Dish Network said Nexstar Media Group, the largest local broadcast station owner in the US, is asking for more than USD 1 billion in fees for its TV channels. The company did not say how much it had paid before for the channels, saying only that it was a price jump. With the move, Dish said Nexstar is threatening to black out Dish customer access to 164 local channels in 120 markets across 42 states and the District of Columbia. “This action by Nexstar would result in consumers being blacked out from the highest number of local broadcast stations in the nation's TV history,” Dish noted. 

"Since becoming the nation's largest local station owner [after a USD 12 billion local broadcast station buying spree], Nexstar has increased its annual revenue by USD 1 billion a year. Now, it has set its sights on Dish customers as their next big payday," said Dish TV group president Brian Neylon. 

Nexstar is also forcing Dish to carry WGN America as part of this deal, a channel that has experienced declining viewership in recent years. Nexstar acquired the channel when it bought Tribune last year. Dish said Nexstar is demanding a significant payment for the “ low-rated channel that airs syndicated reruns found on other Dish stations and features a news program that can be accessed for free online.”  

Dish also noted that Nexstar said it will be distributing over USD 100 million to its shareholders.