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Sinclair and Dish Settle Their Differences, Ending ‘One of the Largest Blackouts in History’

Aug 27, 2015  •  Post A Comment

After a blackout that saw the Sinclair Broadcast Group TV stations go dark on Dish Network systems for a short period of time amid a contentious carriage dispute, the two companies have come to terms, TVNewsCheck reports.

Sinclair announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement in principle with Dish covering carriage of 129 Sinclair TV stations in 79 markets, the story reports. The parties have agreed to a two-week extension to put the finishing touches on the accord.

Barry Faber, Sinclair EVP-general counsel and chief negotiator, said: “We are pleased to announce that we were able to come to an agreement in principal with Dish, and we regret any inconvenience that was caused to the Dish subscribers as a result of the short blackout.”

The report adds: “Earlier in the day, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler had directed the Media Bureau to convene an emergency meeting with Dish and Sinclair. After learning of the agreement, Wheeler issued this statement: ‘On behalf of more than 5 million consumers nationwide, I am pleased Dish and Sinclair have agreed to end one of the largest blackouts in history and extend their negotiations. The FCC will remain vigilant while the negotiations continue.’”

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One Comment

  1. The beginning of the end of ‘blackout blackmail’- finally.

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