DISH Blackout Ends Soon: How to Access Local Channels Now
Millions of DISH customers remain without local broadcast channels after a carriage dispute with Gray Media. The outage began when retransmission negotiations collapsed in early March.
Scope and timeline
The blackout started on March 10, 2026, when talks failed before a renewal deadline. DISH removed 226 Gray‑owned stations across 113 markets. Affected affiliates include ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, MyNetworkTV and Telemundo.
What triggered the blackout
The dispute centers on retransmission consent fees paid to local broadcasters. DISH says Gray pushed for large fee increases and late‑stage conditions tied to stations it does not own. Gray counters that DISH sought a “materially adverse” contract term and did not negotiate in good faith.
Negotiations and current status
As of mid‑April, there is no public restoration date. Both sides say they remain willing to talk, but no progress has been reported since early April. Neither company has filed a formal FCC petition yet.
How subscribers can access local channels
Amid the DISH blackout, subscribers can use streaming services and network apps to access local channels now. Streaming options vary by market and device.
- Fubo: Carries many local affiliates in multiple markets. It has a strong sports lineup and offers a trial plus up to $30 off the first month.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Includes most major broadcast networks in many areas. New customers may get a five‑day free trial and up to $40 off the first month.
- Sling TV: A lower‑cost option with flexible channel passes. Sling Blue includes FOX and NBC in select markets.
- Peacock: Streams NBC programming, news and live sports. Plans start around $7.99 per month.
- Paramount+: Provides live CBS streams on the Premium tier. It also includes SHOWTIME and on‑demand CBS content.
- Disney+ and Hulu bundle: Gives access to ABC‑owned content and next‑day network episodes. The bundle offers savings versus separate subscriptions.
- Network apps and local station sites: Some newscasts stream free or with limited authentication. Availability differs by station and market.
Service comparison
| Service | Trial / Discount | Key local networks |
|---|---|---|
| Fubo | Free trial; up to $30 off first month | Many local affiliates; strong sports |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Five‑day free trial; up to $40 off | Most major broadcast networks in many markets |
| Sling TV | Low‑cost plans | FOX and NBC in select markets (Blue) |
| Peacock | Plans from about $7.99/month | NBC live, sports, news |
| Paramount+ | Plans from $8.99/month (Premium for live CBS) | Live CBS (Premium), SHOWTIME |
| Disney+ / Hulu bundle | Bundle discounts versus separate plans | ABC‑owned content, next‑day episodes |
What to expect next
Most carriage disputes resolve quietly once both sides reach a private deal. Analysts say this standoff appears more entrenched, raising the risk of a prolonged outage. If talks stall, either party could file with the FCC or pursue other leverage.
Check Filmogaz.com for ongoing updates and local channel availability. Also confirm availability and pricing before switching services.
