TV Talk: WPXI-TV off DISH Network just in time for Steelers game

It was odd enough that the ESPN “Monday Night Football” game featuring the Steelers is being simulcast locally on WPXI-TV — for years WTAE-TV has carried the local simulcast — but now it’s even stranger because Channel 11 is no longer being carried by DISH Network.

Again, a retransmission fee dispute is the culprit. DISH sent out a release saying Cox Media Group, which owns WPXI, “removes local channels from DISH TV customers” in nine TV markets, including Pittsburgh.

DISH blames Cox’s demand for an exorbitant rate increase — 75%, DISH says — for carrying its channels as the reason for the Cox stations going dark.

WPXI-TV general manager Kevin Hayes did not respond to a request for comment; Cox had not sent a dueling press release as of this posting.

In addition to a rate increase DISH claims Cox wants to negotiate “for channels it does not yet own” but does not get specific about what those are. DISH also claims, without any supporting data, “Over the past two years, Cox’s viewership has significantly declined on DISH TV, indicating that many viewers have moved to other channels for their entertainment and news. With its decreased viewership, Cox is attempting to recoup its losses by demanding increased rates of nearly 75 percent from DISH customers.”

Basically all broadcast TV ratings are on the decline with the rise of streaming services.

As for why tonight’s “MNF” broadcast is on WPXI instead of WTAE, it seems likely that WTAE parent company Hearst lost the rights to local simulcasts for the 2022-23 TV season as the same thing happened with Hearst stations in Boston and Kansas City this fall for ESPN games for their home market teams.

Per Hearst spokesman Tom Campo, “Leading into the 2022-23 season, Hearst Television had conversations with Disney/ESPN about simulcasting ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football’ games on Hearst affiliates in participating local markets, but ultimately did not arrive at an agreement.” (For WPXI viewers wondering where to see “The Voice,” it will air on Channel 11 overnight Monday at 2:07 a.m. Tuesday, so set your DVR accordingly.)

Channel surfing

Last month’s premiere of “Virulent: The Vaccine War” on WQED-TV was marred by a technical glitch. The station will re-air the film at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. … The No. 1 movie of 2022, “Top Gun: Maverick,” will debut on subscription streaming service Paramount+ on Dec. 22. … Amazon Prime Video’s “Hunters” will return for its second and final season Jan. 13.

You can reach TV writer Rob Owen at rowen@triblive.com or 412-380-8559. Follow Rob on Twitter or Facebook. Ask TV questions by email or phone. Please include your first name and location.