Gray Media Blackouts DISH TV Channels Amid Fee Dispute
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 10 2026
0mins
Should l Buy SATS?
Source: PRnewswire
- Channel Blackout Impact: Gray Media's decision to blackout 226 channels across 113 markets has left DISH TV customers without access to critical local news, sports, and weather, directly affecting millions of viewers' experience.
- Fee Dispute Context: Gray Media's demand for significant increases in retransmission consent fees comes despite declining viewership and the availability of free or low-cost streaming alternatives, creating a deadlock in negotiations.
- Negotiation Breakdown Reasons: Last-minute demands from Gray Media stalled the agreement just hours before expiration, with DISH expressing readiness to restore channels immediately if Gray Media agrees to a fair market-based deal.
- Customer Support Measures: DISH is committed to assisting customers in finding alternative ways to access local programming during the blackout and hopes Gray Media will return to the negotiation table to reach a fair agreement for consumers.
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Analyst Views on SATS
Wall Street analysts forecast SATS stock price to rise
5 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 120.600
Low
110.00
Averages
127.00
High
158.00
Current: 120.600
Low
110.00
Averages
127.00
High
158.00
About SATS
EchoStar Corporation is a holding company. The Company is a provider of technology, networking services, television entertainment and connectivity, offering consumer, enterprise, operator and government solutions worldwide under its EchoStar, Boost Mobile, Sling TV, DISH TV, Hughes, HughesNet, HughesON, and JUPITER brands. Its business segments include Pay-TV, Wireless and Broadband and Satellite Services. Its Pay-TV segment provides video services in the United States through its DISH and the SLING brands. Its Wireless segment provides wireless communication services and products. This segment offers wireless services for 5G VoNR and 5G broadband service to Americans, as well as a competitive portfolio of wireless devices. It offers nationwide wireless services to subscribers primarily under the Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile brands. Its Broadband and Satellite Services segment offers broadband satellite technologies and broadband Internet products and services to consumer customers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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