WPXI warns DISH may drop the channel if new agreement isn't reached

WPXI-TV is warning viewers who use DISH Network for their cable services they may lose the channel when the station’s contract expires Sunday .

The station said on its website they are continuing to work on negotiations, but encouraged viewers to call DISH and share their concerns about potentially losing the station.

WPXI said “DISH has refused to agree to reasonable terms for the valuable programming we provide” and said the “the ball remains in DISH’s court to step-up like all of their competitors and peers have done.”

DISH Network provided the following statement to the Tribune-Review.

“Even as more DISH customers turn to digital antennas for free access to their local channels, we recognize that many continue to rely on their pay-TV package to get these stations. For those customers, we are actively working to reach a fair, long-term deal before the contract expires, knowing that only Cox Media Group can choose to take their content away from DISH customers.

“DISH has successfully negotiated agreements representing hundreds of stations in recent months that benefit all parties, including our viewers. We are unsure why Cox decided to involve customers in the contract negotiation process at a point when there is still time for the two parties to reach a mutually beneficial deal.”

The Tribune-Review is a news partner of WPXI.