Could also be that they've got it hemmed in by contractual obligations on either side, and didn't see the hour long format coming down the pike at them.
Obviously splitting it in two on two different days is not the best solution, but public affairs and network news public affairs programs are extremely low priority for the local station. They basically "run themselves" without any attention paid to them.
Obviously some people like Russ get very worked up over them, and they SHOULD vent their frustration over the programming decision. It's the way that things get done. That, and if a paying sponsor wants to complain or offer to sponsor it in the full hour format, you bet that it would be fixed PRONTO! Money talks in a commercial TV station.

May I suggest you speak with the contractor in person or directly, to see what he's willing to do for you before you go to extremes? If he's at all responsible, he'll want to understand and make adjustment. But you're right to review your options. Just don't go there right out of the box. He might be a nice guy who needs an opportunity to set it right.

I found though the trans-atlantic flight was virtually packed, and that I had to settle for what I was assigned, the return flight was open enough that many people put up the armrests and stretched out across four seats and slept like on a couch. However, I asked for an exit row seat and was denied, but they offered to check on a bulkhead seat after they determined how many infants were on the flight (none) and so, the wife and I enjoyed extra leg room, just for asking. We dozed, but it wasn't as good as I dream first class might be. Still, those who ask, get...

I would guess that it would be clear and dry, low humidity, an arid desert climate.

Have I told you how much I love the London Underground tube system? Yahoo!
I can't wait to go back again!

Doesn't the alutian island chain of Alaska hang down into this path? (I don't have a globe right at hand...)

One of my worst experiences was showing up for a wedding, and finding all the DJ sound system equipment there... lps, cds, speakers, cords, power plugs, Turntable, CD player...everything except for the mixer/amp, which they had left back at the radio station...90 minutes away! They had scribble a note and drove off as fast as they could. The bride turned to me and said, "You're a DJ, aren't you? How can you let them do this to me? Can't you fix it?" I couldn't.
Her friends got in their car, drove to their appartment, pulled their Wards stereo combination tuner, turntable and speakers off their shelf and came back within 15 minutes to start playing music.
The DJs arrived out of breath 90 minutes late and played their system for two hours beyond what they were contracted for.

Musely, I tried to do all your suggestions and got most of them. We bought a power adaptor, and used it, but also found the Park Place Hotel had a US power plug in a power strip along the desk top. So then we had TWO power sources and used them both to great advantage. Also SKYPE to the kids back home and posted photos and emails back to coworkers. AND we saw "Chicago" on impulse for half price and great seats while there. Wanted to do Phantom of the Opera but it started too soon and we were too far away, walking through Soho. (Yes, it's that wild off the main "drag"...) LOL!

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/05/02/real-life-super-villain-rex-velvet-terrorizes-seattle-with-aweso/

Here's the link to the new video. Cute, but cheeZy.

Hey Kristin,
If you're doing this for fun, and just want to spread the love, then low-ball the price. But if you're thinking of mass production to actually MAKE money, all the tips above are important to cover your time, materials, profit, shipping and promotion.
I'd like some idea of the scale of the item. It's hard to judge how large it is without something like a ruler, shoe, cell phone, SOMETHING in the picture to compare it to.