DISH Files Bad Faith Complaint Against Tegna

Rhea-AI Summary

DISH filed a complaint with the FCC against Tegna Inc. after it removed local stations from DISH TV subscribers in 53 markets. DISH accused Tegna of engaging in bad faith during retransmission negotiations, demanding fees that could total nearly a billion dollars, including payments for subscribers not currently with DISH. DISH's SVP of Programming, Andy LeCuyer, expressed that Tegna's unreasonable demands negatively impact DISH subscribers and are indicative of worse behavior to come. The complaint aims to address what DISH sees as Tegna's blatant disregard for FCC rules.

Positive

• Filing a complaint could potentially facilitate a resolution that benefits DISH subscribers.
• DISH continues to assert its rights and advocate for subscribers, showcasing active engagement in regulatory processes.

Negative

• Tegna's removal of local stations negatively affects DISH's service to subscribers in 53 markets.
• Tegna's demands during negotiations could lead to financial burdens totaling nearly a billion dollars.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH today filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against Tegna Inc. after it removed its local stations from millions of DISH TV subscribers in 53 markets across the country.

"Tegna turned its back on its public interest obligation and failed to engage in good faith retransmission consent negotiations with DISH," said Andy LeCuyer, DISH SVP of Programming. "Tegna's demands were both unreasonable and inconsistent. This behavior negatively impacts DISH subscribers, and we expect Tegna's bad behavior to only get worse as the programmer looks to sell its stations to the highest bidder. As a result, we have filed a formal complaint with the FCC to address Tegna's blatant disregard of the Commission's rules."

The complaint outlines Tegna's bad faith actions during negotiations, including appearing to demand that DISH pay for all subscribers in a local market whether they purchase local programming from DISH or not, and appearing to demand that DISH pay for viewers who are no longer subscribers of DISH. Tegna's demands would have totaled nearly a billion dollars in fees.

DISH's complaint against Tegna Inc. can be found here.  

About DISH
DISH Network Corporation is a connectivity company. Since 1980, it has served as a disruptive force, driving innovation and value on behalf of consumers. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides television entertainment and award-winning technology to millions of customers with its satellite DISH TV and streaming SLING TV services. In 2020, the company became a nationwide U.S. wireless carrier through the acquisition of Boost Mobile. DISH continues to innovate in wireless, building the nation's first cloud-native, Open RAN-based 5G broadband network. DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) is a Fortune 200 company.

 

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SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

FAQ

What is the complaint DISH filed against Tegna?

DISH filed a complaint with the FCC against Tegna for bad faith negotiations and the removal of local stations from subscribers.

How many markets are affected by Tegna's removal of DISH local stations?

Tegna removed local stations from DISH TV subscribers in 53 markets across the country.

What are DISH's allegations against Tegna?

DISH alleges that Tegna engaged in bad faith during retransmission negotiations, making unreasonable demands for fees.

What financial impact could Tegna's demands have on DISH?

Tegna's demands could total nearly a billion dollars in fees, including payments for non-subscribers.

What has DISH's SVP of Programming said about Tegna's actions?

Andy LeCuyer stated that Tegna's actions negatively impact DISH subscribers and reflect a disregard for public interest.