FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INc. FORCES DISH NETWORK® TO REMOVE ITS
BAKERSFIELD, CA. CBS AND FOX ChannelS from its Lineup
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Dec. 17, 2008 – DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) today announced that it has been forced to remove KBAK (CBS) Ch. 29 and KBFX (FOX) Ch. 58 from its programming lineup in Bakersfield, Ca.
Fisher Communications is demanding unreasonable contract terms and an excessive programming rate increase of 82 percent for continued carriage on DISH Network® – an increase that DISH Network is unwilling to pass on to customers. To protect customers from unreasonable rate increases and to ensure they pay only a fair amount every month, DISH Network draws the line at such excess and challenges strong-arm tactics. In the last few years, DISH Network has negotiated for retransmission consent with nearly 1,000 other local TV stations and has reached a fair agreement with all of them.
“Fisher Communications’ demands have forced us to remove this channel from our local programming line-up, forcing this disruption to our customers,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. “We continue to fight for our subscribers by remaining the leader in value and in order to do this, we need fair contracts and competitive pricing for our customers. This is why we refuse Fisher Communications’ request for increased pricing and unreasonable terms.
DISH Network’s contract with Fisher Communications expired on Dec. 17, 2008. The absence of a contract means that DISH Network is no longer able to provide KBAK and KBFX to its subscribers.
As programming fees comprise a significant percentage of DISH Network’s expenses, Fisher Communications’ demands would translate into a significant cost increase that DISH Network would have to pass along to its customers in the form of higher monthly bills.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience this disruption may cause any of our subscribers,” Sahl added. “Subscribers should rest assured that we continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that DISH Network remains the source for the best quality TV at the best total value.”
DISH Network encourages subscribers to visit
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