Millions of Dish Network customers in the US did not have access to CBS on Friday because the provider did not manage to negotiate a new contract with the network.
Dish customers in 14 markets, including Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, were not able to have access to CBS’s broadcasts of NFL games and “NCIS” – the top ranked TV program last week behind NBC’s Sunday night NFL programming.
The interruption is affecting over 2 million of its customers, according to Dish.
Dish customers who wanted to watch CBS programming Friday evening saw a full-screen message saying “Sorry for the interruption. There is no need to call us. We are aware that this TV station is temporarily unavailable and we will have this channel back as soon as possible.”
According to CNET, CBS gave Dish a number of extensions when their previous contract expired as negotiations were still occurring.
CBS said in a statement:
“What CBS seeks is appropriate compensation for the most-watched television network with the most popular content in the world, as well as terms that reflect the developing digital marketplace.”
Adding:
”We hope that we can reach an agreement very soon so we can all get back to the business of providing the best entertainment, news and sports to the Dish customers we both serve.”
Dish issued the following statement:
“We are disappointed that CBS has chosen to black out their local channels, but remain optimistic that the channels will return quickly as both sides are continuing to work tonight to finalize an agreement.”