Dish Network customers without access to WGAL since September [Lancaster Watchdog] - LNP | LancasterOnline

foody.indah.link

Local Dish Network customers have probably noticed one of their favorite channels is no longer available.

MaryAnn Linde of East Earl Township did. After a few weeks without access to WGAL-TV, Linde reached out to The Watchdog. She said the station is a primary news source for her, and she wants it back.

Right now, the future of WGAL on Dish Network is still uncertain.

A Dish Network spokesperson in a statement said WGAL’s parent company, Hearst Television, pulled the channel from Dish services in September. The spokesperson said the two companies have not been able to reach a contract agreement.

“Hearst is demanding tens of millions in rate increases that would affect customers, while it devalues its product by making programming available elsewhere, even as viewership declines,” the statement said.

The unsuccessful contract negotiations have led to the removal of 37 other local channels from Dish Network services across the country, including WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh.

A spokesperson for Hearst Television said Dish customers can still access their stations for free by antenna or other satellite distribution service.

“We have made significant investments to deliver top tier programming to our viewers and DISH is seeking the right to carry our stations at below market rates, which is neither fair nor reasonable,” the statement said.

Neither company was able to offer updates on the negotiation status, though both spokespeople said Dish Network and Hearst Television want to reach an agreement.

For longtime Dish customers, this might feel like deja vu. WGAL also went off the air for Dish Network in 2014 and 2017 after contract impasses.

Notice any problems?

Email the Lancaster Watchdog at watchdog@lnpnews.com or go to lancasteronline.com/watchdog and tell us about it. You can also send mail to Lancaster Watchdog at P.O. Box 1328, Lancaster, PA 17608-1328.

What to Read Next

Adblock test (Why?)

"dish" - Google News
October 28, 2023 at 01:05AM
https://ift.tt/6frySpq

Dish Network customers without access to WGAL since September [Lancaster Watchdog] - LNP | LancasterOnline
"dish" - Google News
https://ift.tt/CbQpuvt