DISH Network drops WALB, viewers can stream on free apps

DISH customers lose access to WALB News 10 programming after renewal agreement not reached.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:48pm

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DISH Network customers in the Albany, Georgia area have lost access to WALB News 10 programming after the two sides failed to reach a renewal agreement. WALB is encouraging viewers to download the free WALB News 10 streaming app to watch newscasts on Android, Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV devices.

Why it matters

The dispute between DISH Network and WALB means local viewers will no longer be able to access the station's news, weather, and other programming through their DISH subscription. This highlights the ongoing tensions between TV providers and local broadcasters over carriage agreements and the shift towards streaming as a way for viewers to access local news.

The details

DISH Network customers lost access to WALB on March 10, 2026 after the two sides were unable to reach a new carriage agreement. WALB is now encouraging viewers to download the free WALB News 10 streaming app, which is available on Android, Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV devices. The app allows viewers to watch WALB's live newscasts during normal broadcast times.

  • DISH Network customers lost access to WALB on March 10, 2026.

The players

DISH Network

A major satellite television provider in the United States.

WALB

A local television station serving the Albany, Georgia area and part of the WALB News 10 network.

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What’s next

WALB and DISH Network will continue negotiations in an attempt to reach a new carriage agreement and restore the station's programming to DISH customers in the Albany area.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges local broadcasters face in negotiating carriage agreements with major TV providers, and the importance of streaming apps as an alternative way for viewers to access local news programming.