DISH NETWORK DITCHING CHANNEL 8-11

(05/31/2005)
Subscribers to the DISH satellite network may soon be looking for new ways to view two Charleston television stations.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., owner of WCHS-TV8 and WVAH-Fox11, say they have been unable to reach an agreement with the provider.

DISH is advising customers they will no longer carry channel 8 or 11 starting May 31.

"Despite the good faith efforts of Sinclair to arrange for an extension of this agreement with Echostar Communications, the owner of the DISH Network, we have been unable to reach an agreement to do so," said a Sinclair announcement.

The Charleston stations are advising DISH subscribers to contact either their local cable provider or DirecTV, the DISH Network's primary competition.

"Please be aware that Sinclair stations continue to be available for free over-the-air, as well as on virtually all cable television systems located in our markets and on DirecTV," said the announcement.