Tegna Removes Local Channels from DISH TV Customers Nationwide

Rhea-AI Summary

Tegna Inc. has removed its local stations from nearly 3 million DISH TV customers across 53 markets, citing negotiations over a significant fee increase. DISH's group president, Brian Neylon, criticized Tegna's demands, stating they are leveraging customers for profit. He noted that broadcasters have shifted to charging for local signals, which has grown into a $12 billion industry. Neylon expressed disappointment in Tegna's actions and assured customers that DISH is committed to fighting for a fair agreement.

Positive

• DISH has taken a strong public stand against Tegna's fee demands, potentially resonating with customers who value fairness.
• DISH is actively working to negotiate a better deal for its customers, showing commitment to customer satisfaction.

Negative

• Nearly 3 million DISH customers lost access to local channels from Tegna, impacting viewer experience.
• Tegna's fee demands could lead to increased costs for DISH customers if an agreement is reached.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a news release from DISH:

Tegna Inc. today removed its local stations from nearly 3 million DISH TV customers in 53 markets across the country. The programmer is using customers as negotiation leverage, demanding a massive fee increase to nearly a billion dollars and holding viewers hostage during football season.

"We made a fair offer to keep Tegna stations available to our customers, but Tegna rejected it, forcing the removal of its channels," said Brian Neylon, group president, DISH TV. "Tegna is looking to sell its stations to the highest bidder and is simply trying to exploit DISH customers as a way to get the maximum price and further fatten their wallets."

"Tegna is demanding we pay for 100% of our subscribers in their markets, regardless of whether these subscribers receive or want Tegna's programming," added Neylon. "As one of the nation's largest local station owners, they are more interested in increasing their bottom line by charging our customers more money than providing programming to viewers under fair terms."

In the early 2000's, broadcasters like Tegna began charging cable and satellite companies to deliver their "free" local station signals to the public. This new revenue stream for broadcasters totaled a few million dollars in 2006, but has grown to over $12 billion dollars today. Free local programming has effectively become a multi-billion-dollar industry for broadcasters and a tax on American consumers. And now, Tegna is trying to raise this tax.

"We apologize to our customers and we're deeply disappointed in Tegna's decision to remove its channels from DISH in an effort to try and force an unjustifiable fee increase that directly impacts our customers," said Neylon. "We can't sit by and accept Tegna's unreasonable demands. We will continue fighting on behalf of our customers to come to a fair deal that is beneficial for all."

Affected Stations

Tegna's action affects viewers of various ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, MNT and TDO stations in 53 markets nationwide. For a full list of affected stations, click here.

DISH customers can visit DISHPromise.com for more information.

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

Why did Tegna remove its channels from DISH?

Tegna removed its channels as part of a negotiation for a substantial fee increase, impacting nearly 3 million DISH customers.

What markets are affected by Tegna's removal of channels from DISH?

Tegna's action affects DISH customers in 53 markets nationwide.

How can DISH customers find more information about the channel removal?

DISH customers can visit DISHPromise.com for more information regarding the channel removal.

What is DISH doing about the Tegna channel removal?

DISH is publicly criticizing Tegna's actions and is committed to negotiating a fair deal for its customers.

What channels are impacted by Tegna's decision?

Various ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, MNT, and TDO stations are affected by Tegna's decision.