As many as 14 million Dish Network subscribers could find themselves without access to CBS's programming if a new contract isn't in place by 7 p.m. on Thursday. The network claims to have worked hard with Dish Network to reach a new agreement for carriage and at this point, they'd rather go dark than stay stuck in the limbo that they are currently sitting in. CBS officially issued a statement today explaining their perspective.
"In the last few weeks, we have granted two extensions in the hopes that this would give both parties sufficient time to come to a resolution. The second extension, which protected Dish subscribers' programming over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, was the final one."
The current deal expires on Thursday and at that point in time CBS has made it clear that they aren't looking for another temporary fix. Ironically, Thursday night is one of the network's best night's out of the primetime line up as far as ratings go and even that fact hasn't prompted them to reconsider. Dish, for their part, refused to issue a new statement. They simply referred people back to their original position that was issued in a statement last month in an attempt to calm CBS fans.
"Dish is actively working to reach a deal before the contract expires and has successfully negotiated agreements representing hundreds of stations in recent months that benefit all parties, including our viewers," said the carrier. If CBS does pull programming it will affect CBS affiliates in big cities like Chicago, New York, Boston and L.A.
Do you think that Dish Network will take the necessary steps on their end to iron out a new deal before the Thursday deadline rolls around? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
