- Why doesn't DISH simply provide me with an affiliate from another market?
- Why does DISH need to pay my local TV station for a broadcast that is available free over the air?
- What are you doing to resolve this issue?
- Are there other ways that I can watch my favorite shows?
- WEtv - Channel 128 - 2/1-2/29
- GSN - Channel 116 - 2/1-2/29
- Military Channel - Channel 195 - 2/1-2/29
- Travel Channel - Channel 196 - 2/1-2/29 - Available in HD
- NHL Center Ice - Channel 625-629 - 2/12-2/20 - Available in HD
- I think I'll just go with another programming provider.
- Could this happen with any of my other programming?
- How do I provide feedback to DISH about this situation?
Per FCC regulations, DISH is unable to broadcast a network affiliate from one market into another, where a network affiliate exists. This results in local broadcasters having a virtual monopoly on programming that allows them to hold-up pay TV providers and their customers in search of ever higher fees.
In the 1992 Cable Act, Congress created a process that allows local broadcasters to charge pay TV providers to distribute a station's signal. Known as the retransmission consent process, this system was in large part designed to ensure that local TV stations would be able to enhance their local news and public affairs programming that are central to their mandate as public trustees.
Unfortunately, over the ensuing years, just the opposite has happened. According to an independent study conducted at Fordham University, retransmission consent fees have increased by more than 500% over the past five years while resources dedicated to local news and programming have diminished. Whether measured by the time devoted to local news, the size of local news staffs, or the originality of the content, local station investment in local news and public affairs programming is dramatically decreasing. In 2009 alone, local broadcasters cut their newsroom budgets by a staggering 65%.
DISH offers the best value in TV and home entertainment because we work hard for fair deals that help keep costs low for our subscribers. We have successfully negotiated agreements with more than 1,000 other local TV stations during the past few years; therefore, we know with certainty that we have offered fair market rates.
DISH greatly values local programming, which is why we are the only pay-TV provider to offer local stations in every market in the country. We will continue to work diligently for reasonable rates and remain hopeful we can reach a fair agreement that will allow us to carry this channel again.
Yes, you can still watch many of your favorite shows at the below Web sites:
Many households are also able to receive local channels over the air. The FCC makes DTV Reception Maps available for addresses around the country. For information on connecting an over-the-air-antenna to your DISH set-top box, please Click Here
Additionally, it is possible that you qualify to receive distant locals through a All American Direct. Click here to see if this is a valid option for you.
Be sure to check out the below programming currently available through free previews:
You absolutely have the option to do that, but we would like you to consider a couple of things first. DISH Network continues to offer the best value, technology, and customer service in the pay TV industry. It is never our intent to remove programming that is important to you, and, it is our hope that you will stand with us as we continue to fight to keep your channel available.
We'd also like you to know that no pay-TV provider is immune from such blackouts imposed by broadcasters. According to an independent study at Fordham University, disputes over retransmission consent have become more contentious and more public, with a rise in negotiation impasses that have affected millions of consumers. The American Television Alliance, a national watchdog agency, has called on the federal government to reform the laws that fail to prevent local broadcasters from blacking out your channels.
We apologize for the inconvenience you may experience. We are working hard and remain hopeful that we will be able to reach a fair agreement soon.
DISH negotiates dozens of contracts every year. Most are settled behind the scenes, without event. It is only when programming providers, like the owner of your local station, demand such outrageous rate increases that DISH must say "no" in order to keep costs reasonable for our valued subscribers.
Feel free to share your thoughts and concerns by e-mailing us at president@dishnetwork.com. We assure you that we will read every e-mail we receive.
Thank you for being a loyal DISH customer!
