The struggle to get Denver TV broadcast in La Plata County has been going on for years, but with the outbreak of the coronavirus, local officials say getting information to residents from the state level is a matter of public safety.
“This is a crisis situation for public health, and we’re in this boat where we can’t hear what’s happening at the state level,” said La Plata County Commissioner Julie Westendorff. “I don’t want to be overly dramatic, but it has life or death consequences.”
Durango does not get programming from Denver cable television news, instead receiving its news from Albuquerque. It has been a point of contention for years, with many in the community arguing the need for more relevant statewide news.
While there have been recent developments in bringing Denver channels to Durango, the situation has been in a bit of a legal quagmire.
But now, with the outbreak of the coronavirus, and virtually daily updates from Gov. Jared Polis and state health officials, Westendorff said it is time to drop contract disputes and get people the information they need.
“The governor’s holding these press conferences with really important information, and the majority of people who live in this county can’t see it,” she said.
On Thursday, Sens. Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner, Rep. Scott Tipton and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser sent a letter to Denver broadcasters and satellite companies, pleading with them to reach a temporary solution to allow Denver-based programming in La Plata County.
“It is a critical matter of public health and well-being for Coloradans who need the ability to keep up with rapidly developing circumstances related to the pandemic, from local announcements about school closures to the availability of testing and treatment to state government responses to limit the spread of the virus,” the letter reads.
“We recognize that there is no easy solution. These extraordinary circumstances, however, demand creative solutions and urgent progress. Inaction is not an option in this extraordinary time, when all of Colorado needs access to vitally important news from our state.”
The city of Durango broadcasts KUSA 9News on its public station, digital air channel 10.2, which can be accessed with an indoor HD digital antenna, yet that’s not an option for all residents, Westendorff said.
Westendorff said she’s heard from some seniors, considered the most at-risk of the coronavirus, who have said they don’t have the most up-to-date information.
“Worry about contracts afterward, but right now, our residents need information on how to protect themselves and our community,” she said.
Calls to several Denver news channels were not immediately returned Thursday morning.
jromeo@durangoherald.com