Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network’s channels dropped this summer

It wasn't that long ago that Dish Network was proudly offering AMC HD to its customers (especially since DirecTV didn't, which has since been rectified) but now the company is willing to let the network's contract expire this summer, taking new episodes of Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead away from subscribers. The source of the sudden animosity, according to a press release from AMC, is continuing litigation between it and Dish Network over dropping the Voom HD channels back in 2008, leading to them going dark soon after. The LA Times reports Dish Network claims the denial of its appeal on a decision in the case has nothing to do with its sudden change of heart is solely about AMC's high renewal cost for a relatively low viewership. Whatever you believe, the sniping and threats will likely continue right up until the contract runs out June 30th, which is at least long enough for this season of Mad Men to finish on its own.

Continue reading Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer

Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 19:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAMC Networks, The Hollywood Reporter  | Email this | Comments

DirecTV and Tribune cut a deal, turn WGN America and 23 other channels back on

That was quick. After lobbing accusations and FCC filings back and forth for a few days, DirecTV and Tribune Broadcasting Company have come to an agreement, resulting in the satellite broadcaster turning all those stations back on at around 9PM. Even with an agreement signed sealed and delivered, DirecTV still had some shots to let off, referencing the deal it claimed had been reached back on March 28th and calling for action from the federal government. None of that matters now though, since now that it's done we can all go back to not watching Cubs and White Sox day games.

Continue reading DirecTV and Tribune cut a deal, turn WGN America and 23 other channels back on

DirecTV and Tribune cut a deal, turn WGN America and 23 other channels back on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Tribune stations nationwide including WGN America go dark on DirecTV

Image
In the latest round of disputes between pay-TV providers and networks over the millions of dollars we, the customers, are paying for service, Tribune Broadcasting Company (owner of several different broadcast networks nationwide including WGN America -- list follows after the break) and DirecTV are going at it. As a result, the 23 broadcast networks under Tribune's umbrella are no longer available on the satellite service, and there's no indication when they'll be coming back. Oddly, DirecTV claimed Thursday it had accepted Tribune's terms, before the Tribune Company stated no deal had been reached. Now both sides are accusing the other of misleading viewers but no matter who is responsible the facts remain the same -- until they settle things you'll need to get those channels some other way.

Continue reading Tribune stations nationwide including WGN America go dark on DirecTV

Tribune stations nationwide including WGN America go dark on DirecTV originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceDirecTV, Tribune  | Email this | Comments