DISH Asks Customers to do the work for them and denies consumer access to local ABC station in Seattle.
For the past few weeks, DISH Seattle has been broadcasting an endless loop of an executive panel whining about how they could not negotiate a "reasonable" renewal deal for rebroadcasting the local ABC station. So, now DISH customers are treated to the endless loop of explanations and appeals for customers to go contact advertisers (they even provide a list of local ABC advertisers!) and requests that customers call ABC to complain.instead, I've lodged my complaint with DISH, as they are directly responsible for my lack of access to the local ABC content.
Local stations are a part of the DISH contract and was the reason I opted for DISH. I view this as a breach of our contract and am ready to cancel. It's given me cause to review the 250 station package I buy and note that it's loaded with "fluff" channels that are worthless to me - shopping and many other "paid programming" infomercial channels. We actually watch very few of those "250" channels (or, I suppose it's 249 now that I lack ABC) and prior had used a basic-plus pack from Comcast. At least they delivered on their commitment to programming. DISH offers Seattle customers a $1 credit on their bill for the inconvenience of loss of ABC content. How insulting! How stupid! How about they take all those bucks, stick them in their pockets, and walk back on over to KOMO and make a deal?
The following is the communication that DISH sent to me in response to my email inquiry. Following that, you'll see the KOMO suggestion (view your favorite ABC programs directly on their website).
Anyone else unhappy about this programming issue with DISH?
Dear DISH Network Customers,
Effective December 17, DISH Network's contract with your ABC affiliate, KOMO, expired and has not been renewed due to the unreasonable contract terms and a request for an 82% rate increase from KOMO's ownership, Fisher Communications, Inc. DISH Network has offered KOMO a fair and reasonable increase which it has refused.in the last few years, DISH Network has negotiated for retransmission consent with nearly 1,000 other local TV stations and has reached a fair agreement with all of them. DISH Network will continue to work toward an agreement to restore your ABC programming as soon as possible. A credit of $1.00 to your account will be automatically added for the loss of this local channel.
DISH Network remains committed to providing the best programming at the lowest price. The fees DISH Network pays for programming directly impact the price our customers pay, and we are unwilling to subject you to increased costs resulting from excessive and unnecessary license fee demands. We apologize for any inconvenience and will continue to make every effort to reach an agreement with KOMO.in the meantime, we encourage you to visit HYPERLINK "http://www.abc.com/"www.abc.com to watch full-length episodes of your favorite shows.
We encourage you to contact KOMO's General Manager directly and let him know what you think:
KOMO General Manager Jim Clayton: 206.404.4000
The retransmission of Local ABC affiliates is strictly controlled by the FCC; DISH Network is only authorized to retransmit the KOMO ABC feed in your area, the transmission of any other Local ABC feed is prohibited.
For security reasons, we cannot disconnect account via email. However, we have forwarded your request to our disconnection department. A representative will contact you shortly to confirm your disconnection. You also have the option to call 1-800-333-3474 to disconnect through a customer service representative, who will go over disconnection options and final disclosures with you.
We continually strive to control costs on behalf of our customers and are hopeful that this dispute will be resolved quickly. We realize that in today's competitive world you have a choice in services. We thank you for your continued business and support while DISH Network continues to work through these difficult but important negotiations with Fisher Communications, Inc.
Sincerely,
DISH Network E-Care
KOMO's statement:
KOMO is no longer available on DISH Network. Find out why ABC News & Entertainment shows and recent KOMO TV video are available online...
Www.komonews.com
Lynne
Issaquah, Washington
U.S.A.
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