After Exploiting Viewers of 14 Stations, Hoak Media Ends Retrans Blackout

How Long Will Consumers be Caught in the Middle of the Broadcaster Greed Game?

Washington D.C.  June 13, 2012 – While pleased that Hoak Media came to an agreement with DISH, the fact remains that Hoak exploited outdated retransmission rules to pull the plug on 14 stations. Operating only with broadcaster greed, Hoak’s latest stunt blocked programming of the Stanley Cup Finals and Belmont Stakes. Until Congress and the FCC reform retransmission consent rules, broadcasters will continue their games of dragging consumers into business negotiations.

Markets affected by the Hoak blackout on DISH: KREX (Fox) and KFQX (Fox) in Grand Junction, Colo.; KFYR (NBC) in Minot and KVLY (NBC) and KXJB (CBS) in Fargo, N.D.; WMBB(ABC) in Panama City, Fla.; KNOP (NBC) and KIIT (Fox) in North Platte and KHAS (NBC) in Lincoln, Neb.; KSFY (ABC) in Sioux Falls, S.D.; and KNOE (CBS) and KAQY (ABC) in Monroe and KALB (NBC) and NALB (CBS) in Alexandria, La.