After a prolonged 17-month carriage dispute, Dish TV has successfully restored local channels for its millions of subscribers. The disagreement with Cox Media Group, a major media conglomerate that owns numerous radio and TV stations in the U.S., initially resulted in the loss of access to key local channels across nine different markets. The affected channels included major network affiliates such as ABC in Atlanta, FOX in Boston, and CBS in Seattle, among others.
The dispute centered around Cox Media Group’s demands for significantly higher rates—nearly a 75% increase—according to Dish. Cox also sought to impose fees on subscribers in these markets regardless of whether their chosen Dish package included the Cox-owned local channels. Throughout the ordeal, there was no disruption to Dish’s Sling TV service, which did not lose any channels.
- (ABC: WSB) – Atlanta, GA
- (FOX: WFXT) – Boston, MA
- (ABC: WSOC) – Charlotte, NC
- (CBS: WHIO) – Dayton, OH
- (FOX: KLSR) – Eugene, OR
- (FOX: WFOX) – Jacksonville, FL
- (ABC: WFTV) – Orlando, FL
- (NBC: WPXI) – Pittsburgh, PA
- (CBS: KIRO) – Seattle, WA
This resolution comes as a relief to Dish subscribers, particularly sports fans who were facing the prospect of missing NFL games and the World Cup, with major events broadcast on the now-restored channels. While the channels were available via OTA (over-the-air) antennas, the inconsistent signal quality in some locations made this an unreliable alternative for many.
The restoration of these channels marks the end of a standoff that had left many viewers without access to important local content. Both Dish and its subscribers are likely to welcome this resolution, especially as it restores access to popular sports broadcasts and local news.
