Following protracted negotiations, DISH and Hearst Television Inc., the parent company of WCVB, have reached an impasse in negotiating a renewal retransmission consent agreement for the carriage of Hearst Television’s broadcast stations on DISH Network’s systems.
Following protracted negotiations, DISH and Hearst Television Inc., the parent company of WCVB, have reached an impasse in negotiating a renewal retransmission consent agreement for the carriage of Hearst Television’s broadcast stations on DISH Network’s systems.
As a result, WCVB is now no longer being carried by DISH Network. Hearst Television had granted DISH a forty-eight (48) hour extension in hopes of concluding a renewal of its carriage agreement with DISH by March 3, 2017.
The channel impacted is Channel 5.
“While we had hoped to conclude our negotiations before the extended March 3rd deadline, DISH has continued to insist on including material terms that are less favorable than our current agreement. In addition, Hearst Television has made significant investments to deliver top quality programming to our viewers and DISH is seeking the right to carry our stations at below market rates, which is neither fair nor reasonable,” stated Bill Fine, WCVB President and General Manager.
“We regret the inconvenience DISH’s demands have imposed on its subscribers, and we will keep you fully informed of developments.”
“We have not ‘blacked out’ our station” noted Fine. “You may continue to receive our station for free, over the air, and, where available, from your local cable or satellite operators.” Viewers can determine the type of antenna needed to receive the signals of Hearst Stations at http://www.antennaweb.org/.
If viewers would like to learn more about local television and what can be done to help, please visit www.tvfreedom.org.
To contact DISH Network to voice your concerns, viewers can call DISH Network customer service at 1(800) 333-3474.
Hearst Television owns and operates local television and radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst. www.hearsttelevision.com.
