TEGNA Files Cross-Complaint Against DISH for Bad-Faith Conduct and Responds to Its False Claims

Rhea-AI Summary

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) has filed a response to DISH's FCC complaint and initiated a cross-complaint against DISH for alleged bad faith negotiations. TEGNA claims that millions of DISH customers are missing essential programming, including local and national news. The company accuses DISH of obstructing negotiations and misrepresenting facts. TEGNA aims for a fair deal to restore programming access and encourages DISH customers to voice their concerns and consider switching providers if access is not restored.

Positive

• TEGNA is actively pursuing a resolution to restore programming for DISH customers.
• The company has a strategy to engage with DISH and negotiate a fair deal.

Negative

• DISH has previously deprived customers of over 230 channels due to similar disputes, raising concerns about customer retention.
• TEGNA's programming is currently unavailable to millions of DISH customers, potentially affecting viewer satisfaction and revenue.

TYSONS, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced that it has filed a response to DISH’s baseless complaint to the FCC and, in addition, has filed its own cross-complaint against DISH for its failure to comply with the FCC’s good faith rules and its material misrepresentations about the negotiation to the FCC and the public. The company issued the following statement:

“As we speak, millions of DISH customers are being deprived of valued local and national news, weather coverage, NFL and college football and top-rated entertainment shows. Instead of working to restore our programming, DISH is abusing the FCC’s processes and, more importantly, wasting their customers’ time with baseless complaints.

“Our response and cross-complaint show that it is DISH which has acted in bad faith, not only by obstructing negotiations over many months but also through the distortions it has presented to the public and the FCC. Unfortunately, DISH’s behavior is consistent with its track record of obstructive tactics. Last year alone, DISH deprived its customers of more than 230 different channels due to disputes like this one. In addition, the company has a long history of abusing the process by bringing business disputes to regulators and courts.

“We welcome the FCC’s review of DISH’s conduct, but our main focus remains on reaching a fair, market-based deal, just as we have with DISH’s competitors over the past several years. We yet again call on DISH to engage in serious negotiations with us to retore its subscribers’ access to our stations’ valued programming.”

TEGNA continues to encourage DISH subscribers to make their voices heard on this matter and, if DISH continues to deny them access to channels they value, to consider switching to providers that carry those channels.

TEGNA’s complaint against DISH can be found here.

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/20211105005447/en/

For media inquiries, contact:

Anne Bentley

Vice President, Corporate Communications

703-873-6366

abentley@TEGNA.com

For investor inquiries, contact:

Doug Kuckelman

Head of Investor Relations

703-873-6764

dkuckelman@TEGNA.com

Source: TEGNA Inc.

FAQ

What is TEGNA's response to DISH's complaint?

TEGNA has filed a response and a cross-complaint, accusing DISH of bad faith in negotiations.

How many channels has DISH previously deprived customers of?

DISH deprived customers of over 230 channels last year due to similar disputes.

What programming is affected for DISH customers?

DISH customers are missing access to important local news, weather coverage, and popular entertainment shows.

What does TEGNA want from DISH?

TEGNA seeks to reach a fair, market-based deal to restore programming access to DISH subscribers.

What action does TEGNA encourage DISH customers to take?

TEGNA encourages DISH customers to voice their concerns and consider switching to alternative providers.