JimmyMAC: Here is some good info (re: getting Channel 28 while DirecTV and KAYU battle over a contract renewal). You can call directv and request channel 399, or the west coast lineup. It costs $2.50 per month and you can cancel if they settle with the local affiliate if they reach an agreement. They will tell you it can take up to 45 days to have the channel programmed in but I have heard it has actually been taking very little time to get dialed in.

Question: I mentioned to my wife that we can get Channel 28 by paying an extra $2.50 per month, and she said, no way. We're not paying any more for something we should be getting. How about you? Is it worth an extra $2.50 to get the service you were getting before the contract impasse?