Why not email Animal Planet/Discovery and ask these questions? At the very least, let them know that $1000 is not normal, and let them know of any local beeks who would collect a swarm for much less (or for free...in my area, there are beeks jumping at the chance of free bees). They have a Discovery Corporate Relations page, if you scroll all the way down and go to "Corporate > Viewer Relations" at the very bottom right, and there is a link to a form to submit questions/concerns.
I don't have cable (and am not about to get it), can you tell me more about this show? Where is the episode located, do they not have a local bee club or does their state ag dept. not provide contact info for beeks? I know if folks contact my state ag dept., they will be put in touch with either their local club or the extension service, who will hunt up a local guy for them, free of charge. As sorry a state as our media is in, nevertheless, they really don't like being used as a platform for scammers, especially when it is loudly brought to their attention...or to their competitor's attention.
Another option, Discovery Channel, who is broadcasting this show, runs a series of science-y blogs, and you can always comment on the blogs or sometimes email the bloggers about the issue. They have a lot more sway with the network than we would as individuals.