ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexstar Media
Group, the largest local broadcast station owner in the nation, is
threatening to black out DISH customers' access to 164 local
channels in 120 markets across 42 states and the District of Columbia. The broadcast giant is
trying to use its market power to demand unreasonable rate
increases while intentionally using millions of Americans as pawns
in their negotiations. This action by Nexstar would result in
consumers being blacked out from the highest number of local
broadcast stations in the nation's TV history.
In recent years, Nexstar went on a $12
billion local broadcast station buying spree to become the
largest and most powerful station owner in the country. Now that
Nexstar is the biggest in the industry, it is trying to strong-arm
companies like DISH to pay outrageous rates and force unprecedented
increases onto customers. The broadcaster continues to threaten to
blackout its stations from DISH customers to gain negotiation
leverage in an effort to line its wallet with viewers' hard-earned
money — a tactic it used last year against DirecTV and AT&T
U-verse.
"Since becoming the nation's largest local station owner,
Nexstar has increased its annual revenue by $1 billion a year. Now, it has set its sights on
DISH customers as their next big payday," said Brian Neylon, Group President, DISH TV. "Nexstar
is demanding more than $1 billion in
fees for its television channels. This shocking increase is the
highest we've ever seen. Nexstar is intentionally turning its back
on its public interest obligation and instead demanding consumers
pay significantly more for the channels they could receive for free
over-the-air."
Nexstar is also forcing DISH to carry WGN America as part of
this deal, a channel that has experienced declining viewership in
recent years. Nexstar acquired this channel when it bought Tribune
last year. Now, the broadcast owner is looking to DISH customers to
pay back this investment. Nexstar is demanding a significant
payment for this low-rated channel that airs syndicated reruns
found on other DISH stations and features a news program that can
be accessed for free online.
"With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect the nation and
unemployment on the rise, subscribers need access to their local
programming," said Neylon. "Nexstar's tactics are hurting millions
of Americans at one of the most difficult times in recent
history."
In an additional hit to customers, Nexstar announced that it is
expecting to pay out over $100
million to its shareholders — this is the same money Nexstar
is making on the backs of Americans nationwide.
"It's our goal to reach an agreement with Nexstar that is fair
for all parties involved, especially our customers," added Neylon.
"We will continue to fight on behalf of our customers to keep TV
bills as low as possible, and we hope Nexstar sees how important it
is to come to a deal that is beneficial for all."
DISH customers can visit DISHPromise.com for more
information.
About DISH
DISH Network Corporation is a connectivity
company. Since 1980, it has served as a disruptive force, driving
innovation and value on behalf of consumers. Through its
subsidiaries, the company provides television entertainment and
award-winning technology to millions of customers with its
satellite DISH TV and streaming SLING TV services. In 2020, the
company became a nationwide U.S. wireless carrier through the
acquisition of Boost Mobile. DISH continues to innovate in
wireless, building the nation's first cloud native, OpenRAN-based
5G broadband network. DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is a
Fortune 250 company.
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SOURCE DISH Network Corporation