Sinclair Broadcast, Dish Network reach deal

[August 17, 2012]  BALTIMORE (AP) -- Television broadcaster Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. and Dish Network have reached an agreement in principle on retransmission fees, meaning the satellite television provider will continue to carry Sinclair's broadcast stations.

The companies agreed Thursday to extend their existing deal by two weeks to give time to iron out a final agreement. The original agreement was set to expire on Wednesday.

Three days ago Dish said that Sinclair had threatened to block Dish customers' access to its broadcast stations in 45 U.S. cities unless Dish was willing to accept a price increase.

Dish Network Corp. said at the time that Sinclair was asking for more money than any other broadcast group in the country. Sinclair countered, saying the prices it asked for access to its stations were substantially lower that what Dish pays for less popular stations.

"We thank our viewers for their patience and support during these negotiations," Sinclair said in a statement.

A Dish representative was not immediately available for comment.

Sinclair is based in Hunt Valley, Md. It owns, programs or provides sales services to 74 broadcast television stations in 45 markets. Dish, based in Englewood, Colo., had about 14.1 million satellite television customers as of June 30.

Sinclair shares rose 7 cents to $11.46 in morning trading. Dish fell 18 cents to $30.87.

[Associated Press]

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