Dish Network settled its carriage dispute with Young Broadcasting bringing standard and high-definition channels in eleven markets. The sat caster is facing problem with Seattle based Fisher Communications and removed local high-definition channels in seven markets.
Dish Network said that the negotiations with Fisher Communications has broken down as they were seeking more pricing for the local channels. Dish customers in the following cities will not be able to watch Fisher Communications’ standard-definition and high-definition signals :
Bakersfield, California – CBS and Fox affiliates
Boise, Idaho – CBS affiliate
Eugene, Oregon – CBS affiliate
Idaho Falls, Idaho – CBS affiliate
Portland, Oregon – ABC affiliate
Seattle, Washington – ABC affiliate
Yakima, Washington – CBS affiliate
Already the satellite television provider is lacking behind in providing national HD channels and they seem to be in trouble in providing local HD stations also. Dish subscribers are really confused as how DirecTV is able to provide local stations without any dispute.
Dish has to explain this to their subscribers, otherwise many customers will be searching for other providers and the sat caster will end up with subscriber loss.
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- DirecTV Launches Local HD Channels in Minot-Bismarck-Dickinson, North Dakota
- DirecTV Local HD Channels Available in Roanoke-Lynchburg, Virginia Markets
- DirecTV Launches Local HD in Greenville-New Bern, North Carolina
[...] Dish Network Drops Local channels By broadtvnews Dish Network settled its carriage dispute with Young Broadcasting bringing standard and high-definition channels in eleven markets. The sat caster is facing problem with Seattle based Fisher Communications and removed local high Dish Network Drops Local channels [...]
I’m a Dish customer caught in this ridiculous Catch 22. With FCC rules the only ABC station that can be broadcast in the Seattle market is Fisher Broadcastings KOMO 4 Station. The strategy of the combatants seems to be to pit the consumer against the other party in the conflict and try to use them to bring pressure to bear to make a deal. The fact there is now a $1,000,000 lawsuit by Fisher against Dish for another dispute pretty much assures us that there will be no ABC channels available on DISH in the area in the immediate future. A few months ago, I signed a contract to get updated equipment from Dish and am obligated for the remainder of a 2 year contract if I leave them. They basically charge a $10 per month remaining cancellation fee so I’d be out $170 bucks to move somewhere else. I’ve been in communication with both Dish and KOMO and have received a response from the Fisher CEO that was specific to my concerns. My basic point was, you’ve got business issues to work out but don’t screw the consumers. They offer their condolences but no solutions. I fear this will end up being expensive to many who have to opt out of the Dish contract to get the ABC programming. I’ve contacted the FCC and complained, asking for some sort of variance to bring any other ABC coverage into this market but it ain’t going to happen. Looks like my complaint to the Washington State Attorney General’s office is one of many they received. I truly believe any provider in a market has an obligation to provide the primary channels as part of their suite of products and when they advertise that they carry local channels they need to carry these. If they aren’t able to comply, they should not be allowed to offer their services in the market.