DISH Network announced on March 10 that Gray Media has removed 226 of its local television stations from the DISH TV lineup, affecting customers in 113 markets across the country. The blackout follows a breakdown in negotiations over retransmission consent fees between the two companies.
The loss of these channels means many DISH customers are unable to access local news, sports, and weather programming. According to DISH, Gray Media is demanding fee increases that would result in higher monthly bills for consumers. The company also said Gray Media introduced new demands regarding stations it does not yet own just hours before the previous agreement expired.
“It is deeply disappointing that Gray Media is using its viewers as bargaining chips,” said Kevin Covell, Senior Vice President of DISH Video Services. “We offered a fair agreement to keep these stations on the air, but Gray Media walked away. Gray Media chose to black out their own viewers, rather than reasonably negotiate, in an attempt to extract significantly higher fees.”
DISH said it remains ready to restore the affected channels if a fair deal can be reached with Gray Media. In the meantime, the company is advising customers to use digital antennas to access most of the missing channels for free over-the-air or explore streaming options through direct-to-consumer apps such as Peacock, Paramount+, FOX One, or network-specific sites. Customers can find updates and more information at DISHPromise.com.
“Our goal remains unchanged: to reach a deal that is fair for our customers,” Covell added. “We hope they will return to the negotiation table.”
The dispute impacts viewers of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, MyNetworkTV, Telemundo and other stations owned by Gray Media in numerous markets nationwide.
