• by Wayne Friedman , September 26, 2019

Fox Corp.’s owned TV stations and cable networks have been dropped from satellite TV programmer Dish Network and its virtual pay TV platform Sling TV -- due to a dispute over retransmission carriage fees.

This includes stations in 17 markets across 23 states, as well as cable networks FS1, FS2, Big 10 Network, Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Deportes.

Dish Network says this is due to a Fox decision. Fox Corp. says otherwise.

A statement from a Fox Corp. representative reads: “Dish/Sling is at it again, choosing to drop leading programming as a negotiating tactic regardless of the impact on its own customers.”

It adds: “Dish/Sling elected to drop Fox networks in an effort to coerce us to agree to outrageous demands....  This is Dish/Sling’s preferred approach to negotiating, we remind our loyal viewers that the Fox services are widely available through every other major television provider.”

For its part, Dish says Fox is demanding a double-digit percentage rate increase for carriage of its local channels. Dish also claims Fox wants to “force bundle” its local channels and cable networks in a bigger package deal.

Dish says it has been making steady progress with Fox in their recent negotiations. The satellite TV programmer also says the company is offering digital over-the-air antennas at no cost to its subscribers in affected markets. Customers have the option to drop local channels from programming packages, saving $12 on their monthly bill.

With regard to Fox’s highly viewed NFL games, Dish say consumers can use the over-the-air antenna or stream games for free on mobile phones and tablets via the NFL App.

Dish also says another viewing alternative is Locast, a free nonprofit service providing local broadcast TV channels.