DISH removes KYMA and CBS 13 from channel lineup
Companies fail to reach terms on retransmission agreement
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - KYMA and CBS 13 have been removed from satellite provider DISH Network after the two companies were unable to come to terms on a new retransmission consent agreement. The previous agreement expired at 5:00 PM MST, January 18, 2020.
“We have negotiated in good faith to come to an agreement with DISH, said CMG President Kim Guthrie. “KYMA and CBS 13 made significant investments in people, programming, and equipment, to make them best in class. We are simply seeking a fair agreement with DISH to carry these channels. "
"DISH already pays much more for national networks like ESPN, even though far fewer people watch ESPN than any of our local stations.” Guthrie continued, “It should also be noted that ESPN and the other national networks DISH favors have no local news, have no local employees, and offer nowhere near the same high-quality, compelling programming that our stations provide to their local communities."
"DISH is seeking the right to KYMA and CBS 13 programming at well below current market rates and on terms that no other video provider has demanded. With NFL playoffs going on and the Super Bowl coming up soon, DISH is really showing how little it cares about its customers. All viewers should keep in mind that every one of our stations remains available for free over the air at all times.”
Cox Media Group cannot force DISH to strike a deal that keeps KYMA and CBS 13 programming on DISH’s channel lineup. That programming will remain available, however for viewers over the air, and this dispute will not affect the vast majority of viewers, who are customers of other video providers.
It should be noted that KYMA and CBS 13 has agreements with every other major cable and satellite distributor.
If you are a DISH customer, you can go here for information on how to contact DISH to let your opinion be heard. CMG hopes to continue negotiations with DISH to reach an agreement soon.
