Here's LIN Media's side of the story from their website:
Attention DISH Network Subscribers | LIN Media
"
LIN Media and DISH Network were unable to reach an agreement prior to the expiration of our current retransmission contract at Midnight (MST) on March 4, 2011.
Please know that we tried hard to reach an agreement with DISH and we are disappointed in the outcome of our negotiations, especially since we have successfully reached deals with every major cable, satellite and telecommunications company that recognizes our fair market value. Without fair and equitable treatment, local TV stations will not be able to continue to provide top quality news, sports, entertainment, and other local programming that is most important to you.
We will continue to negotiate with DISH. Unfortunately, we do not know if, or when, we will reach an agreement.
We thank you for your tremendous support throughout this dispute. We have received thousands of emails and phone call from viewers and advertisers who understand our position and are willing to stand by our side.
We hope you will continue supporting local television and watch us through alternative means. If you have any questions, please call 1-877-431-5578. We also encourage you to continue calling DISH and tell them you want your local TV station and all of your favorite programming back. You can reach DISH by calling 1-800-333-DISH.
Thank you for supporting LOCAL television."