Satellite Distant Network Channels Are Disappearing: Dispute Between Broadcast Networks and Satellite Companies Are Ongoing

In the past the struggle for satellite customers to continue receiving distant network channels, defined as channels you cannot receive locally, has now become a losing battle. One satellite company, Dish Network, is calling for its customers to call their representative in Washington and voice their opinion about the injunction to remove distant network channels. 

In this case the ones affected are subscribers to ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX if you are viewing them from another area. An example would be if you live in Dallas Texas, but are receiving ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox from Chicago Illinois this is considered distant network channels because you cannot view them locally.

November 13, 2006 Dish Network will have one last chance to fight for distant network channels when the courts convene. As of now all distant network channels must be removed by December 1, 2006. 

The whole situation boils down to local broadcast networks demanding a higher pay increase from Dish Network. Dish Network doesn’t want to pay the higher pay increase and is trying to keep the same rate. Any pay increase would be passed to the customer, but at the same time if you receive local channels from Dish Network you will be charged a fee for them.

Broadcast networks have complained about local channels being offered because they don’t receive any money. The money goes into the pockets of the satellite companies, which is why satellites for a long time didn’t offer them.

In the big picture all satellite companies are in jeopardy of losing distant network channels and cable companies aren’t far behind. Any broadcast network that can be viewed free of charge by antenna may cause cable companies to lose valuable networks.

Fox network has already become a distant memory for many Dish Network customers from a previous duel of broadcast networks. Fox channel exists on cable or by antenna reception for these poor souls.