Dish and Sinclair Reach Tentative Retrans Agreement

Station group extends deal for two weeks to work out deal

By Todd Spangler, Multichannel News -- Broadcasting & Cable, 8/16/2012 9:18:20 AM

Dish Network said it reached an agreement in principle with Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest TV station group in the U.S., averting a blackout of 70 local stations in 45 markets for the satellite operator's subscribers.

"Dish is pleased to tell our customers that we have reached an agreement in principle with Sinclair Broadcast Group, allowing Dish to continue offering Sinclair's local channels to our customers," the satellite operator said in a statement early Thursday morning. "We thank our customers for their patience as we work to offer them the best content at the best value."

Sinclair executive vice president and general counsel Barry Faber confirmed that it has reached a tentative agreement with Dish. Sinclair has granted a two-week extension to the companies' previous agreement as they work out the final terms.

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