WAOW owner Quincy Media blocks channel for DISH customers over rate squabble

WAUSAU - The owner of WAOW-TV 9 has blacked out the channel for DISH subscribers as part of a fight with the satellite television provider over its monthly rates for local channels.

Quincy Media blocked DISH customers' access to local channels in 13 markets Wednesday night, including WAOW, according to a news release from DISH. The ABC affiliate serves the Wausau-Rhinelander area. 

Quincy is blocking the channels as it attempts to increase monthly rates by more than double what DISH currently pays, the release states. The company has also reportedly refused DISH's offer to match other pay-TV provider rates. Per Federal Communications Commission rules, these providers must pay broadcasters to provide channels to their customers.

"Quincy chose to turn its back on its public interest obligations and use its viewers as bargaining chips," Andy LeCuyer, DISH senior vice president of programming, said in a statement.

According to a statement from WAOW, the channel said it could not reach an agreement with DISH despite doing so with other services that carry the station. WAOW will still be available over the air, on CW (9.2) and Decades (9.3), and through Charter Spectrum, DirecTV and nine other programming services.

"DISH has a long track record of disputes and blackouts with broadcasters, including a current national dispute with Univision as well as other local stations, so what is happening with WAOW is not unusual," WAOW said in the statement.

DISH will offer digital over-the-air antennas at no cost so customers can continue watching the affected channels, according to the company's statement.

WAOW viewers can contact DISH at 800-333-3474.