Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER ON RETRANSMISSION 
DISPUTE BETWEEN DISH NETWORKS AND SINCLAIR BROADCASTING 
Washington, August 26, 2015 – Currently, there is a blackout affecting 129 television stations in 
79 markets as a result of an ongoing dispute between Sinclair Broadcasting, the nation's largest 
broadcast group, and DISH, a direct broadcast satellite provider. Last night, DISH requested an 
emergency order for injunctive relief, alleging violations of the Commission’s rules requiring 
good faith negotiations. The following statement can be attributed to FCC Chairman Tom 
Wheeler:
“Today, I have directed the Media Bureau to convene an emergency meeting with DISH and 
Sinclair to get to the bottom of the dispute and bring back local programming to consumers. The 
parties will have until midnight to file their views.
The public interest is the Commission's responsibility. We will not stand idly by while millions of 
consumers in 79 markets across the country are being denied access to local programming. The 
Commission will always act within the scope of its authority if it emerges that improper conduct 
is preventing a commercial resolution of the dispute.
Just last year, Congress instructed the Commission to look closely at whether retransmission 
consent negotiations are being conducted in good faith. That’s why I have proposed to my 
fellow Commissioners a new rulemaking to determine how best to protect the public interest. 
The facts surrounding this dispute inform our findings in that proceeding, but we will not wait 
to act on behalf of consumers.”
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order 
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).