Fox News is Now on Dish

I was wondering why my friends who were on Dish Network were not able to find the Fox Business Channel on their system and that they had to pay extra to get Fox News. Now I have found out the "rest of the story."

The Fox News and Fox Business Networks released a press release stating: "FOX Business Network (FBN) has launched on DISH Network to four million subscribers while FOX News Channel (FNC) has renewed its carriage agreement with the satellite television provider, announced Tim Carry, the network’s senior vice president of affiliate relations. The deal expands FBN’s total distribution to nearly 50 million homes nationwide." The statement went on to state that "Starting today (February 3, 2009), FBN will be available on channel 206 through DISH Network’s Classic Gold 250, formerly known as America’s Top 250 package. FNC will move to channel 205 on Classic Bronze 100, formerly known as America’s Top 100 package, increasing its distribution to more than 11 million DISH Network subscribers. Both networks will be available to DISH subscribers in HD."

Tim Carry went on to point out that “The inclusion of FOX News on Classic Bronze 100 is a milestone for the network. We are grateful for the opportunity DISH Network has given FOX News to continue to expand our audience as the number one cable news provider in the country.”

The Dish Network is the third largest pay-TV provider, so how was it that the most popular cable news network was being so greatly disrespected? According to Multichannel.com, "The deal comes shortly after the companies settled a 2007 lawsuit filed by Fox alleging Dish violated the terms of their previous agreement because the satellite operator did not include FNC in its "most widely distributed' tier. Fox had sought $50 million in the suit, which was settled Jan. 31, Reuters reported." I am biased, but I certainly believe that Fox had a legitimate case and that Dish has finally done the right thing and maybe the only thing necessary to keep it a viable satellite provider for those who are serious about the news.

Kevin Price is a syndicated columnist whose articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media. Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.