CBS, Dish End Blackout

CBS and Dish Network have ended a contract dispute that led to a programming blackout in 18 local markets, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. CBS had blocked Dish from carrying the local channels of CBS-owned TV stations for 12 hours yesterday because of the dispute. In a joint statement today, the two companies say they have reached a multiyear deal that will allow Dish to carry such stations nationwide as well as various cable channels including the CBS Sports Network. As part of the deal, Dish will get the rights to deliver Showtime programming on mobile devices. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The dispute highlights the growing tensions between TV networks and the companies that distribute their programming, observes the New York Times: "Television groups are battling not only to receive higher rates for their programming but also to hold on to the digital rights. At the same time, distributors are fighting to stem increasing programming costs, contending that customers ultimately end up paying the bill." (More CBS stories.)