DISH Subscriber Information Guide
           KTVN and the DISH Network have been in extensive negotiations over several weeks for continued carriage of KTVN’s CBS programming on the DISH satellite service.Â
11:00 p.m. Monday January 11this now the deadline to complete a new agreement between KTVN and Dish satellite TV service. Significant progress in negotiations for continued carriage of KTVN’s CBS programming on the DISH satellite service has led to this positive action.
           To be clear, there will be no disruption of KTVN’s CBS programming before 11:00 p.m. Monday January 11th 2016. The NFL Playoff game will be carried without disruption on Saturday January 9th.
           It is our hope that continued negotiations will lead to a new agreement and that any disruption in carriage can be avoided. Watch this web page as we will use it to keep you informed of the progress of the negotiations.  Thank you for watching KTVN and thank you for your support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.              Why has DISH threatened to stop retransmitting KTVN’s signal and CBS’ programming?
           The contract for carriage of KTVN by DISH expired on December 19th —but KTVN has given DISH an extension, which expires at 11pm on January 8th, in the hope that negotiations for a new carriage contract will eventually be successful.
2.              Why is DISH threatening to stop carrying KTVN and CBS?
           DISH has refused to pay KTVN a fair price and agree to other reasonable terms for the right to resell KTVN’s CBS signal to its subscribers. Â
3.            But isn’t DISH only trying to hold down the price it pays KTVN to have CBS in its line up and, in turn, keep down the price it charges its subscribers?
           It is, of course, appropriate for DISH to minimize the price it pays for all programming. However, DISH, reportedly, pays some program companies about four times more for less popular program services than the price we are asking for KTVN and its more popular CBS programming. In fact, DISH, a multi-billion dollar company, is basically demanding that KTVN subsidize its operations to enable it to pay more for other programming services with whom KTVN directly competes. It would be irresponsible for us to subsidize DISH’s cost of operation and grant it the special financial benefits it is demanding.
4.              But aren’t you just asking DISH for more money to enhance your profits?
           No. The price we have to pay CBS and all of our program suppliers for highly rated sports and entertainment programming has been driven up significantly because pay TV companies like DISH are paying program suppliers higher rates in competition with us to try to buy the best programs as well.
5.            The upshot though is that DISH will raise rates for its subscribers if it pays you more, will it not?
           No. DISH does not have to raise its subscriber rates in order to pay us a fair and competitive market rate for our programming. DISH could—and should—simply pay less for the less popular channels that it buys and then forces you, as a subscriber, to buy—many of which you do not watch and would not buy if DISH gave you a choice.
6.              Will DISH reduce our monthly bill if it is no longer offering KTVN and CBS?
           It should, of course. But that is DISH’s decision; we have no control over it—you might want to ask DISH.
7.              Is DISH’s offer to KTVN for CBS consistent with today’s market rates for broadcast stations?
           No. DISH’s offer is significantly below what its competitors pay for the right to mark up the price they pay and resell KTVN’s programming. The rates we charge companies like DISH for the right to resell our programming are based on local competitive marketconditions.
8.            So, as a DISH subscriber, how can I continue to receive KTVN and CBS and not miss my favorite program?
           You can receive KTVN free, over-the-air or you can cancel your satellite service from DISH and receive KTVN and its CBS programming and other program services from your local cable company, depending on where you live, or from the DIRECTV satellite service.
9.              What can I do to make sure DISH keeps KTVN and CBS on the satellite?
           We have told DISH that our executives are available to resolve the impasse and work to assure that its subscribers continue to have access to their favorite CBS sports, entertainment, local news, weather and public service programming from our Station. You may wish to express your concern to DISH and ask DISH to restore KTVN and CBS and treat all of us in this community fairly and equitably. We deeply regret the inconvenience DISH’s actions have caused.
