Hearst And Dish Trade Blackout Accusations

In what it describes as an effort to advance negotiations with Dish Network and return programming to Dish subscribers in its 26 television markets, Hearst Television has begun radio and newspaper campaigns in select markets — with plans to roll out radio advertising in additional markets — and has launched a “countdown clock” on its stations’ websites to track the expanding duration of its impasse with Dish.

The effort follows an open letter to Dish subscribers circulated via the Hearst station websites on March 14.

“We are engaging in multiple efforts to keep our viewers informed and educated about this process,” said Jordan Wertlieb, Hearst Television president.   

“As for Dish’s repeated and false claims of financial offers, Dish is clearly misguiding its customers,” Wertlieb added. “As is customary for companies seeking to protect disclosure of their confidential information to competitors, we cannot disclose the terms of our DirecTV deal to Dish. The question is, why is Dish not offering to Hearst what Dish has surely agreed to pay to other broadcasters?

“Lastly, we have never left the negotiating table,” Wertlieb emphasized.  “We remain, as always, ready to continue serious negotiations.”

Earlier in the day, Dish released this statement: “Hearst blacked out millions of DirecTV customers in January, and eventually the two sides reached an agreement. Before Hearst blacked out Dish customers two weeks ago, we said that we would agree to the same terms as DirecTV. That offer remains on the table. Hearst should do the right thing for consumers by agreeing to the same terms as its deal with DirecTV and restoring its stations to the Dish lineup today. Dish is committed to reaching a fair agreement with Hearst to end this blackout.”