CBS programming has been restored to an estimated 2 million DISH Network subscribers who had been blocked from viewing the channels overnight amid a contract dispute.
“We are very pleased with this deal, which meets all of our economic and strategic objectives,” Ray Hopkins, president of Television Networks Distribution for CBS said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to having DISH as a valued partner for many years to come.”
The specific terms of the multiyear deal were not released. But a DISH official agreed all differences between the two companies had been resolved.
This clears the way for restored CBS access for subscribers in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and 14 other major markets.
“We are pleased to continue delivering CBS programming to our customers, while expanding their digital access to Showtime content through
Showtime Anytime,” said Warren Schlichting, DISH senior vice president of programming.
In Los Angeles, the overnight blackout also prevented DISH subscribers from watching KCBS-TV Channel 2 and KCAL-TV Channel 9.
The distribution contract between DISH and CBS expired in late November. CBS officials had accused DISH of “dragging its feet” as the deadline for an agreement was extended twice.
DISH representatives argued access to the CBS Sports Network was the main stumbling block, but did not elaborate on the exact points of contention.
