5 Dec 2014 6:24 PM PT
Image: Bidness Etc.
The standoff between DISH and CBS continues and CBS made good on their stance that they would go dark unless an agreement was made yesterday. So today, they went dark in 14 key markets.
Markets that no longer can get CBS shows include: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Sacramento. Also dark are seven CW stations in Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle; three independents in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York; and two MyNetworkTV affiliates in Boston and Miami.
CBS made the following statement: “[DISH] has dragged its feet at our many attempts to negotiate in good faith,” after six months of talks and two contract extensions. It adds that it hopes “that we can reach an agreement very soon so we can all get back to the business of providing the best entertainment, news and sports to the Dish customers we both serve.
Showtime and CBS Sports are still able to be broadcast across these markets. CBS could take them down in the future if negotiations continue to not lead to a resolution. But thus far, they have decided to continue to bring those to DISH customers.
The crux of the issue is that DISH wants to add CBS to their new streaming service that they plan to make available by year’s-end. The idea is to try and reach younger markets that can’t afford traditional bundles and DISH has already reached agreements with Disney, Scripps, and A+E services to offer the low-priced bundled product that they plan to introduce. They wanted CBS to join the mix.
We will continue to follow to report if and when an agreement may finally be reached.