Other LanguagesDISH Network and Fisher Communications have ended their contract dispute that kept Fisher stations including KOMO and KIMA off the satellite service since December. DISH resumed broadcasts of Fisher stations at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday.
In their joint news release, the companies announced they reached "a multi-year agreement that provides for the distribution of Fisher stations in seven markets on Dish Network. As part of the agreement, ongoing litigation between the two companies was ended."
Local stations again available to DISH subscribers are KOMO and KUNS in Seattle; KATU and KUNP in Portland; KIMA in Yakima; KVAL in Eugene; KBCI in Boise; KIDK in Idaho Falls; and KBAK and KBFX in Bakersfield, Calif.
The spat has been sore spot for consumers who have posted more than 60 comments on All Consuming since December. Attorney General Rob McKenna also addressed the issue in his January 2009 column on retransmission agreements.
News sources note that the resolution comes on the eve of the digital broadcasting transition. Starting Friday, cable and satellite customers across the country will have the option of receiving network broadcasts free in high-definition. Learn more at www.dtv.gov.