Hawaii News Now Dropped by DISH Network Over Demands

Filmogaz.com reports it has been more than a month since DISH removed local Gray Media stations from its Hawaii lineup.

Customers on the satellite provider no longer receive K5, KGMB, KHNL or Telemundo Hawaii.

Service interruption and viewer impact

The blackout has left many viewers without local breaking news coverage.

Community programming and emergency updates are among the missing content.

Negotiation timeline

Gray Media extended carriage deadlines repeatedly during severe weather and major events.

Those accommodations covered the NFL playoffs, the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics.

Once the events ended, DISH declined to finalize a new deal.

Claims from Gray Media leadership

Gray executives say such disputes are rare for the company.

Chairman and CEO Hilton Howell noted the group had never before seen a blackout with a satellite provider until this year.

He added that prior large-scale negotiations with cable operators took place more than a decade ago.

Allegations about DISH tactics

Gray accuses DISH of rejecting all proposals and altering previously accepted terms.

The broadcaster says DISH has increased its demands during talks.

Industry records show DISH has removed more than 1,000 channels from its lineup in recent years.

Availability and how viewers can act

The affected stations remain on other subscription television services.

Hawaii residents using DISH can pressure the company to restore service.

Call 877-2-KEEPUS NOW (877-253-3787) to request that DISH return Hawaii News Now to its lineup.

Filmogaz.com will provide updates as negotiations progress and new information becomes available.