DISH DROPS GRAY MEDIA’S STATIONS OVER UNPRECEDENTED NEW DEMAND TO RESHAPE THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY TO ENRICH ITS OWNER

Core Viewpoint - Gray Media's television stations have been removed by Dish Network for the first time, highlighting ongoing disputes in the pay-TV industry and Dish's history of similar actions against other broadcasters [1][5]. Group 1: Company Background - Gray Media, Inc. is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations in the U.S., serving 114 full-power television markets that reach approximately 37% of U.S. television households [7]. - The company operates 77 markets with the top-rated television station and 97 markets with the first or second highest-rated station in average all-day ratings as measured by Nielsen in 2025 [8]. Group 2: Dispute Details - The dispute arose after several months of negotiations between Gray and Dish, where they nearly reached an agreement on rates and terms [3]. - Dish insisted on a materially adverse provision in the new agreement, which Gray claims is unprecedented in the pay-TV industry and inconsistent with marketplace conditions [4]. - Dish's actions are characterized as bad faith conduct, as they removed Gray's local stations from their lineups and made false allegations regarding the dispute [5]. Group 3: Industry Context - Dish Network has a history of disputes with various broadcasters, with its subscriber base declining from 14 million in 2014 to 5 million today [6]. - Recent disputes with other broadcasters include Zolo Broadcasting, Hearst Television, and Disney, among others, indicating a pattern of using customers as negotiating pawns [6]. Group 4: Future Actions - Gray Media is prepared to finalize an agreement with Dish to restore its stations without the unprecedented provision demanded by Dish [6]. - The company intends to enforce its rights against Dish's negotiating conduct and seek restitution for damages incurred due to breaches of the expired distribution agreement [6].