FOX and Dish Network Reach and Agreement

Subject: FOX and Dish Network Reach and Agreement Sat Oct 30, 2010 4:18 am

Good news for Dish Network customers!

Fox Channels returning to Dish Network

Quote :: DISH Network and Fox have struck a distribution deal, ending a month-long standoff that blacked out channels for millions of satellite television customers.

The new agreement -- announced by the companies Friday -- will restore access to FX, National Geographic Channel and Fox-owned regional sports networks for DISH subscribers.

The companies did not disclose the financial details of the deal.

"After prolonged negotiations to reach a fair deal, we're pleased to enter into a long-term agreement with Fox and to assure our customers that they can continue to enjoy these channels," DISH Network Senior Vice President of Programming Dave Shull said in a statement.

At midnight on Sept. 30, Fox blocked 19 regional sports networks and several other channels in a rate increase dispute with DISH Network, which has 14.3 million customers.

Such conflicts are becoming increasingly common, according to Media Analyst Thomas Eagan of Collins Stewart.

"Coming off of what was one of the worst advertising recessions in decades, the broadcast channels have decided they need their pound of flesh. And they're going to demand what's called retransmission fees from the cable and satellite operators," he said. "And they've become much more aggressive than they have [been] in the past."