WPXI-TV is warning viewers who use Dish Network as a cable provider they may lose the channel when their contract expires this week.
The NBC-affiliate in Pittsburgh’s Summer Hill neighborhood warned of the potential changes on its website, stating that “Dish has refused to negotiate a fair deal that recognizes the value customers place on WPXI-TV’s programming and services.”
The contract, which was set to expire Tuesday at 7 p.m., will expire 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Officials at WPXI are encouraging viewers to contact DISH at 1-800-333-3474.
“Tell Dish that you pay them a lot of money to watch your favorite shows on WPXI-TV, including Channel 11 News, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ Tell Dish that if it drops WPXI-TV, then you will drop Dish,” the website reads.
A Dish Network spokesperson said in an email, “Unfortunately, Apollo Global Management, the new owner of these stations, has decided to involve customers in its business disputes. Apollo recently acquired both Northwest Broadcasting and Cox Media Group in a multi-billion-dollar media deal. It seems Apollo is trying to recoup the billions of dollars it spent by demanding double its current monthly rates from its viewers.”
This is not the first time WPXI and Dish have struggled to reach a deal. A last-minute deal was struck in April, avoiding interruption of services.
Earlier this month, an agreement was restored between the news station and Verizon Fios after their contract expired Dec. 31. Programming was restored to customers after an agreement was reached Jan. 4.
WPXI said programming can be received on DirecTV, Comcast, Charter/Spectrum Cable, Verizon Fios and AT&T U-Verse. Officials added they will continue working to reach an agreement “so that you do not lose live access to any of your favorite programming, but the ball remains in Dish’s court to step-up like all of their competitors and peers have done.”
The Tribune-Review is a news partner of WPXI.
