Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER ON DISH AND SINCLAIR 
DECISION TO END THE BLACKOUT, RESTART NEGOTATIONS
Washington, August 26, 2015 – After Chairman Wheeler directed the Media Bureau to convene 
an emergency meeting with DISH Networks and Sinclair Broadcasting, the parties announced 
today they would extend their retransmission negotiations and end the blackout affecting 129 
television stations in 79 markets – the most markets ever impacted. The following statement can 
be attributed to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler:
“On behalf of more than 5 million consumers nationwide, I am pleased DISH and Sinclair have 
agreed to end one of the largest blackouts in history and extend their negotiations.  The FCC will 
remain vigilant while the negotiations continue.”
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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).