Gray Media Alleges Bad Faith as DISH Drops Its Local Stations
DISH Network has dropped Gray Media's television stations, including NewsChannel 10, after the parties failed to reach a renewal agreement. Gray Media states the dispute stems from DISH insisting on an "unprecedented" and "materially adverse" provision, which Gray claims violates DISH's federal statutory obligation to negotiate retransmission in good faith. Gray stated it will seek restitution for damages resulting from the dispute.
Key Takeaways
- Gray alleges DISH demanded a 'materially adverse provision' not found in any of Gray's nearly 400 other distribution agreements.
- The blackout is characterized by Gray as part of a pattern, citing recent DISH disputes with broadcasters including Hearst, Cox, and Disney.
- DISH's subscriber base is noted to have declined from 14 million in 2014 to 5 million today, according to the article.
- Gray plans to seek restitution for damages, alleging DISH breached its duty to negotiate in good faith and violated terms of its just-expired agreement.
Why It Matters
This carriage dispute's primary significance is not just the blackout, but Gray Media's public accusation that DISH violated its federal obligation to negotiate retransmission in good faith. Gray claims DISH insisted on an 'unprecedented' provision, moving the conflict beyond typical rate disputes into a legal challenge. The move fits a pattern outlined by Gray, which cited recent DISH blackouts with other major broadcasters. For an operator whose subscriber base has shrunk from 14 million in 2014 to 5 million, these hardline tactics in carriage talks have become more frequent. Watch whether Gray files a formal FCC complaint or lawsuit over the 'bad faith' claim.
Read full article at msn.com
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