MERIDIAN (dpa-AFX) - Dish Network Corp. (DISH) said it has invited Tribune Broadcasting Co. (TRCO) to enter into binding, baseball-style arbitration modeled on the successful arbitration procedures from the Comcast/NBCU merger to determine the fair market value of their channels.
As part of the arbitration process, Dish said it has asked Tribune to restore its channels on Dish for the benefit of innocent consumers. Tribune blacked out Dish customer access to 42 local channels in 33 markets early Sunday evening.
At issue is the renewal of a new multi-year carriage agreement between Dish and Tribune. According to Dish, Tribune has asked for significant rate increases in the face of declining overall viewership.
In addition to asking for significant price increases for local channels, Tribune is attempting to 'force bundle' an unrelated and low-performing cable channel, WGN America, with the media conglomerate's local broadcast stations, Dish said.
Dish added that it continues to distribute tens of thousands of free over-the-air antennas to customers blacked out by Tribune Broadcasting. The offer remains active and Dish continues to fulfill orders.
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