Monday, August 28, 2006

EchoStar Settles With Networks

Englewood, Colorado-based EchoStar has settled its litigation with ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox Affiliate Associations, the satellite broadcasting firm said today. EchoStar said that it would expand its local network channel by satellite to 175 markets, and will pay $100M to cover potential shut off of distant network channels. The lawsuit has been going on for nine years. The deal does not cover approximately 25 Fox owned-and-operated stations, which EchoStar said could potentially derail the deal. EchoStar has been battling with local stations over the firm's broadcast of network television stations that originate from markets outside a subscriber's area.