I'm a Dish customer caught in this ridiculous Catch 22. With FCC rules the only ABC station that can be broadcast in the Seattle market is Fisher Broadcastings KOMO 4 Station. The strategy of the combatants seems to be to pit the consumer against the other party in the conflict and try to use them to bring pressure to bear to make a deal. The fact there is now a $1,000,000 lawsuit by Fisher against Dish for another dispute pretty much assures us that there will be no ABC channels available on DISH in the area in the immediate future.
A few months ago, I signed a contract to get updated equipment from Dish and am obligated for the remainder of a 2 year contract if I leave them. They basically charge a $10 per month remaining cancellation fee so I'd be out $170 bucks to move somewhere else.
I've been in communication with both Dish and KOMO and have received a response from the Fisher CEO that was specific to my concerns. My basic point was, you've got business issues to work out but don't screw the consumers. They offer their condolences but no solutions. I fear this will end up being expensive to many who have to opt out of the Dish contract to get the ABC programming.
I've contacted the FCC and complained, asking for some sort of variance to bring any other ABC coverage into this market but it ain't going to happen. Guess the only other option would be the Attorney General's office. I truly believe any provider in a market has an obligation to provide the primary channels as part of their suite of products and when they advertise that they carry local channels they need to carry these. If they aren't able to comply, they should not be allowed to offer their services in the market.