Washington, D.C. (December 18, 2008) -- Dish Network has dropped Fisher Communications-owned local stations in seven markets late last night after retransmission negotiations between the companies broke down.
The decision means that Dish subscribers in the following cities will not be able to watch Fisher's standard-def and high-def signals:
Seattle, Washington (ABC affiliate)
Portland, Oregon (ABC affiliate)
Boise, Idaho (CBS affiliate)
Eugene, Oregon (CBS affiliate)
Bakersfield, California (CBS and Fox affiliates)
Idaho Falls, Idaho (CBS affiliate)
Yakima, Washington (CBS affiliate)
Dish Network was involved with a similar carriage dispute earlier this month with Young Broadcasting, forcing it to remove local high-def and standard-def in 11 markets. However, the two companies reached an agreement a few days later.
In a press release issued early this morning, Dish blasted Fisher for it called "unreasonable" demands. The satcaster said its carriage agreement with Fisher expired yesterday.
"Fisher Communications’ demands have forced us to remove this channel from our local programming line-up, forcing this disruption to our customers,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. “We continue to fight for our subscribers by remaining the leader in value and in order to do this, we need fair contracts and competitive pricing for our customers. This is why we refuse Fisher Communications’ request for increased pricing and unreasonable terms."
By law, a TV provider can not carry a local station without its permission, which has led to numerous disputes between providers and the stations over the last few years.
There was no comment issued this morning from Fisher Communications, which is based in Seattle.
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The decision means that Dish subscribers in the following cities will not be able to watch Fisher's standard-def and high-def signals:
Seattle, Washington (ABC affiliate)
Portland, Oregon (ABC affiliate)
Boise, Idaho (CBS affiliate)
Eugene, Oregon (CBS affiliate)
Bakersfield, California (CBS and Fox affiliates)
Idaho Falls, Idaho (CBS affiliate)
Yakima, Washington (CBS affiliate)
Dish Network was involved with a similar carriage dispute earlier this month with Young Broadcasting, forcing it to remove local high-def and standard-def in 11 markets. However, the two companies reached an agreement a few days later.
In a press release issued early this morning, Dish blasted Fisher for it called "unreasonable" demands. The satcaster said its carriage agreement with Fisher expired yesterday.
"Fisher Communications’ demands have forced us to remove this channel from our local programming line-up, forcing this disruption to our customers,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. “We continue to fight for our subscribers by remaining the leader in value and in order to do this, we need fair contracts and competitive pricing for our customers. This is why we refuse Fisher Communications’ request for increased pricing and unreasonable terms."
By law, a TV provider can not carry a local station without its permission, which has led to numerous disputes between providers and the stations over the last few years.
There was no comment issued this morning from Fisher Communications, which is based in Seattle.
Comment on this article!
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