ATVA’s Statement on TEGNA’s Blackout of 3 Million DISH TV Customers

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ATVA issued a statement responding to the latest blackout launched by the major broadcast owner, TEGNA – this time blacking out nearly 3 million DISH TV customers’ local channels across 53 U.S. markets. 
 
“This blackout is another example of broadcast conglomerates prioritizing profit over people,” said ATVA spokesperson Jessica Kendust. 
 
For nearly two decades, broadcasters like TEGNA have been charging cable and satellite providers, and their customers, to access local stations. The revenue broadcasters have gained from these fees has grown to more than 12 billion dollars today. 
 
“TEGNA’s demand for nearly a billion-dollar fee increase during the height of fall TV viewership is unacceptable yet unsurprising,” said Kendust. “This weekend, millions of football fans across the country will be disappointed when they settle in to watch the game and realize it’s unavailable. They can blame big broadcast for that.” 

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 The American Television Alliance (ATVA) brings together an unprecedented coalition of consumer groups, cable, satellite, telephone companies, and independent programmers to raise awareness about the risk TV viewers face as broadcasters increasingly threaten service disruptions that would deny viewers access to the programs they and their families enjoy.