TEGNA Comments on DISH Negotiations

Rhea-AI Summary

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) criticized DISH Network's complaint as baseless and is urging the FCC to evaluate DISH's negotiation tactics. TEGNA claims DISH has dropped over 230 channels in the past year and is depriving customers of popular programming by not reaching agreements. TEGNA asserts it has made multiple proposals, including reduced rates, but DISH has not responded. TEGNA emphasizes the need for DISH to negotiate fairly to avoid further disruptions to its subscribers' access to local news and major sports events.

Positive

• TEGNA has made multiple proposals to DISH, including reduced rates, indicating willingness to negotiate.
• TEGNA's reach includes approximately 39% of U.S. television households, suggesting a strong market presence.

Negative

• DISH has dropped more than 230 channels in the last year, potentially affecting TEGNA's viewership and advertising revenue.
• DISH's refusal to negotiate may lead to ongoing disruptions in TEGNA's programming availability.

TYSONS, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today issued the following statement:

“DISH’s complaint is utterly baseless and without merit. TEGNA welcomes a chance for the FCC to review DISH’s conduct over the course of this negotiation. Perhaps a close examination of DISH’s conduct will cause them to come to the table to negotiate free from their consistently unproductive tactics and public misrepresentations.

“The real issue at hand is the need for DISH to stop short-changing their customers by serially dropping valued stations and instead reach fair, market-based deals with programmers like TEGNA.

“The unfortunate reality is that DISH dropped more than 230 channels last year alone and is now repeating that pattern by refusing to reach an agreement with TEGNA, depriving its customers nationwide of some of the most valued programming on TV. Through it all, TEGNA has been steadfast in insisting that all we want is to reach a fair deal, and we have worked constructively to achieve that goal by offering DISH terms and conditions that reflect the marketplace and have served as the foundation for deals we have reached with other cable and satellite providers.

“TEGNA made a comprehensive proposal to DISH months ago and has updated its proposal multiple times, including a reduction in rates. DISH has refused to counter – it has not proposed rates in more than three weeks.

“Rather than engage in transparent PR stunts, DISH should return to the negotiating table in a serious fashion and get a deal done before their subscribers are forced to endure yet another week without their favorite shows, valued local news, as well as marquee college football and NFL matchups.”

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network, Twist and Quest. TEGNA offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA’s OTT advertising service. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211018005928/en/

For media inquiries:

Anne Bentley

Vice President, Corporate Communications

703-873-6366

abentley@TEGNA.com

For investor inquiries:

Doug Kuckelman

Head of Investor Relations

703-873-6764

dkuckelman@TEGNA.com

Source: TEGNA Inc.

FAQ

What is TEGNA's current stance regarding DISH Network?

TEGNA criticizes DISH's complaint as baseless and urges for serious negotiations.

How many channels has DISH dropped in the last year?

DISH has dropped more than 230 channels last year.

What has TEGNA proposed to DISH to resolve their negotiation issues?

TEGNA has proposed multiple terms, including a reduction in rates.

What percentage of U.S. households does TEGNA reach?

TEGNA reaches approximately 39% of all television households nationwide.