ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

DISH Network, WDAY still have no agreement

WDAY-TV has granted DISH Network an extension that allows DISH Network to retransmit WDAY's signal while the two sides continue negotiating a new contract.

WDAY-TV has granted DISH Network an extension that allows DISH Network to retransmit WDAY’s signal while the two sides continue negotiating a new contract.

The contract between the two companies expired Wednesday afternoon, but the extension means they now have until 10:59 a.m. Monday to reach an agreement.

If they don’t, DISH Network will be required by law to stop retransmitting WDAY’s signal across DISH Network’s system.

WDAY-TV is the local ABC affiliate. Its programming includes: “Live! With Kelly and Michael,” “Rachel Ray,” ABC college football and “Dancing With the Stars.”

Prior to the extension announcement Wednes-day afternoon, WDAY officials were waiting to hear from DISH Network officials regarding their response to WDAY’s latest contract offer, said Mari Ossenfort, general manager of WDAY, WDAZ, KBMY and KMCY, and vice president of broadcasting for Forum Communications Co.

ADVERTISEMENT

Forum Communications is the parent company of WDAY and The Forum.

Ossenfort said WDAY’s most recent offer contained what she called a minimal increase in what DISH Network would have to pay to retransmit WDAY programming.

She said the amount is in keeping with what other distributors of WDAY’s signal pay, including local cable companies.

“It’s not fair for them (DISH Network) to get a different price,” Ossenfort said, adding that WDAY strives to have “a good, respectful relationship” with all of the companies that distribute its signal.

She said as part of negotiations, WDAY is trying to get DISH Network subscribers more local channels, including Xtra and the local CW affiliation, which she said area cable companies are picking up.

Ossenfort said based on her research, since January 2012 DISH Network has been involved in 35 of 80 retransmission disputes that resulted in disruption of service to subscribers.

Ossenfort said she feels for satellite subscribers who may become affected by the latest retransmission impasse.

“I don’t want the viewers to be held hostage, but that’s what it feels like DISH Network is doing,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

DISH Network provided a written statement regarding the negotiations, which read:

“DISH is actively working to reach a deal before the contract expires. DISH has successfully negotiated agreements representing hundreds of stations in recent months that benefit all parties, including our viewers,” the statement read.

“We are unsure why Forum (Communications) decided to involve customers in the contract negotiation process at a point when there is still time for the two parties to reach a mutually beneficial deal,” the statement added.

Tweets by @DLNewspapers

Dave Olson is a reporter, photographer and occasional videographer. He graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in mass communications, and during his time at The Forum he has covered many beats, from cops and courts to business and education. Currently is writing business stories, but jumps on daily news as needed. He’s also written about UFOs, ghosts, dinosaur bones and the dwarf planet Pluto. You may reach Dave at 701-241-5555, or by email at dolson@forumcomm.com.

ADVERTISEMENT

What To Read Next
Get Local

ADVERTISEMENT