LIN Stations Dark On Dish
Broadcaster, satellite operator fail to agree on retrans; 25 stations go off
By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/5/2011 9:28:18 AM
LIN Media and Dish Network failed to reach a retransmission consent deal as of midnight, meaning more than two dozen LIN stations have gone dark for Dish subscribers.
The stations are KRQE and KASA Albuquerque, KXAN and KNVA Austin, WIVB and WNLO Buffalo, WWHO Columbus, WDTN and WBDT Dayton, WANE Ft. Wayne, WOOD and WOTV Grand Rapids, WLUK Green Bay, WISH and WNDY Indianapolis, WLFI Lafayette, WALA and WFNA Mobile, WTNH and WCTX New Haven, WAVY and WVBT Norfolk, WPRI and WNAC Providence, and WWLP Springfield (MA).
"We only want what is fair for our local stations, so that we can continue providing the premium news, sports, entertainment, and other local programming that is most important to viewers," said LIN Media President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent L. Sadusky. "We will continue negotiating with DISH so we may reach an agreement."
Dish called LIN "greedy" in a statement:
"It's unfortunate that LIN Media pulled its channels down at midnight, holding viewers in 17 markets across the nation hostage while attempting to coerce DISH Network to submit to outrageous demands. Even more disappointing is the fact that LIN Media didn't even make an effort to keep negotiating during the final hours and failed to respond despite our numerous attempts to reach them. LIN Media also refused to grant the contract extension we proposed. DISH Network offered LIN Media a fee increase comparable to market rates already agreed to with more than 1,000 other TV stations. However, in the last few days, LIN Media increased its fees even more, demanding more than a 175 percent rate increase in the first year alone.
"LIN Media is simply being greedy," added Dish, which said it was open to further attempts to work out a deal.
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I will buy me a antenna and will quit dish when my
contract is up 5 more months to go.
Would love to file class action Law suit againt dish
networth if hear oe going around would help carry it to
the people for signature if needed
Bill Ary 3-10 2011
Billy Ary - 3/10/2011 9:40:53 PM EST -
I have been a radio/TV broadcaster in Indiana for over 30-years and have seen FCC rules come and go along with technology. (Who uses audio & video tape cassettes anymore?). There was a time when a local broadcast station owner could not own a station in an adjacent county. The purpose was to prevent a monopoly in broadcasting in a local market. It worked for the most part. Technology and FCC rules changed. At the same time, home computers and the internet develeped. We have to keep in mind that local broadcast stations' personnel have to eat as well. That's why they sell advertising. It would seem to me that LIN Media & Dish network should be able to reach a reasonable agreement & we could all enjoy our local programming once again.
Michael A. Duncan - 3/10/2011 5:22:32 PM EST -
Why don't you children put your pride aside and settle this little snit??? In a situation like this NOBODY wins !!!
Tom Oakes - 3/9/2011 10:00:48 PM EST -
I think it is regrettable in the extreme that LIN Broadcasting feels it has the right to shut down its local programming in Albuquerque and other markets because it is in a dispute with DISH over their contract. The FCC grants licensibg to these companies with the understanding that they are to provide local programming. I don't see anything on my screen. A 175% increase! Give me a break. That is totally ubreasonable. Make a deal and get the shows back on the air already.
Nancy Marano - 3/7/2011 3:20:13 PM EST -
I am astonished at the method that LIN Media is using - holding the subscribers to DishTV hostage! Everyone has a right to chose their provider - except in the world of cable, where your municipality dictates your cable provider. Obviously they do not remember the trickle up effect... Viewers buy products from advertisers, advertisers buy media time from local stations, local stations become assets, and media companies make $$$. Customer loyalty, who cares,right LIN?
K Callender - 3/7/2011 3:16:47 PM EST
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