Last week, Apollo Global Management blacked out local Cox Media Group channels in 10 markets for DISH customers.
At the time, Andy LeCuyer, DISH senior vice president of programming made the following statement, saying that Apollo was to blame for the blackout.
“We don’t understand why Apollo is choosing to put customers in the middle of its negotiations, especially during a global pandemic when customers need access to local news and programming,” said LeCuyer. “We have offered to apply our current agreement — with higher rates — to keep their channels available and avoid any service interruption while we continue to negotiate, but they refused, demanding a 40-percent increase to rates agreed to last year. We want to come to a long-term agreement that is fair for our customers.”
Now, Cox is firing back with a statement saying that DISH is “blocking consumers’ access to vital local news, weather and entertainment” and noting that customers in Boston (WFXT), Jacksonville (WFOX), Memphis (WHBQ) and Tulsa (KOKI) aren’t getting access to their local Fox RSN to watch MLB games now that the season has started.
“It is deeply disappointing that DISH customers will miss the games – especially during a time when watching sports and cheering on their favorite teams can offer a positive diversion,” the Cox statement said. “DISH has once again resorted to their scorched earth tactics of removing stations rather than negotiating in good faith.”
The statement ends with Cox encouraging customers to switch providers or call DISH to make a complaint.
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