DISH Network Corp. said millions of its customers lost access to Fox Corp.'s local channels in 17 markets across 23 states and Washington, D.C., after the companies failed to agree on retransmission contract terms.
Pay TV operators pay retrans fees to broadcasters in exchange for permission to carry local stations' signals.
In addition to the local stations, DISH customers also lost access to other Fox-owned sports properties, such as Fox Soccer Plus (US) and FOX Deportes (US).
DISH claims Fox is demanding a double-digit percentage rate increase for continued carriage of its local channels and is also attempting to "force bundle" its local channels and cable networks. DISH is offering digital over-the-air antennas to customers in the affected markets for free, according to a Sept. 26 news release.
In a statement issued to various news outlets, Fox responded saying DISH is trying to "coerce us to agree to outrageous demands." Fox also reminded viewers that "Fox services are widely available through every other major television provider."
