Warner Cable subscribers switch to another pay-TV provider and the cable company reminding viewers of alternatives in streaming web video.
There’s been no indication that CBS and Time Warner Cable have resumed negotiations in earnest, though the two are believed to be in contact. Consumers’ frustrations are expected to heighten as football season moves through the preseason into the official season and highly-promoted fall TV premieres approach.
