Echostar
Sling TV launches “Essential” pack with ESPN, Disney Channel
The plan costs $20 per month and includes access to two ESPN network, the Disney Channel, MeTV and other networks.
Gray Media says stations dropped from Dish over unusual demand
The broadcaster claims Dish violated federal “good faith” negotiation requirements tied to retransmission consent agreements.
CARRIAGE DISPUTE
Dish Network forced to drop Gray Media local TV stations
The blackout affects viewers in major markets including Atlanta, Tampa, Phoenix and Cleveland.
Echostar weighing Paramount-WBD merger’s effects on Sling TV and Dish, CEO says
Both companies sell cable networks to Dish and Sling while expanding streaming offerings.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Dish, Sling TV parent swings to steep financial loss during Q4
Echostar swung to a steep loss during Q4 primarily attributed to lower pay TV earnings and stronger competition on the broadband side of the business.
EARNINGS REPORT
Versant inks Free TV Networks distribution deal with Paramount, Sling
Two Versant-owned multicast networks are now on CBS-owned stations across the country, and a streaming channel is now offered by Sling Freestream.
AT&T rakes in $33.5 billion during Q4, stock pops on strong forecast
AT&T posted a strong Q4 earnings report driven by higher interest in its wireless and fiber broadband products.
EARNINGS REPORT
Echostar tells FCC it didn’t want to sell spectrum to AT&T, SpaceX
Executives said they abandoned plans to expand facilities-based wireless service over concerns the FCC could investigate or confiscate spectrum assets.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Weigel brings MeTV back to Dish Network — but with a catch
Weigel has expanded its distribution agreement with Dish to include multicast networks like MeTV on the satellite platform.
Flexible Sling TV packages boost subscriber count during Q3
Sling TV saw positive sequential growth as sports fans took advantage of Echostar's new lower-priced, flexible subscription TV options.
EARNINGS REPORT
Dish appeals after board voids adaptive bitrate video patent
Dish has filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit after the USPTO voided elements of its adaptive bitrate patent.
EXCLUSIVE
Dish Network, Sling TV to offer subscription bundles via Bango
The pact involves Bango's Digital Vending Machine, which allows for direct subscription purchases and unique bundles.